What Does a Carpenter Do?
If you like working with your hands and making things, carpentry could be the career for you.
Carpenters cut, measure and shape lumber in useful ways. Working from a master plan, they create wooden structures, piece by piece. Their work involves mastering a wide variety of hand and power tools. They cut wood using chisels, planes, saws and sanders. They check their work with levels, rules, framing squares and — for bigger structures — surveying equipment.
They also work in many settings, from massive construction sites to residential home improvement projects.
It takes time for carpenters to hone their skills, but for those who put in the effort, it's a worthwhile journey and a rewarding career.
Most carpenters take great pride in their work, and good carpenters are always in demand.
Keep reading to learn how to become one.
Job Responsibilities
- Estimate job requirements and order materials
- Follow blueprints, drawings or sketches
- Measure, cut and prepare the lumber
- Rough work or framing (Putting together the outer frameworks of buildings)
- Finish work or finishing (Working on interior elements like stairs, doors and windows)
- Specialty work (Making cabinets and furniture)
- Inspect work and do necessary repairs
- Document work and maintain records
How To Become a Carpenter: FAQs
What steps do I take to become a carpenter?
First, you’ll need to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. During high school, you can also get familiar with construction by working as a laborer on a job site. Laborers prepare, clean and maintain a safe job site. They also assist workers from various trades with their work.
Next, you’ll want to find an apprenticeship. They are typically sponsored by businesses, unions and contractor associations.
Apprenticeships last three or four years and include supervised, hands-on training to learn skills such as rough framing.
The apprenticeship may include formal classes. If not, consider enrolling in a program at a technical school or community college to earn a certificate or associate degree. Those qualifications may not be required by some employers, but additional training and learning will only improve your future prospects.
Program coursework will include blueprint reading, building codes, safety, math and techniques for hand tools and power tools.
All carpenters must pass the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-hour safety course.
After your apprenticeship is complete, you’ll be considered a journeyman, meaning you are able to work without supervision.
Your formal education could stop there, but your best bet is to keep on growing as a carpenter by learning new skills. There will be many opportunities for continuing education through certifications, which tend to focus on areas of specialization. That could include flooring, cabinetry or general carpentry.
Many organizations offer certifications, including the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) and the National Wood Flooring Association. Union membership can be another avenue for getting this type of training.
The more you learn, the greater the possibility for advancement and supervisory roles.
Becoming a carpenter requires specialized training, but it's worth it. This trade job offers a strong return on your time investment. You’ll be making a solid paycheck far more quickly than you realize.
Are there any other qualifications to consider?
You’ll need a valid driver’s license to get to job sites. Most, but not all, apprenticeships require you to be 18 years old. Learning a second language isn’t required, but it can be valuable because a growing number of construction workers in the U.S. are Spanish-language speakers.
How long does it take to become a carpenter?
As mentioned, the most common path to becoming a journeyman carpenter is an apprenticeship, which takes four years of earning while you learn. The timeframe will be similar if you combine hands-on training with a formal program.
What if I want to work for myself?
Many journeymen carpenters start out as contractors and then decide to open their own businesses. (About 29% of carpenters were self-employed in 2021.) Some carpenters alternate between the two options, depending on job availability.
If you decide to run your own business, be sure to take business courses or earn certifications. Another tip: Listen to popular construction podcasts to stay up-to-speed on the latest trends.
Are carpenters in demand?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts about 91,200 openings for carpenters each year from 2021 to 2031, driven by the need for new homes, nonresidential buildings and general infrastructure improvements.
What skills and qualities would make someone a good fit for this job?
Successful carpenters tend to share these traits:
- Good communication and listening skills
- Excellent hand-eye coordination
- Able to handle heavy materials and tools
- Solid math skills
- Safety-conscious
- Attention to detail
- Reliable
- Good problem-solving skills
- Able to work independently
- Business skills, for those who want to open their own business.
This is a rewarding career for anyone who likes working with their hands and gains satisfaction from making something useful from raw materials. This job can take you in many directions, including becoming a specialist who works with a bigger team or owning your own business. In fact, one of the features of this line of work is a comfortable balance between independence and teamwork. If this sounds like a good fit for you, check out SkillPointe’s training partners and discover programs offered near you.
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