Carpenter
Builds and repairs structures and fittings out of wood and other materials.
Market pay — 47,550–98,370 USD/yr.
People who like making solid things by hand, measure twice, and take pride in a clean finish.
A day in the life
Measures and cuts material, assembles frames and fittings, hangs doors and stairs, and finishes surfaces.
Who it fits
People who like making solid things by hand, measure twice, and take pride in a clean finish.
Try it in a week
- Watch 2–3 “a day in the life of a Carpenter” videos to see the real day-to-day, not the job-post version. ↗
- Take a free intro course to find out whether the topic clicks before you spend money or time on it. ↗
- Find someone doing it on LinkedIn or an industry group and ask 5 pointed questions: the daily grind, the money, and how they got in.
- Do a small real job at home from a video guide — fix, build, or install something with your own hands. ↗
How to get there
- Aug Build your college list and start your essays (summer before senior year)
- Oct FAFSA opens (typically Oct 1) - apply for federal financial aid
- Nov Early Action / Early Decision deadlines (many schools)
- Jan Regular Decision deadlines (often Jan 1-15)
- Mar Admission decisions arrive (mid-March to early April)
- May National College Decision Day - commit and pay your deposit
Approximate pathways. Requirements and test policies vary by state and school - always verify on the college's or program's official site.
Frequently asked
How much does a Carpenter earn?
47,550–98,370 USD/yr — BLS. This is the middle band of the market: a beginner usually sits closer to the lower end, an experienced specialist closer to the top. A lot also depends on where you are. ~698k jobs in the US (BLS OEWS, May 2024)
How do you become a Carpenter?
Most often through these fields: Carpentry. See specific programs and requirements in the “How to get there” section below.
Who is this profession a good fit for?
People who like making solid things by hand, measure twice, and take pride in a clean finish.