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Deal with People
Unpleasant/Hazardous Environment
Outdoors/walking/standing
Make Decisions
$42,930
Average Salary
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Although most carpenters learn their trade through an apprenticeship, some learn on the job, starting as a helper.
EducationA high school diploma or equivalent is required. High school courses in mathematics, mechanical drawing, and general vocational technical training are considered useful.
TrainingMost carpenters learn their trade through a 3- or 4-year apprenticeship program. For each year of a typical program, apprentices must complete at least 144 hours of technical training and 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. In the technical training, apprentices learn carpentry basics, blueprint reading, mathematics, building code requirements, and safety and first-aid practices. They also may receive specialized training in creating and setting concrete forms, rigging, welding, scaffold building, working within confined workspaces, and fall protection. All carpenters must pass the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10- and 30-hour safety courses.
After finishing an apprenticeship, carpenters are considered to be journey workers and may perform tasks on their own.
Several groups, including unions and contractor associations, sponsor apprenticeship programs. Some apprenticeship programs have preferred entry for veterans. The basic qualifications for a person to enter an apprenticeship program are as follows:
Some contractors have their own carpenter training program, which may be an accredited apprenticeship program.
Although many workers enter apprenticeships directly, some carpenters start out as helpers.
Some workers can earn certificates before entering an apprenticeship. The National Association of Home Builders offers Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) through the Home Builders Institute. PACT is available for several different groups, from youths to veterans, and covers information for eight construction trades, including painting.
Workers typically learn the proper use of hand and power tools on the job. They often start by working with more experienced carpenters and are given more complex tasks as they prove that they can handle simpler tasks, such as measuring and cutting wooden and metal studs.
A number of 2-year technical schools offer carpentry degrees that are affiliated with unions or contractor organizations. Credits earned as part of an apprenticeship program usually count toward an associate’s degree.
AdvancementBecause they are involved in all phases of construction, carpenters usually have more opportunities than other construction workers to become first-line supervisors, independent contractors, or general construction supervisors.
Carpenters seeking advancement often take additional training provided by associations, unions, or employers. Communication in both English and Spanish also is helpful for relaying instructions to workers.
Important QualitiesBusiness skills. Self-employed carpenters must be able to bid on new jobs, track inventory, and plan work assignments.
Detail oriented. Carpenters perform many tasks that are important in the overall building process. Making precise measurements, for example, may reduce gaps between windows and frames, limiting any leaks around the window.
Dexterity. Carpenters use many tools and need hand-eye coordination to avoid injury or damaging materials. Striking the head of a nail, for example, is crucial to not damaging wood or injuring oneself.
Math skills. Carpenters use basic math skills every day to calculate volume and measure materials to be cut.
Physical stamina. Carpenters need physical endurance. They frequently stand, climb, or bend for long periods.
Physical strength. Carpenters use tools and materials that are heavy. For example, plywood sheets can weigh 50 to 100 pounds.
Problem-solving skills. Because construction jobs vary, carpenters must adjust project plans accordingly. For example, if a prefabricated window arrives at the worksite slightly oversized, carpenters must shave framework to make the window fit.
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Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Union Carpenter
Top Careers After Union Carpenter
Gender
Male
92.6%Female
6.0%Unknown
1.3%Ethnicity
White
82.6%Hispanic or Latino
10.6%Asian
5.1%Unknown
1.2%Black or African American
0.5%Languages Spoken
Spanish
50.0%Finnish
10.0%German
10.0%Dutch
10.0%Russian
10.0%Thai
10.0%Union Carpenter
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Schools
A-Technical College
7.5%Indiana State University
7.5%New York University
5.0%State University of New York Broome Community College
5.0%Parkland College
5.0%Drexel University
5.0%Bergen Community College
5.0%State University of New York College at Oswego
5.0%Joliet Junior College
5.0%Carl Sandburg College
5.0%Delgado Community College
5.0%Columbia Southern University
5.0%Santa Ana College
5.0%Renton Technical College
5.0%Wentworth Institute of Technology
5.0%Southwestern Illinois College
5.0%Ball State University
5.0%Southern New Hampshire University
5.0%ITT Technical Institute-Phoenix
2.5%State University of New York Oneonta
2.5%Majors
Degrees
Other
46.4%Associate
20.8%Bachelors
16.9%Certificate
10.1%Masters
3.9%Diploma
1.9%Union Carpenter
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
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Union Carpenter
Boston Carpenters Union Local 33
Raico Construction Company
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