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Carpenter at a glance
- Main tasks
- Read plans and take measurements, cut, shape and join wood and other materials and build frames, walls, roofs and stairs
- Typical entry
- Apprenticeship or vocational training in carpentry
- Average pay
- $56,000 per year in the U.S.
What does a Carpenter do?
A Carpenter builds, installs and repairs structures made mainly of wood. This includes framing walls and roofs, installing doors, windows, stairs and floors, building formwork for concrete, and making cabinets or furniture. Carpenters read plans, measure, cut and join materials using hand tools and power tools. Some work in construction on building sites, others in workshops producing interior fittings and furniture.
Carpenter duties and responsibilities
Typical tasks in a Carpenter job:
- Read plans and take measurements
- Cut, shape and join wood and other materials
- Build frames, walls, roofs and stairs
- Install doors, windows, floors and cabinets
- Repair and renovate existing structures
- Follow safety rules on site and in the workshop
Qualifications and skills
Education & qualifications
- Apprenticeship or vocational training in carpentry
- Experience with hand and power tools
- Knowledge of materials and building methods
Skills & requirements
- Precision and good spatial thinking
- Physical fitness
- Ability to work safely at heights
- Teamwork on site
Carpenter salary 2026
The average salary for a Carpenter in the U.S. is about $56,000 per year. Pay depends on experience, employer, industry and region:
- Entry level0-2 years $42,000
- Mid level3-5 years $50,400
- Experienced6-10 years $56,000
- Senior11+ years $61,600
- Top earners20+ years $70,000
Based on public data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale. Career-level figures are estimates derived from the national average.
Carpenter career path
Carpenters usually complete an apprenticeship and then work as journeyman carpenters.
With experience, they can become foreman, site supervisor or master carpenter, specialize in finishing, timber frame construction or furniture making, or start their own business.
Work environment
Carpenters work on construction sites, in homes and in workshops. Site work is often outdoors and in all kinds of weather.
The job involves lifting, kneeling and working on ladders and scaffolding.
Open Carpenter jobs
Current positions on Cityjobs that match this profile, posted directly by employers.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Carpenter do?
A Carpenter builds, installs and repairs structures made mainly of wood. This includes framing walls and roofs, installing doors, windows, stairs and floors, building formwork for concrete, and making cabinets or furniture. Carpenters read plans, measure, cut and join materials using hand tools and power tools.
How much does a Carpenter earn?
The average salary for a Carpenter in the U.S. is about $56,000 per year. Entry-level pay starts around $42,000, experienced professionals can reach $70,000 or more, depending on employer, region and experience.
What qualifications do you need to become a Carpenter?
Typical requirements are: apprenticeship or vocational training in carpentry, experience with hand and power tools and knowledge of materials and building methods.
What is the career path for a Carpenter?
Carpenters usually complete an apprenticeship and then work as journeyman carpenters. With experience, they can become foreman, site supervisor or master carpenter, specialize in finishing, timber frame construction or furniture making, or start their own business.
Where do Carpenters work?
Carpenters work on construction sites, in homes and in workshops. Site work is often outdoors and in all kinds of weather.
About this profile: This Carpenter job description is based on public sources such as the BLS and Payscale and was structured with the help of AI. It is a general orientation; duties, requirements and pay differ by employer, country and experience.
