Career as a Carpenter

Carpenters complete a variety of tasks in the construction and maintenance industry. They work fitting, cutting, molding and assembling wood and other materials. The work of a carpenter is often that of a 'jack of all trades' type. On construction sites they can be responsible for erecting scaffolding, mixing concrete, installing fixtures, doing finishing on projects, and laying hardwood floors. Carpenters often work with woodcutting and constructing frames, cabinets, floors, stairs and other parts of a home or building. Carpenters often work on construction sites, at customers' homes and in woodworking shops. The working conditions can be cramped, dirty and often there is a great deal of sawdust in the air. The work can be very labourious and carpenters often work with dangerous machinery (saws, power tools).
Carpenters are often trained through apprenticeship, which lasts 3 to 4 years. There are training programs available for those interested but for the most part carpenters will learn through on the job training. The positions within carpentry are usually with Craft unions, meaning that you have to be a member of the union before you can practice your trade.

Salary Range: $10.00 - $28.00/hour

The industry demand for carpenters is quite high offering numerous chances for employment. Many construction companies and contractors are offering well paying positions to carpenters in home and industry building. There are numerous opportunities for carpenters to find employment. The only detrimental trend is the use in many homes and buildings of pre-fabricated cabinets, doors and frames. These limit the necessity of a carpenter. New power tools also increase the productivity of workers and limit the number of necessary carpenters.

Associations and Organizations
National Home Builders Association http://www.nahb.org/

Other home and building maintenance career choices

Other career choices