What is a carpenter?
Carpenters are individuals that build, install, and maintain structures made from wood and other materials. They can work on large construction projects, like building framework, or work on more detailed products like trim and furniture.
How much does a carpenter make in 2022?
Referencing the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), according to data released in May of 2021 the average carpenter across the United States made $55,190. That's an average hourly wage of $26.53.
National estimates have total employment for carpenters at that time at just over 660,000. A large percentage of the total employed carpenters are classified in the category of residential building construction.
Some of the top paying industry categories for electricians are electric power generation, transmission and distribution, specialty hospitals, and aerospace product and parts manufacturing. The average salary or wage in these categories top $80,000!
States with the top average annual pay for electricians include Hawaii, New Jersey, Alaska, Illinois and New York. Some of these states average over $79,000 per year.
What career options are there for carpenters in 2022?
Careers in carpentry provide an incredibly wide scope of options for employment in high demand careers including:
Construction of the interior or exterior of homes
Set building in the entertainment industry
Designing and building retail businesses
Starting your own contracting business
Carpenters may experience projects like installing exterior structural materials such as siding or windows as well as interior pieces like trim, furniture or walls. Skills in carpentry translate to many different roles in construction trades in both residential and commercial building settings.
What training do I need to be a carpenter?
After graduating high school, entering into a trade school or apprenticeship program is most common. Trades schools may help in obtaining particular specialty certifications or skills in a particular field. Apprenticeship programs may pay you to learn as you accrue experience on the job. It generally takes 3-4 years of on-the-job instruction and formal education for one to become a skilled carpenter.
How do I find carpentry career opportunities near me?
By completing the Skill Evaluation with Paid for Trades, we can connect you with businesses and trade school programs near you in Iowa to set up opportunities such as:
Job shadowing
Part time work
Apprenticeships
Course enrollment
Full time job offers
The skilled trades can offer opportunities to earn faster with little to no student loan debt. We want to help you find the best career for your talents!