How to become carpenterseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$60,580

25th–75th pct. $48,510–$76,830

Top pay (est.)

$129,900

Top 10% $99,910

Pay in 5 years

$71,300est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$83,800est.

$72,100–$97,300

Outlook score

67/100

★★★☆☆ Good

AI replacement risk

Very low

Job growth (10 yr)

+3.9%

63K openings / yr

How to become carpenters

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Apprenticeship

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Carpenters

Key skills

Coordination

3.9

Critical Thinking

3.6

Monitoring

3.5

Mathematics

3.5

Reading Comprehension

3.1

Active Listening

3.1

Quality Control Analysis

3.1

Instructing

3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Building and Construction

5.6

Mathematics

4.2

Mechanical

4.2

Education and Training

4.0

Design

4.0

Administration and Management

3.8

Public Safety and Security

3.7

Engineering and Technology

3.6

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersControlling Machines and ProcessesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Important abilities

VisualizationManual DexterityOral ExpressionStatic StrengthOral ComprehensionArm-Hand Steadiness

Education of workers

High school diploma

52%

Post-secondary certificate

21%

Less than high school

18%

Some college

Training before entry

4–10 years

31%

Up to 1 month

18%

6–12 months

15%

1–2 years

12%

None / short demo

3–6 months

2–4 years

1–3 months

Related work experience

1–2 years

27%

2–4 years

20%

None

14%

6–8 years

10%

8–10 years

Over 10 years

4–6 years

Up to 1 month

6–12 months

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as carpenters

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Construction Laborers Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites.	$47,120	67/100	8%
2	First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.	$79,920	71/100	16%
3	Electricians Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures.	$63,190	78/100	7%
4	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement.	$59,850	58/100	15%
5	Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases.	$63,800	76/100	7%
6	Painters, Construction and Maintenance Paint walls, equipment, buildings, bridges, and other structural surfaces, using brushes, rollers, and spray guns.	$49,400	66/100	9%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.