Carpenters
Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation. Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Carpenters to increase by 3.9% between 2024 and 2034, from 889,700 to 924,700 jobs. Its estimate of 62,800 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($60,580), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
889,700
Projected employment (2034)
924,700
Projected change (2024–2034)
4%
Annual openings (projected average)
62,800
Pay & Preparation
$60,580
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Apprenticeship
Essential Skills
Active Listening (3.38/5) • Critical Thinking (3.38/5) • Monitoring (3.38/5) • Coordination (3.25/5) • Speaking (3.12/5) • Reading Comprehension (3.12/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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