Job Description - Carpenter:
Following blueprints or other specifications, a carpenter builds, assembles, installs and repairs fixtures and structures that are made of wood. A carpenter may also work with other materials such as plastic, fiberglass or drywall.
Employment Facts - Carpenter:
There were 1,285,000 carpenters employed in 2008.
Educational Requirements - Carpenter:
There are several ways to get training to become a carpenter. One way is to work as a helper to an experienced carpenter. Another way is to do a formal apprenticeship that some employers offer. To become a carpenter one can also get formal training from a vocational or trade school.
Other Requirements - Carpenter:
A carpenter who receives formal training as an apprentice will become a certified journeyperson.
To work as a carpenter one must be physically fit and have good manual dexterity, hand eye coordination and balance. A carpenter much be able to solve mathematical problems quickly and accurately.
Advancement Opportunities - Carpenter:
An experienced carpenter can become a carpentry supervisor or a general construction supervisor. Carpenters who are bi-lingual in English and Spanish have a better chance of becoming construction supervisors than those who are not since since many construction workers speak Spanish.
Job Outlook - Carpenter:
Job prospects for carpenters, especially those with the most training and skills, is expected to be good for the next several years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in this field will increase about as fast as average for all occupations through 2018.
Earnings - Carpenter:
Median annual earnings of carpenters were $39,470 and median hourly wages were $18.98 in 2009.
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a carpenter currently earns in your city.
A Day in a Carpenter's Life:
On a typical day a carpenter's tasks might include:
- Measuring and marking cutting lines on materials, using ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.
- Following established safety rules and regulations and maintaining a safe and clean environment.
- Verifying trueness of structure, using plumb bob and level.
- Shaping or cutting materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saw.
- Studying specifications in blueprints, sketches or building plans to prepare project layout and determine dimensions and materials required.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Carpenter, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos202.htm (visited May 12, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Carpenter, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/47-2031.01 (visited November 9, 2010).
