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What is a union carpenter and how to become one
Union carpenters are workers that use wood and sometimes other materials to construct objects, buildings, and more. They do many of the same things that a regular carpenter does, such as analyzing blueprints, cutting materials to size, and constructing them using hand tools and power tools. They can work on any projects from small, delicate artwork to massive buildings.
The only difference between a union carpenter and a regular carpenter is that the former works at a unionized workplace. Union carpenters need to have excellent physical stamina, a great understanding of safety rules, and specific technical knowledge, for example how to build door frames and install drywall.
Union carpenters earn an average salary of $19.96 an hour. However, they need to be qualified first. Most union carpenters do not have bachelor's degrees. Instead, they attend trade school or learn the tricks of the trade through an apprenticeship. Most start working as a journeyman carpenter before becoming full-time union carpenters.
Avg. Salary $46,816
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 2%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.13%
Asian 1.64%
Black or African American 7.62%
Hispanic or Latino 23.11%
Unknown 4.69%
White 61.82%
Genderfemale 4.82%
male 95.18%
Age - 41American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 41Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Union carpenter career paths
Key steps to become a union carpenter
Explore union carpenter education requirements
Start to develop specific union carpenter skills
Skills Percentages Safety Rules 16.15% Drywall Installation 11.94% Stud 8.68% Construction Projects 5.98% Blueprint Specifications 5.54% Complete relevant union carpenter training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New union carpenters learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a union carpenter based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real union carpenter resumes.Research union carpenter duties and responsibilities
- Perform general carpentry, specializing in the installation of acoustic ceilings and sheetrock.
- Coordinate with electricians plumbers and HVAC sub-contractors.
- Use of acoustical caulking on walls for sound proofing.
- damage repair, color matching, touch up and high end caulking detail.
Prepare your union carpenter resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your union carpenter resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a union carpenter resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable union carpenter resume templates
Build a professional union carpenter resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your union carpenter resume.
Apply for union carpenter jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a union carpenter job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first union carpenter job
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Average union carpenter salary
The average union carpenter salary in the United States is $46,816 per year or $23 per hour. Union carpenter salaries range between $34,000 and $63,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do union carpenters rate their job?
Union carpenter reviews
Great Pay and benefits ($100,000) without spending the money on college. They have their own apprenticeship program. Is 100% self funded and does not use any tax dollars.
Some days are hot, some days are cold
Seeing the finished product
I am a master carpenter. It’s hard sometimes waiting on materials to finish a job
Livable wage
Travel expenses, working away from home, working in bad conditions
Updated January 8, 2025
