Nationwide
CARPENTER
Description:
Do you like building, traveling and being outdoors? Why not consider a career that is fun and offers financial freedom. Carpenters measure, cut and shape wood, plastic, fiberglass and drywall. Commercial and industrial carpenters construct, erect, install and repair structures and fixtures. These carpenters are involved in many different kinds of construction, from buildings to highways and bridges to power plants.
More about a career as a carpenter:
High School:
TBAISD - Career Tech Center (Construction Trades)
Wexford-Missaukee - Career Tech Center (Applied Construction Tech)
Charlevoix-Emmet - Career Tech Center (Construction Technology)
Post-Secondary:
Northwestern Michigan College (Construction Technology - Carpentry) (Certificate)
Northwestern Michigan College (Construction Technology - Management) (AAS)
Career Development:
Information on how to qualify for and receive a license as a Residential Builder in the State of Michigan: Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Michigan 60-Hour Pre-License Training
One-on-One Contractor Exam Training
Additional Training Courses:
These courses are offered by Online CTI, headquartered in Traverse City with online courses available across the country.
Day In The Life of a Carpenter:
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Study specifications in blueprints, sketches, or building plans to prepare project layout and determine dimensions and materials required.
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Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.
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Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.
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Install structures or fixtures, such as windows, frames, floorings, trim, or hardware, using carpenters' hand or power tools.
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Build or repair cabinets, doors, frameworks, floors, or other wooden fixtures used in buildings, using woodworking machines, carpenter's hand tools, or power tools.
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Remove damaged or defective parts or sections of structures and repair or replace, using hand tools.
Employment & Wage Statistics
Nationwide
Statewide
Regional
Job growth (2019-2026)
6.7%
8%
8%
Job openings (2019-2016)
130
2,600
116,300
Regional
Hourly wage range
$12.34
$18.90
$29.07
Median
Annual wage range
$25,660
$39,300
$60,470
Statewide
Hourly wage range
$13.68
$22.41
$35.73
Annual wage range
$28,460
$46,600
$74,310
Nationwide
