Carpenters
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
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.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $31K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $38K
Median Salary: $49K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $64K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $87K
Demand
Core Tasks
Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
Study specifications in blueprints, sketches, or building plans to prepare project layout and determine dimensions and materials required.
Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.
Install structures or fixtures, such as windows, frames, floorings, trim, or hardware, using carpenters' hand or power tools.
Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.
Verify trueness of structure, using plumb bob and level.
Select and order lumber or other required materials.
Arrange for subcontractors to deal with special areas, such as heating or electrical wiring work.
Maintain records, document actions, and present written progress reports.
Build or repair cabinets, doors, frameworks, floors, or other wooden fixtures used in buildings, using woodworking machines, carpenter's hand tools, or power tools.
Prepare cost estimates for clients or employers.
Erect scaffolding or ladders for assembling structures above ground level.
Anchor and brace forms and other structures in place, using nails, bolts, anchor rods, steel cables, planks, wedges, and timbers.
Assemble and fasten materials to make frameworks or props, using hand tools and wood screws, nails, dowel pins, or glue.
Inspect ceiling or floor tile, wall coverings, siding, glass, or woodwork to detect broken or damaged structures.
Bore boltholes in timber, masonry or concrete walls, using power drill.
Construct forms or chutes for pouring concrete.
Install rough door and window frames, subflooring, fixtures, or temporary supports in structures undergoing construction or repair.
Maintain job records and schedule work crew.
Remove damaged or defective parts or sections of structures and repair or replace, using hand tools.
Build sleds from logs and timbers for use in hauling camp buildings and machinery through wooded areas.
Finish surfaces of woodwork or wallboard in houses or buildings, using paint, hand tools, or paneling.
Work with or remove hazardous material.
Dig or direct digging of post holes and set poles to support structures.
Examine structural timbers and supports to detect decay, and replace timbers as required, using hand tools, nuts, and bolts.
Apply shock-absorbing, sound-deadening, or decorative paneling to ceilings or walls.
Cover subfloors with building paper to keep out moisture and lay hardwood, parquet, or wood-strip-block floors by nailing floors to subfloor or cementing them to mastic or asphalt base.
Fill cracks or other defects in plaster or plasterboard and sand patch, using patching plaster, trowel, and sanding tool.
Perform minor plumbing, welding, or concrete mixing work.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Building and Construction
90%
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Mathematics
81%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Design
74%
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mechanical
73%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
English Language
72%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Administration and Management
68%
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Education and Training
63%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Public Safety and Security
63%
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Customer and Personal Service
61%
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Production and Processing
58%
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Top 10 Skills
Active Listening
64%
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring
63%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking
63%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Coordination
62%
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Critical Thinking
62%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making
62%
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension
62%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Time Management
60%
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning
59%
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving
59%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Top 10 Abilities
Manual Dexterity
73%
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Problem Sensitivity
72%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Trunk Strength
70%
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
Visualization
70%
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Near Vision
69%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Arm-Hand Steadiness
68%
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Oral Comprehension
68%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Multilimb Coordination
67%
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Extent Flexibility
65%
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Oral Expression
65%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Top 10 Work Activities
Performing General Physical Activities
84%
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Getting Information
83%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Handling and Moving Objects
82%
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
81%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
80%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
78%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
77%
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
76%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
76%
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
73%
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Detailed Work Activities
Clean work sites.
Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
Mark reference points on construction materials.
Cut wood components for installation.
Install building fixtures.
Install doors or windows.
Install wooden structural components.
Verify alignment of structures or equipment.
Select construction materials.
Order construction or extraction materials or equipment.
Coordinate construction project activities.
Prepare operational reports.
Assemble temporary equipment or structures.
Position construction forms or molds.
Inspect work sites to determine condition or necessary repairs.
Drill holes in construction materials.
Record operational or environmental data.
Remove worn, damaged or outdated materials from work areas.
Install safety or support equipment.
Apply decorative or textured finishes or coverings.
Install trim or paneling.
Install carpet or flooring.
Apply material to fill gaps in surfaces.
Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities.
Weld metal components.
Estimate construction project costs.
Build construction forms or molds.
Assemble products or production equipment.
Prepare hazardous waste for processing or disposal.
Dig holes or trenches.
Position safety or support equipment.
Direct construction or extraction personnel.
Interests
Realistic
100%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
67%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Investigative
60%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Artistic
36%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Enterprising
24%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Social
15%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
91%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
86%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
86%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Integrity
83%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Self Control
82%
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Independence
78%
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
78%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Leadership
78%
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Adaptability/Flexibility
77%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Stress Tolerance
77%
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Work Values
Support
69%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
62%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Working Conditions
55%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Achievement
53%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Relationships
43%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Recognition
41%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
