What does a carpenter do?
- Read blueprints and measure, cut and shape materials.
- Build frames, walls, floors, stairs and roofs.
- Install cabinets, doors, windows and trim.
- Build forms for concrete and scaffolding on large projects.
Where do carpenters work?
- Homes, both new builds and remodels
- Commercial and industrial construction
- Roads, bridges and other large projects
Is a career as a carpenter right for you?
It could be a good fit if:
- You like making things with your hands.
- You enjoy variety from one project to the next.
- You want a trade with many ways to specialize.
How to become a carpenter
Carpenters typically learn on the job and through apprenticeships, which usually combine paid work with classroom training. Some start with a trade school program.
How much do carpenters make?
The median pay for carpenters in the U.S. was $60,580 a year in May 2025, and most earned between $40,410 to $99,910 a year. Median pay describes the whole trade, not a first-year wage: pay usually rises with experience, licenses and specialty.
Carpenter pay by state
| State | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| United States | $60,580 |
| Massachusetts | $75,200 |
| New Hampshire | $61,200 |
Job outlook for carpenters
U.S. employment of carpenters is projected to change by +4% (as fast as average) from 2025 to 2035, with about 62,800 openings each year on average. There were 889,700 carpenter jobs in the U.S. in 2025.
Things to know
- Median pay describes the whole trade, not a first-year wage. Pay rises with experience and skills.
- Carpentry is one of the largest trades, with about 62,800 openings a year.
- Specializing, for example in finish work, commercial framing or cabinetry, can raise pay.
Carpenter FAQ
What does a carpenter do?
Carpenters construct, repair and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. Typical work includes: read blueprints and measure, cut and shape materials; build frames, walls, floors, stairs and roofs; install cabinets, doors, windows and trim; build forms for concrete and scaffolding on large projects.
How do you become a carpenter?
Carpenters typically learn on the job and through apprenticeships, which usually combine paid work with classroom training. Some start with a trade school program.
How much do carpenters make?
The median pay for carpenters in the U.S. was $60,580 a year (May 2025, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Carpenters). Most earn between $40,410 to $99,910 a year. Pay varies by state, experience and specialty.
Are carpenters in demand?
U.S. employment of carpenters is projected to change by +4% (as fast as average) from 2025 to 2035, with about 62,800 job openings each year on average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Which states pay carpenters the most?
By median annual wage in May 2025, the highest-paying states for carpenters were Massachusetts ($75,200), New Hampshire ($61,200), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sources
Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wayforge is a career-planning tool, not an official licensing source; always confirm requirements with your state licensing board.