Carpenter
Carpenters construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made of wood, plywood, and other materials. They build frameworks including subfloors, partitions, rafters, and stairways. The BLS reports a median salary of $56,350 with 2% projected growth. Carpenters may enter through apprenticeships or trade school programs, and specializations include finish carpentry, formwork, and green building construction.
A Day in the Life
A typical day starts by reviewing blueprints for the day's framing work on a new house. The morning involves measuring and cutting lumber, then assembling wall frames on the subfloor before tilting them up into position. After lunch, the carpenter installs roof trusses with the help of a crane operator, securing each truss with hurricane clips. Late afternoon includes installing window and door headers, cleaning up the site, and checking tomorrow's material list against what is in the lumber pile.
Key Stats
Education
High School Diploma
Salary Range
Entry: $35,000
Median: $56,350
Senior: $84,000
Job Growth