To be a carpenter or a builder or a home inspector, you have to have that kind of visual brain where you can sort of imagine something taken apart. ~Nick Petrie
Carpenters
Carpenters are the primary craft workers on interior systems in homes, apartments and condominiums. They assemble and erect residence frameworks, build partitions, install flooring, and do much of the finish work. Carpenters often stay on a particular job from the start of a project through completion. They have experience in nearly every aspect of residential construction.
Carpenters work indoors and outdoors on many types of construction projects, from building highways and bridges to installing kitchen cabinets. Carpenters may work in cramped spaces. They frequently shift between lifting, standing, and kneeling, the result of which can be tiring. Those who work outdoors are subject to variable weather conditions, which may limit a carpenter’s ability to work.
Where do Carpenters work?
The largest employers of carpenters in 2025 were:
- Self-employed workers 25%
- Residential building construction 24%
- Nonresidential building construction 14%
- Building finishing contractors 15%
- Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors 10%
According to O*Net job openings for carpenters in the United States from 2024-2034 are projected to be at 5% growth. However, in California the projected growth rate during the same period is 9% equaling approximately 13,400openings.
Think about it...
How can job openings for carpenters in the United States equal 0% but 10% in California?
Click on the link below and research the carpenter employment trends for at least three different states.
Which states had the highest and lowest growth?
Did the data surprise you? Why or why not?
What are the typical duties of a Carpenter?
- Follow blueprints and building plans to meet the needs of clients
- Install structures and fixtures, such as windows and molding
- Measure, cut, and shape wood, plastic, and other materials
- Construct building frameworks, including walls, floors, and doorframes
- Erect, level, and install building framework with the aid of rigging hardware and cranes
- Inspect and replace damaged framework or other structures and fixtures
- Instruct and direct laborers and other construction helpers
Think about it.....
Look closely at this picture of a bathroom and write down a all the skills or knowledge that a carpenter would be need to build this bathroom from floor to ceiling and everything in between?
How many did you list?
Were you surprised by the number of skills or the amount of knowledge a carpenter would need to complete this one room? Why or why not?
Do you think being a carpenter would be an interesting career? Why or why not?
What kind of tools do carpenters use?
Interested in learning more about power tools and their uses? Check out the playlist below.
Training Hands Academy: Power Tools Playlist
Want to learn even more?
Test Your Knowledge...
So, how can you become a Carpenter?
One way to get into the construction field is to apply for an apprenticeship. This is a type of earn while you learn program. For example, the Southwest Carpenters Training Center offers a 4 year sponsored apprenticeship, which consists of 640 hours professional training, + 5,200 hours on-the-job training, and the potential to earn $68,000 or more per year.
There are many specialties within construction. To learn more about the various specialties, courses offered, requirements, and application processes visit the links below.
Spotlight Videos
Below is a collection of videos that focus on a variety of specialties in the construction trades. Select a few that you are most interested in to watch. As you watch the videos think about what else you would like to know about the specialty and research the answers.
Apprenticeships aren't your only option for a career in construction...
Explore the K12 Career Education Navigator
The K12 Career Technical Education (CTE) Navigator helps you explore high school courses and career pathways offered across San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Browse by industry sector, county, school district, and more to find options that match your interests and career goals and see how these pathways can prepare you for college, certifications, apprenticeships, or the workforce.
Credits:
Created with images by paulbr75 - "new home construction build" • ShortSword - "nails hammer carpentry" • qimono - "question mark question mark" • shadowfirearts - "bathroom interior design" • Myriams-Fotos - "crosscut saw saw blade teeth of the" • MichaelGaida - "construction site build" • Unknown - "Construction workers inside an unfinished building image ..." • distelAPPArath - "iron railings grid mat" • paulbr75 - "new home construction builder" • ElasticComputeFarm - "air conditioner global warming summer" • borevina - "architect people plan"