Construction Carpenters
Did You Know:*
- About 32 percent of all carpenters are self-employed.
- Job opportunities should be best for those with the most training and skills.
- Carpenters can learn their craft through on-the-job training, vocational schools or technical colleges or formal apprenticeship programs, which often takes three to four years.
Industry Areas
- Residential Building Construction
- Nonresidential Building Construction
- Building Finishing Contractors
Day-to-Day Tasks*
- Study specifications in blueprints, sketches, or building plans to prepare project layout and determine dimensions and materials required.
- Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.
- Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
Overall Kind of Work*
Carpenters construct, erect, install and repair structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials. Carpenters are involved in many different kinds of construction, from the building of hi...
Work Environment*
Civilian
As is true of other building trades, carpentry work is sometimes strenuous. Prolonged standing, climbing, bending, and kneeling often are necessary. Carpenters risk injury working with sharp or ro...
Military
Construction specialists work indoors and outdoors on construction sites.
Workweek Breakdown
The hours worked per week by people currently pursuing this career.
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
Data: 
People:
Things: 
Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
Verbal skills:
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:
Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
Math & Science Skills: 
Technology Design & Control:
Leadership:
Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
Responsibility:
Exposure to Job Hazards:
Physical Activity:
Decision Making:
Repetitiveness:
Level of Competition:
Time Pressure:
Business Breakdown
The different sectors people in this career currently work in.
- 61.30% (Private For-Profit)
- 1.76% (Private Not For-Profit)
- 1.71% (State and Local Govt)
- 0.49% (Federal Government)
- 34.74% (Self-Employed)
This data also pertains to Carpenters
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
7,130 Construction Carpenters in the military