Construction · Lesson 13 of 13Beginner5 min read

Careers in Construction

Building houses is skilled work, and many people learn it on the job while getting paid. This lesson uses the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ figures for carpenters, then looks at training, safety courses and related careers.

What carpenters do

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, carpenters:

Follow blueprints and building plans to meet clients’ needs
Install structures and fixtures, such as windows and molding
Measure, cut and shape wood, plastic and other materials
Build and install frameworks, including walls, floors and doorframes
Inspect and replace damaged framework or other structures and fixtures
Instruct and direct laborers and construction helpers

The work is indoors and outdoors, and it can mean cramped spaces and a lot of lifting, standing and kneeling. The most common injuries are strains from lifting and moving materials, along with falls, slips, trips and contact with objects or equipment. BLS lists these qualities as important: business skills, attention to detail, dexterity, interpersonal skills, math skills including basic trigonometry, physical strength, problem-solving and reading comprehension.

$60,580median yearly pay for carpenters, May 2025 ($29.12 an hour)

889,700carpenter jobs in 2025

4%projected growth, 2025–35 (as fast as average)

62,800openings a year, on average

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Carpenters, page updated August 27, 2026.

Pay and outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook (page updated August 27, 2026), the median pay for carpenters was $60,580 a year, or $29.12 an hour, in May 2025. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $40,410, and the highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $99,910. Median pay by industry: nonresidential building construction $63,780; building finishing contractors $60,880; residential building construction $60,600; foundation, structure and building exterior contractors $58,790.

There were 889,700 carpenter jobs in 2025, and employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations, with about 62,800 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who move to other jobs or retire. BLS expects population growth to drive new-home building, one of the largest employers of carpenters, while more use of modular and prefabricated parts built off-site tempers the growth. About a quarter of carpenters are self-employed. These figures are updated every year; check the handbook for the latest.

Training paths

High school: BLS says a high school diploma or the equivalent is typically required, and math and mechanical drawing classes help. Some vocational-technical schools offer associate’s degrees in carpentry.
On the job: most carpenters learn on the job or through an apprenticeship, starting with simple tasks like measuring and cutting wood and working up to reading blueprints and building structures.
Apprenticeships: unions and contractor associations sponsor apprenticeships that combine technical instruction with paid on-the-job training. A registered apprenticeship is a job: according to Apprenticeship.gov, apprentices earn a wage from day one, get raises as their skills grow, learn on the job and in the classroom with a mentor, and finish with a portable, nationally recognized credential. You can search for one with the Apprenticeship Finder.
Moving up: carpenters can advance to lead carpenter, first-line supervisor, independent contractor or general construction supervisor.

Many paths lead to the same job. Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Apprenticeship.gov.

OSHA 10 and OSHA 30

OSHA’s Outreach Training Program teaches workers about job hazards, their rights, and how to file a complaint. The 10-hour construction course is mainly for entry-level workers, and the 30-hour course is for workers with some safety responsibility. Only OSHA-authorized trainers may teach these courses and issue the student course completion cards.

BLS says all carpenters must complete the OSHA 10-hour course. OSHA itself describes the program as voluntary: it says OSHA does not require completion of these courses, that the courses don’t fulfill the training required by OSHA’s standards, and that some states, cities and employers have made them mandatory. So check what your state and employer require. OSHA also warns about fraudulent courses, and says a course does not guarantee a job; it publishes a list of authorized trainers so you can check one.

Licenses and certifications

BLS lists no license requirement for carpenters themselves: a driver’s license may be needed to reach job sites, and optional specialty certifications can open up more work. Running your own business is different: many states and cities license building contractors, so check your state’s rules. Construction and building inspectors usually need a license or certification: BLS says most states and localities require one.

Related careers (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2025 median pay)
Career	Median pay	What they do
Construction laborers and helpers	$46,680	Prepare sites, move materials, dig, and assist the trades. 1,674,400 jobs in 2025; 6% growth projected for 2025–35. No formal credential required; employers often require OSHA safety training.
Construction and building inspectors	$74,690	Check that construction meets codes, zoning and contracts. 153,900 jobs; little or no change projected. Usually need years of related experience and a license or certification.
Construction managers	$114,990	Plan, coordinate, budget and supervise projects. 609,100 jobs; 9% growth projected. Typically a bachelor’s degree.
Roofers	$55,440	Install shingles, metal and other roofing. 166,900 jobs; 5% growth projected.
Drywall installers and tapers	$59,780	Hang, tape and finish drywall. About 118,000 jobs; 2% growth projected.
Insulation workers	$51,330	Install insulation.
Flooring installers and tile and stone setters	$54,390	Lay finish floors and tile.

Check yourself

Tap an answer to check it, or open “Show the answer.”

What was the median pay for carpenters in May 2025, according to BLS?
Show the answer
$60,580. $60,580 a year, or $29.12 an hour.
What education does BLS say is typically required to become a carpenter?
Show the answer
A high school diploma or equivalent. A high school diploma or equivalent; most learn on the job or through apprenticeships.
Who is OSHA’s 10-hour construction course mainly intended for?
Show the answer
Entry-level workers. The 10-hour course is for entry-level workers; the 30-hour course is for those with some safety responsibility.
How fast is carpenter employment projected to grow from 2025 to 2035?
Show the answer
Grow 4%, about as fast as average. Grow 4 percent, with about 62,800 openings a year.

Go deeper

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Carpenters The full Occupational Outlook Handbook profile for carpenters.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Construction Laborers and Helpers Construction laborers and helpers, a common first job.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Construction and Building Inspectors Construction and building inspectors.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Construction Managers Construction managers.
Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor): Become an Apprentice Registered apprenticeship, from the Department of Labor.
OSHA: Outreach Training Program, 10- and 30-Hour Card Facts OSHA’s facts about 10- and 30-hour cards, and how to spot fraud.
The Trades All the trades, with their careers lessons.

Sources

I finished this lessonSaved on this device only.

A free course from Teddy Rook Book. It explains how houses are built in general and follows U.S. sources; the local building code, the building department and the manufacturer’s instructions are the final word.