Carpenters
| Description |
OES Code: 871020 |
Carpenters construct, erect, install and repair structures, fixtures, and equipment of wood, plywood, and wallboard, using carpentry tools and woodworking machines.
| CA Wages/hour:nonunion |
median |
range |
| New, no experience: |
$8.00 |
minimum – $15.00 |
| New, experienced: |
$12.00 |
minimum – $22.50 |
| 3 yrs+ experience: |
$16.00 |
$7.00 – $27.00 |
| CA Wages/hour:union |
median |
range |
| New, no experience: |
$9.00 |
minimum – $17.00 |
| New, experienced: |
$19.00 |
$8.00 – $28.00 |
| 3 yrs+ experience: |
$24.00 |
$14.00 – $30.00 |
Local Wages
• CCOIS Survey • OES Survey
Hours & Benefits
Most Carpenters work an eight-hour day, Monday through Friday, but there can be lot of overtime.
Both union and nonunion fringe benefits include vacation pay, health and welfare coverage, and retirement plans.
Working Conditions
Carpenters provide their own hand tools and work clothing. The employer provides ladders, scaffolding, and any heavy equipment needed on the job.
Jobs are different in length, from one-day house repairs to industrial construction projects that last years. In the winter, when it's cold and rainy, there aren't as many jobs for Carpenters. During the winter, many construction carpenters take on small indoor jobs.
Most journey-level workers and apprentices belong to locals of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. Big city areas are mostly union, but smaller communities have a lot of nonunion workers.
Employment Trends
| Employment 1996 |
67,550 |
| Projected Employment 2006 |
83,660 |
| Growth Rate 1996-2006 |
23.8% |
| Openings due to Separations |
13,370 |
Employment Trends by California County
Getting the Job & Other Information
The usual way to become a journey-level Carpenter is by completing a four-year apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship candidates should apply to their local Joint Apprenticeship Committee or the Carpenter’s Union.
See also:
For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. |
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Education and Training
Taking high school math, drafting, and shop courses is a good way to prepare to become a Carpenter. Formal pre-apprenticeship training is given by some public schools, community colleges, and other local organizations.
A 4 year apprenticeship program is recommended. Apprenticeship candidates have to complete the 12th grade or its equivalent, be physically able to do the work, and be at least 17 years old. The union apprenticeship involves on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
Skills & Other Requirements
Most Carpenter’s work involves certain basic steps: They read plans, identify and find the materials they need, determine the sizes of the parts required, and measure and mark the materials for cutting. Working with hand tools and power equipment, Carpenters cut and shape the material and assemble or install them following the plans.
Working for a small home builder, a Carpenter might be involved in every part of a project, such as putting up the framework, walls, roofs, and installing doors, window, flooring, cabinets, paneling, and molding. In a larger operation, where there is more opportunity for specialized work, a Carpenter might do only one thing, such as roof framing or installing doors and windows.
Carpenters working for a special trade contractor would specialize in whatever special work might be, such as the installation of hardwood flooring.
Advancement
Carpenters with experience, skills, knowledge of new developments in carpentry, and leadership may be promoted to supervisor. Some may become a superintendent or estimator. Those with enough money and business knowledge may become self-employed contractors.
References
Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system.
California Occupational Guide Carpenters #169
Related Occupation: Teachers, Trade & Technical #404
Training: California State Training Inventory
© State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor
Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997.
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