Carpenter Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a carpenter. Feel free to use our carpenter job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a carpenter.
Who is a Carpenter?
Carpenters are an essential part of any construction crew. A carpenter is a skilled worker who can cut, fasten and carve wood and other materials. They are skilled in precise measuring, also known as carpentry math. They also know how to use various construction tools such as saws, drills, and small hand tools.
Many people who start in carpentry can take basic training at their local community colleges or trade schools. Also, most of them may be simply skilled at building with different materials. Many people start as apprentice carpenters. In many cases, they must have some work experience before moving on to the next level, the journeyman. A master carpenter is someone who has extensive experience in the field, has had training, and worked as an apprentice or journeyman. The expert might oversee large jobs and train apprentices and journeymen. They may also work with other construction workers like electricians, architects, and metal workers to complete a job.
Apprentice carpenters tend to work with the least amount of training. As they gain experience, they can cut and transport wood and other materials. They also help with the construction of structures. Some of the most intricate and precise work is done by journeymen. Many run their businesses and work directly with designers and builders.
Although carpentry is commonly associated with large structures such as skyscrapers and freeways, there are other sub-division of the field. Some people are skilled in crafting smaller items, such as furniture, carved wood pieces, and sculptures. Master or journeymen carpenters are skilled in designing small parts of home-like stairs or cabinets.
This job requires a lot of hard work and accuracy, as well as the willingness to work long hours. Although a person may not be specifically involved in designing a home, some people do. However, they still need to have artistic precision to bring the home or any other structure to completion. This is a highly skilled field and should not be considered a job for the uninitiated. Carpenters are highly educated and artistically gifted. This may go against the stereotype of the construction worker who wolf-whistles at any attractive female. The field used to be dominated by men, but more women are now entering it.
Most carpenters strive to reach the highest levels of mastery or journeyman. Because new carpenters are often required for heavy work, this is why it is important to keep your skills up to date. People working in this field may sustain injuries over time that can limit their ability to do heavier jobs. Although this field has seen improvements in ergonomics and methods of lifting and constructing materials, work-related injuries are still a problem. Many professionals who have worked since their teens become exhausted by their 40s. This can lead to worker’s compensation or career changes. They may be more successful if they have reached higher levels within their field. This is because they won’t be required to do the heavy work of building something.
Carpenters may have a varied work schedule, especially when it comes to building structures. Bad weather can make it difficult to start or finish work. The economy can also affect work. During recessions, people may not be able to build larger houses or other structures because it isn’t economically feasible. These professionals can also be needed to repair damaged structures, provided that the weather cooperates.
Carpenter Job Description
Below are the carpenter job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a carpenter job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a carpenter include the following:
- Measuring, cutting, or shaping wood, drywall and plastic.
- Installing fixtures and structures, such as doors or cabinets,
- Reading and understanding blueprints
- Constructing and repairing frameworks and structures such as floors and doors, walls, furniture and cabinets, shelves and windows, stairways, roofs, and windows
- Estimating the cost of projects and determining what materials are needed
- Using a variety of hand tools, including drills, chisels, and power saws.
- Assisting supervisors in planning, structural design, and layout
- Referring to blueprints during a project
- Building various frames for structures such as walls, ceilings, and floors.
- Installing fixtures such as cabinets, windows, and furniture systems
- Using machinery such as cranes to implement tasks
- Making sure structures, frameworks and materials meet code.
- Using hand tools, power saws, and machines to shape or cut materials to specific dimensions.
- Respecting safety regulations and maintaining a clean and safe environment.
- Using woodworking machines, hand tools or power tools to build or repair cabinets, doors and frames, floors, or other wooden fixtures in buildings.
- Using hand tools, wood screws, nails, and dowel pins to assemble and fix materials for making frames or props.
- Utilizing hand tools to remove damaged or defective sections or parts of structures.
- Clearing up debris from the worksite.
- Following supervisors’ instructions or blueprints to establish layout.
- Cutting and forming structures from wood, plastic, or fiberglass.
- Using the appropriate nail, screw, or staple to join materials.
- Assuring accuracy by reviewing completed projects using tools like levels, surveying equipment, or framing squares.
- Correcting any problems as necessary.
- Creating wooden forms, tunnels, bridges, or sewer construction projects.
- Assembling and demolishing scaffolding.
- Installing windows and doors.
- Respecting local safety and building codes.
- Reading and understanding blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine specifications and to calculate requirements
- Using measuring tools to create layouts that conform to building codes
- Measuring, cutting, shaping, and assembling materials made from wood, wood substitutes, light steel, and other materials
- Installing floor beams, building foundations, lay subflooring, and erecting walls.
- Installing trim pieces such as doors and stairs, moulding, and hardware
- Renovating and maintaining residences as well as wooden structures in mines, hospitals, and other establishments.
- Supervising apprentices or other workers in the construction industry
Qualifications
Education
A high school diploma is required for all carpenters. Students in high school who want to become carpenters can enroll in classes like mathematics and mechanical drawing while they are at school. After graduating high school, candidates can go to technical school to further their skills and earn an associate’s in carpentry.
Training
Carpenters often receive their training on the job. During this time, their employer will likely teach them how to use all power tools properly and explain the proper techniques. You may find them working under an experienced carpenter who can oversee their works. They may initially help other carpenters with small tasks, but they will soon be able to perform more difficult tasks like building structures.
Apprenticeships are also required for carpenters. These require the completion of a set amount of technical training. They will be taught safety techniques, basic carpentry, and the requirements of any building codes. Apprentices might also learn more advanced techniques like setting concrete forms, welding, scaffolding, and working in tight spaces.
Certificates
Employers may require that employees pass a specific industry certification to demonstrate their knowledge. These certifications could include:
- Safety Certificates from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
All carpenters must take safety classes to understand how to identify hazards and what to do when they are in danger.
- Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training for Carpenters
This training course is offered by the Home Builder’s Institute to improve their knowledge and skills in this field. To improve their skills in a particular area, candidates can choose from a variety of specialty classes.
- Driver’s License
Carpenters need a valid driver’s license because they often have to travel between work sites. They might be required to drive company vehicles and they should have a clean driving record.
Essential Skills
To be successful as a carpenter, you need to have the following skills:
- Mathematics skills
Carpenters need to be able to use basic math skills to calculate precise measurements for building structures. Carpenters must calculate the amount of material required to build a structure. They also need to monitor their expenses to ensure they stay within their budget. The most common types of math carpenters should know include geometry and algebra.
- Physical strength
Carpenters require strength as they work with heavy loads, lifting and moving heavy materials. Carpenters are often required to stand, climb, or bend for long periods.
- Communication skills
Carpenters are often part of a team that works together to complete a project. Effective communication is key. Carpenters can also meet with clients to determine their needs and then communicate those requirements to the team. Carpenters need to communicate well with clients both verbally and written.
- Attention to detail
Carpenters must be extremely precise to create safe permanent structures. Carpenters must accurately measure and cut the items according to their blueprints. Carpenters who are detail-oriented can build structures to the specifications they have written without having to make major changes, which saves time and money.
- Dexterity
Carpenters must have the ability to work on complex parts and connect them with precision.
- Mechanical skills
Carpenters use a variety of tools and machines to complete their jobs, such as power saws, cranes, and drills. Carpenters can be confident using tools and machinery to safely perform their tasks. A carpenter who can use multiple tools makes them a better candidate for other jobs.
- Analyzing Technical Drawings
Carpenters must adhere to certain technical specifications, regardless of whether they are working on a new build or assisting with renovations.
This means that you must be able to read and understand technical drawings such as blueprints, elevations, building plans, and elevations.
These documents will not help you to calculate material quantities or measure your work.
This is not a skill that you should have at the beginning. Your carpentry instructor will teach you the Ontario Building Code and how to use blueprints.
- Interpersonal skills
Carpenters must work closely with clients to realize their vision. To manage client expectations, they must use communication skills to communicate their ideas and voice opinions. They will also need to be able to listen and collaborate when they work in teams to complete projects.
How to Become a Carpenter
- Get a high school diploma
Basic education is required to enter an apprenticeship program. A majority of potential carpenters opt to obtain a high school diploma or a GED. Students in high school can start learning the skills and tools of their trade by taking classes on drafting, carpentry, and mathematics. These courses in high school will prepare students to learn some of the terminology and techniques used in apprenticeships or more advanced carpenter training.
Apprenticeship programs offer students the opportunity to work alongside skilled carpenters while they study towards their diplomas.
- Do an apprenticeship
Apprenticeships can be offered by industrial and commercial employers as well as construction unions. These programs are typically three to four years long and are overseen by experienced carpenters or other construction workers.
Your apprenticeship will provide you with basic knowledge on topics like safety, freehand drawing, mathematics, first aid, and blueprint reading. The apprentices will be able to practice their skills in the field. The apprentices will be taught about rough framing and form-building as well as interior and exterior finishing.
Once you have completed your formal apprenticeship program you will be awarded a certification of the journeyman. The next step is to obtain certification or enroll in trade school.
- You might consider additional training as a carpenter
Aspiring carpenters don’t need to take part in formal programs offered by colleges or technical schools. These programs may be worth your time to improve your skills and stand out from other carpentry applicants. You may be able to earn course credit through apprenticeships that lead to an associate’s level degree.
You can learn more about roofing, stair construction, and foundation work. Earning an associate’s or certificate in carpentry can increase your earning potential as you are likely to start in a higher-ranking position.
- Develop marketable skills
You might also want to focus on renovations, infrastructure, cabinets, or roofs. This will allow you to create a niche and market yourself in your workplace. Another option is to learn a language common in your area. Bilingual carpenters may be more desirable by employers. This will increase your chances of getting an interview.
Where to Work
Carpenters can spend significant time outdoors and indoors. They can work in private homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals.
Part-time work is possible for a carpenter, but most of them work full-time. Carpenters work during the day but may be required to work nights by some employers depending on the project. Carpenters may work on weekends and during the week if their employer allows it.
Carpenter Salary Scale
The average salary for a carpenter in the United States is $42,900 annually.