Carpenters

Carpentry • Skilled Trades & Construction

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.

Typical Salary (Median)
$59,310
(2024 BLS data)
Half earn more, half earn less
Average Salary (Mean)
$64,040
Mathematical average of all salaries
National Employment
697,740
Education Required
High school + apprenticeship
BLS Code: 472031

Understanding Salary Statistics: The typical salary (median) shows what a middle-of-the-road Carpenters earns, making it useful for salary negotiations. The average salary (mean) can be higher due to top earners and is often used in industry reports.

Salary Distribution

National salary ranges for Carpenters (2024)

10th Percentile
$38,760
25th Percentile
$47,550
75th Percentile
$75,620
90th Percentile
$98,370

Top Industries

Industries with the most Carpenters positions

1
Cross-industry, Private, Federal, State, and Local Government
697,740
$64,040 avg
2
Cross-industry, Private Ownership Only
684,800
$64,010 avg
3
Sector 23 - Construction
594,410
$64,890 avg
4
Construction of Buildings
330,530
$64,580 avg
5
Specialty Trade Contractors
236,860
$64,700 avg

Work Environment

Construction site

Career Overview

💼 About This Career

Carpenters professionals work in skilled trades & construction, specifically in carpentry. This role typically requires high school + apprenticeship and offers a median salary of $59,310.

📊 Job Market Outlook

The job growth outlook for Carpenters is rated as Moderate. Currently, there are approximately 697,740 people employed in this occupation nationwide.

Related Skills & Keywords

carpenter framing carpenter finish carpenter construction carpenter

Data Source: Salary and employment statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program , 2024 data. Historical trends show changes over time. Individual results may vary based on experience, location, and employer.