Carpenters

Career summary

#No alt titles

#3/26/19 lh

Carpenters' duties vary by the type of employer. Builders often use specialty trade carpenters to perform one or two tasks. For example, a carpenter might specialize in foundations or finish work. A carpenter who works for a general contractor often must perform many tasks common in new construction.

Carpenters read blueprints and receive instructions from supervisors. They determine the dimensions of the building and the materials to be used. They lay out, measure, and mark the wood or other materials, using measuring tapes and squares. Carpenters cut or shape the wood, using hand and power tools. They join and assemble the materials using nails, screws, staples, or glue. They check their work for accuracy, using levels or framing squares.

Carpenters must follow safety rules and regulations. They also keep the work site clean to avoid accidents or inspection violations.

Carpenters may specialize in:

Constructing foundations

Carpenters who specialize in constructing foundations dig postholes and set poles in concrete. They also build forms for concrete foundations. When doing repair work, they examine structural supports for decay and replace them.

General carpentry

General carpenters build components, such as floors, stairs, or wall panels or install ones that were built off-site.

Supervision

Carpenter supervisors estimate the amount and type of materials needed for a job. They order materials and have them delivered before workers arrive on the job. They also hire subcontractors, such as plumbers and electricians.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Bricklayers and Stonemasons
• Cabinetmakers
• Cement Masons
• Construction Helpers
• Drywall Installers
• Electricians
• Fence Builders
• Heating and Cooling System Mechanics
• Industrial Electronics Repairers
• Machinists
• Plumbers and Pipefitters
• Sheet Metal Workers

Military careers

• Construction Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to carpenters.

• Study blueprints and get instructions from supervisors.
• Lay out, measure, and mark wood or other materials, using measuring tapes and squares.
• Cut and shape wood or other materials, using hand and power tools.
• Join and assemble materials using nails, screws, staples, or glues.
• Put up scaffolding and ladders when building above ground level.
• Check accuracy of work with levels, plumb bobs, or framing squares. Make adjustments when needed.
• Dig postholes and set poles to support structure. Build forms for concrete foundations.
• Inspect, repair, or replace damaged parts of buildings or support structures.
• Install pre-built components, such as doors, stairs, or floors, or build them from scratch.
• Build, install, or repair wooden fixtures, such as cabinets.
• Apply finishes to woodwork and wallboards.
• Adhere to safety rules and regulations.
• Work with subcontractors, such as electricians, plumbers, and heating and cooling system installers.
• Estimate the amount of lumber or other materials needed. Select and order them.

Common work activities

Carpenters perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Get information needed to do the job
• Handle and move objects
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Control machines and processes
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Evaluate information against standards
• Schedule work and activities
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Develop and build teams
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Coach others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Teach others
• Develop goals and strategies
• Think creatively
• Process information

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, carpenters:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a moderate level of social interaction with coworkers.
• Communicate often by telephone to order materials and set schedules.
• Have face-to-face discussions daily with other workers on the construction project.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Often work as part of a construction team.
• Occasionally are placed in conflict situations in which others may be rude or angry.

Physical work conditions

• Mostly work outdoors. They sometimes work indoors without heating or air conditioning.
• Often wear protective attire, such as knee pads or safety goggles.
• Often are exposed to hazardous equipment, such as power saws.
• Are sometimes exposed to contaminants, such as insulation materials, paints, and solvents.
• Are sometimes exposed to high places, such as when climbing on roofs or ladders.
• Are always exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
• Sometimes are exposed to cramped work spaces that require getting into awkward positions.
• Sometimes are exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures while working outdoors.
• Work near other people, but have a few feet of space separating self from others.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors could cause serious injuries if the structures were not constructed properly.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Make decisions that affect others on a weekly basis.
• Work in a moderately competitive environment.
• Must meet strict weekly construction schedules.
• Can make most decisions without consulting with a supervisor.
• Can set most tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor.

Hours/travel

• May work longer hours during the summer when the weather is good.
• May work weekends to meet a deadline.
• May work only during good weather, since many work outside.
• Travel from job site to job site. However, they may work at one job site for several months.

Physical demands

Carpenters frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.

It is important for carpenters to be able to:

• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for carpenters to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

Skills and abilities

Carpenters need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Building Construction Technology
• Carpentry

Other programs of study to consider

• Construction Trades
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Woodworking and Cabinetmaking

Training

To work as a carpenter, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete an apprenticeship program.

Education after high school

Many carpenters learn their skills through apprenticeship training programs. Union and non-union apprenticeship programs are available. Admission to apprenticeship programs is competitive. To apply for an apprenticeship, you must:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• be at least 18 years old; and
• be in good physical condition.

Apprenticeship programs usually consist of four years of on-the-job training. You are paid for the time you spend on the job. In addition, each year you receive at least 144 hours of classroom training.

To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities in your area, consult the US Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information  website.

You can prepare for an apprenticeship by taking courses at a professional-technical or two-year school. Courses in carpentry, general math, and drafting prepare students to enter apprenticeship programs. However, these courses are not required to qualify for an apprenticeship.

On-the-job training

Some carpenters learn their skills informally on the job. In this case, you begin as a helper and learn from an experienced worker. Training generally lasts about four years but this varies by employer and the natural aptitude of the worker. During training you learn to use materials, tools, and equipment; design structures; build forms; rough frame; and do inside and outside finish work.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be construction specialists. Training lasts five to eight weeks, depending on your specialty. Further training occurs on the job.

Washington apprenticeships

In Washington, carpentry apprenticeship applicants must meet the requirements of their joint apprenticeship training committee. Requirements may include some or all of the following:

• being at least 17 years of age;
• able to handle the physical demands of the trade;
• adequate education to meet trade requirements;
• access to transportation to the job site;
• completion of a safety/orientation class;
• having required hand tools;
• proof of residency in apprenticeship region;
• passing a drug test; and
• passing a qualifying entry exam.

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Verified apprenticeship information 2/16/18 cj. 3/26/19 lh

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate. Carpenters use advanced math. Try to take math through Trigonometry.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Carpentry
• Construction
• Drafting
• Industrial Arts
• Physical Education
• Woodworking

Many carpenters are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer applicants who have carpentry experience. This experience can be from an apprenticeship, the military, or Job Corps. Many employers prefer applicants who have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition, good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are important. Physical fitness and a good sense of balance are also important.

Apprenticeship applicants must be at least 17 years old and meet local requirements. For example, some union locals test an applicant's aptitude for carpentry.

About two-thirds of the job openings require apprenticeship training. However, many residential construction employers hire workers who have completed training programs at technical colleges. Some employers will train workers informally on the job. They hire people who have had some experience with carpentry and who can do basic math. Employers may require workers to pass a background check and drug test, and be able to speak, read, write, and understand English.

#Requirements for background check, drug testing, and English language "stuff" from job announcement for full-time carpenter in Kennewick (& drug reqs for temp job in Pullman also) posted on WorkSource site 3/3/10, cj.

Tips

The ability to schedule and manage projects is important for advancement. Good communication skills are helpful. An apprentice applicant may want to enroll in a carpentry course at a community or technical college. Previous related work experience may help an applicant get into an apprenticeship program. Contact employers and let them know that you want to work. Welding and millwright skills may be helpful for some jobs.

Costs to workers

Workers must pay for some of their tools and for rain gear and safety equipment. Those who are union members must pay monthly dues.

Licensing/certification

Many states require carpenters to be licensed when they are contractors. Requirements vary by state.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Construction Carpenters 
• Rough Carpenters 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The number of hours carpenters spend on the job can vary. For example, bad weather or downturns in construction activity can reduce hours. Thus, overall earnings may be lower than these wages suggest.

Pay also varies with the employer and the type of job. Union workers often earn higher wages. Apprentices generally earn about half the wage of skilled carpenters. As apprentices gain experience and skills, they receive higher pay.

Benefits vary by employer. Full-time carpenters may receive typical benefits. These include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Self-employed carpenters must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 27% of carpenters are self-employed.

Major employers:

• House construction companies
• Office and industrial building construction companies
• Framing contractors
• Finish carpentry contractors

National outlook

Job growth for carpenters will be about as fast as average. Demand for housing increases as the population grows. Jobs will also be created when government spending increases for projects such as bridges and roads. 

Some demand for carpenters will be limited by increased productivity. Builders are using more pre-built components, such as wall panels and stairs. These can be installed very quickly. In addition, improved glues and lightweight, cordless tools make carpenters more efficient.

Carpenters sometimes have periods of unemployment. This is due to the short-term nature of many jobs and construction slow downs during colder months. During economic slowdowns, the number of job openings for carpenters declines. Carpenters who have all-round skills will have the best job prospects.

Other resources

American Wood Council 

APA-The Engineered Wood Association 
7011 South 19th Street
Tacoma, WA 98466
253.565.6600

Associated Builders and Contractors 
440 - 1st Street NW, Suite 200
Washington DC 20001
202.595.1505

Building Industry Association of Washington 
111 - 21st Avenue SW
Olympia, WA 98501
800.228.4229
360.352.7800

Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties 
335 - 116th Avenue SE
Bellevue, WA 98004
425.451.7920

National Association of Women in Construction 
327 South Adams Street
Fort Worth, TX 76104
800.552.3506
817.877.5551

North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) 
815 16th ST, NW, Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006

Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters 
25120 Pacific Highway South, Suite 200
Kent, WA 98032
800.573.8333
253.945.8800

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America 
301.735.6660

US Small Business Administration 
Seattle District Office
2401 Fourth Avenue, Suite 450
Seattle, WA 98121
206.553.7310

Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council 
906 Columbia Street SW, Suite 107
Olympia, WA 98501
360.357.6778

Woodworker's Central 

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupations

• Construction Carpenters (47-2031.01) 
• Rough Carpenters (47-2031.02) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Carpenter (860.381-022) 
• Carpenter Apprentice (860.381-026) 
• Carpenter, Bridge (860.381-030) 
• Carpenter, Maintenance (860.281-010) 
• Carpenter, Mold (860.381-034) 
• Carpenter, Railcar (860.381-038) 
• Carpenter, Rough (860.381-042) 
• Form Builder (860.381-046) 
• House Repairer (869.381-010) 
• Prop Maker (962.281-010) 
• Sign Erector-and-repairer (869.361-018) 
• Timber Framer (869.381-034) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Carpenter

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative
• Realistic/Investigative/Conventional

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled