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Carpenters

Carpenters cut, fit, and assemble wood and other materials to construct buildings.

Builders often use specialty trade contractors who hire carpenters to perform one or two tasks. For example, a carpenter might specialize in foundations or finish work.

Carpenters are in the Architecture and Construction career cluster and the Construction pathway.

Quick Facts

Wages:

 Above the statewide median

$21.80 / hour    Read more about wages

Outlook:

 Percent Growth   24%

Well above statewide average    Read more about outlook

Education & Training:

 Long-term on-the-job training (more than 12 months) is common.

On the Job:

 Work Activities
  • Study blueprints and get instructions from supervisors.
  • Lay out, measure, and mark wood or other materials, using measuring tapes and squares.
  • Cut and shape wood or other materials, using hand and power tools.
Read more about the job

Assess your skills

Job Title Examples:

 Custom Stair Builder,  Finish Carpenter,  Lead Carpenter 
See more job title examples

Source: Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and CareerOneStop.