what is a carpenter?
A carpenter is a skilled profession where you design, build, or repair the wooden elements of a building. From custom cabinets and doors to structural support beams for staircases, carpenters provide skilled labor in a variety of construction settings. They primarily work with natural materials like timber and wood. Precision is key when you work as a carpenter since you will be taking measurements before cutting wood. Carpenters also work with blueprints to bring projects to reality.
When carpenters work with wood, they help add personality and warmth to homes and public areas. For example, wall paneling, custom-created furniture, and unique finials enhance the beauty of interior spaces. Carpenters can use their skills to turn a practical requirement like bookshelves into a decorative feature.
Projects vary depending on the employer and the type of building on which they are working – whether commercial or residential. Their projects may even include designing furniture pieces and items. Employment prospects can improve if carpenters use their creative skills – for instance, working for furniture production companies and being part of the creative team that produces unique items for sale.
Would working as a carpenter suit your skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a carpenter role.
carpenter jobs near youaverage carpenter salary
Similar to other trades, your actual salary and benefits generally depend on your employer and whether you work full-time or part-time. A small family-run furniture shop, for example, has minimal qualification requirements and typically offers a lower salary but would still be an exciting opportunity to grow your skills with a greater level of creative freedom. On the other hand, major housing development contractors require complementary skills and specialization for quality work. The salary tends to reflect these expert skills.
On average, carpenters make $51,390 per year or $24.71 per hour. There are about 79,500 openings for carpenters each year.
Location, local economy, and your willingness to travel impacts your salary. The city you work in - whether suburban, rural, or urban - impacts your salary as well. Expanding your knowledge in other complementary skill sets, such as design, will also make you more valuable to an employer. If you specialize in certain types of carpentry, such as historical restoration or antique repair, you can expect your salary to be significantly higher than an apprentice with entry-level skills.
types of carpenter
Although you need basic carpentry skills to start your career, there are different types of carpenters.
- rough carpenter: you can train in rough carpentry if you love constructing and building homes. As a rough carpenter, you may find yourself building and renovating residential or commercial buildings.
- set design: did you know that you may also be able to work in the film and theater industry as a carpenter? You might even see your work on the big screen if the film or theater company uses your sets or props.
- shopfitting carpenter: retailers often want to create unique spaces by adding designer fittings to match their brand's style. Shopfitters install fittings and shelves made from natural materials.
- furniture design: if you enjoy creative projects, furniture design can be an appealing career path for your carpentry skills. This involves creating furniture from scratch, from the planning stage right through to the build.
working as a carpenter
If you’re wondering what it's like to work as a carpenter, here is a guide to the daily tasks you might undertake and what your work schedule might involve.
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carpenter job description
While your specific carpentry tasks typically depend on the project and employer, you can expect an exciting working day. Some of the duties and responsibilities include:
- creating and interpreting plans: before starting a project, it's important to draw up the plans for the fixtures or furniture. However, a contractor often provides plans generated from Computer-Aided Design (CAD). When you have CAD drawings, your job is to interpret the plans before the work begins.
- measuring and cutting materials: since wood materials range from cheap recycled wood products to expensive hardwood, you need to pick suitable materials and measure accurate dimensions for the project. Your job might also involve cutting and shaping the materials for the furniture you want to create using a variety of equipment such as hand tools, cutting machines, or power tools.
- fitting and installation: if you are working on fixtures and fittings, your job is to design the structural elements and install them in residential homes or offices. For instance, you can create and design a wardrobe and fit it in a bedroom.
- repairs and restoration: as a carpenter, your job may include assisting your clients in repairs and restoration. The repairs could involve restoration of historical buildings, which requires traditional skills used to construct wooden elements to preserve the original beauty. Aside from remodeling, your job could also involve repairing antiques and incorporating contemporary features to preserve them.
- assessing risk and liaising with other trades: before starting a contract, it is important to complete the risk assessment and safety-check documentation. As part of the carpenter job description, your work may also include liaising and partnering with other skilled tradespeople, like plumbers and electricians.
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accounting clerk work environment
Work environments for carpenters vary greatly. In the private sector, there are jobs in housing developments, TV or film companies, theaters, retail outlets, and residential homes. In the public sector, you may work with government buildings, hospitals, or schools. Regardless of the industry, the environment is usually flexible and you may get the opportunity to work alongside many other skilled workers on a day-to-day basis.
While drawing plans can require an office setting, some projects might also take place outdoors. Some employers may provide a workshop, while others might require you to carry out all your tasks on-site.
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who are your colleagues?
Your colleagues depend on the industry you're in. If you are building a residential home from scratch, your colleagues are architects and designers. You also work under construction managers who supervise the entire project. In addition to construction managers, expect to work with general contractors, plumbers, electricians, and other craftsmen. You may need to coordinate with quality inspectors at the beginning of projects and the end. If you are working for a furniture brand, on the other hand, creatives and designers will form the core of your team.
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work schedule
As a carpenter, your employer might expect you to work normal 9-5 hours weekly for a full-time position. Like many roles, when project deadlines are looming, you may need to work extra hours. Evenings and weekends may also be necessary when the nature of work doesn't allow working during the day. For example, when working in a school classroom, you may have to wait until after-school hours.
Part-time jobs are available in carpentry, but the exact work schedule depends on the employer and industry. For example, homeowners could need carpenters to ensure that their buildings are appropriately maintained. However, they might only need you on-site for one day a week to stay on top of minor repairs. Being a carpenter can also involve regular travel to project sites, especially if you provide services to clients in residential homes and commercial buildings.
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job outlook for carpenter
Being a carpenter is a fulfilling career as there are different avenues you can pursue. It may also be a springboard to a more senior or managerial role within the construction industry. With extra qualifications and experience, you have the choice to become a construction manager and oversee large projects. You could also choose to lead a team of carpenters, assigning tasks and booking jobs.
If you specialize in one aspect of carpentry, you can become a master craftsman. Aside from career progression, carpentry jobs have consistent demand in the U.S. due to the wide range of job roles like set design, trim carpentry, framers, and cabinetmakers.
If you prefer to work independently, you can design your own line of cabinets or furniture and become an entrepreneur, whether that's distributing your furniture through larger stores or opening a local store in your neighborhood.
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benefits of working for randstad as an accounting clerk
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a carpenter is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
carpenter skills and education
Carpenters require a high school diploma or a GED. Further education is not necessary. More important than a formal education, though, is manual dexterity. Carpenters need to be accurate with measurements and skillful with a variety of tools.
Although there is little emphasis on education, basic math skills are important as you will be measuring wood to make precise cuts. Attention to detail is an important skill, too, as measuring and cutting materials are part of your day-to-day activities.
Many carpenters start their training by working as an apprentice. This gives them on-the-job training and experience under the guise of an experienced carpenter.
Some carpenters may choose to attend trade schools if working as an apprentice isn't possible. Trade schools offer diplomas.
Certificates can be a good addition to your resume, and some jobs require that you have specific certificates. These are:
- Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC) from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
- OSHA training
- Graduate Master Builder (GMB) from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM) from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
It's also a good idea to carry your own carpenter's insurance.
skills and competencies
As well as educational qualifications, you’ll need technical and soft skills to advance in the field of carpentry. These skills include:
- creativity: were you bursting with creativity when you were growing up? Being a carpenter requires problem-solving skills and an innovative mindset to overcome challenges you may face during the job. You can use this creativity to design furniture or interior furnishings.
- attention to detail: if you have a keen eye for detail, you could do well in carpentry. Attentiveness ensures you don't miss your customers' specifications and produce high-quality work. Attention to detail also ensures that you complete the job within the stipulated budget.
- math skills: math skills come in handy when measuring and cutting wood, minimizing waste or estimating project costs.
- leadership and teamwork skills: if you are the lead carpenter, you need leadership skills to manage on-site teams and apprentices. These skills also help you motivate your team and provide clear instructions on steps for undertaking the project.
- physical strength: carpentry typically involves moving huge chunks of wood around as well as hammering wood into place. You may also need to stand and bend for long periods.
FAQs about working as a carpenter
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about being a carpenter.
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do you need a degree to become a carpenter?
Having a college degree isn't necessary, but most jobs do require a high school diploma, at the very least. In addition, some jobs require additional certificates, such as the Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC).
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are there safety measures carpenters should follow on the job?
Yes, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is often a requirement when you are working as a carpenter in any capacity. When you work for a company, it typically provides this equipment, but it's a good to idea to have your own personal stash for your home projects.
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is carpentry a stable job?
The stability of your job depends on the economy. Rough carpenters, who work on constructing new homes, may see an increase in demand if the city or county is building more houses. The demand for carpenters in set design also depends on the health of the film and theater economy. However, there are many types of carpentry jobs, so if one industry slows down, it's possible to move to another industry.
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what types of projects do carpenters typically work on?
The types of projects depend on the type of industry you work in. If you are a cabinetmaker, your job will be to provide cabinets for clients. You may work for a furniture brand and build different types of furniture. Alternatively, you could specialize in door trims only.
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how physically demanding is the job of a carpenter?
Carpentry work can be physically demanding as you may need to move heavy materials around. Cutting and moving wood is also a requirement. If your workdays are eight hours, expect to be measuring, cutting, and hammering wood for hours.
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how do I find a job as a carpenter?
Applying for a carpenter job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our carpenter jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state-of-the-art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
submit your resume
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