Occupation Details
Carpenters
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.
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Interests
Realistic
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.
Investigative
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.
Conventional
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.
Work Values
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Support
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
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$41,380.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$62,090.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$82,610.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
60,180
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
71,090
+1,091 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
7,100
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Some Training - Certificate or hands-on training
Experience Requirements
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 Requirements
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Training Details
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.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
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, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Active Listening
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.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Administration and Management
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.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Public Safety and Security
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.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- A-frame levels
- Air compressors
- Auger bits
- Baluster jigs
- Band saws
- Bandsaws
- Beam saws
- Beam-lifting jacks
- Belt sanders
- Biscuit joiners
- Brad tackers
- Calibrating electronic levels
- Calipers
- Carpenters' levels
- Carpentry transits
- Cat's paws
- Caulking guns
- Chainsaw jigs
- Circular saws
- Combination squares
- Compound miter saws
- Cordless drills
- Cross-curve tape measures
- Dado blades
- Digital levels
- Disc grinders
- Draw chisels
- Drill presses
- Drum sanders
- Electric impact wrenches
Technology
- Craftsman CD Estimator
- Drawing and drafting software
- Estimating software
- Job costing software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- Quicken
- Renaissance MasterCarpenter
- VirtualBoss
- Web browser software
- Web page creation and editing software
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare reports
- order or purchase supplies, materials, or equipment
- repair or replace locks, hinges, or related finish hardware
- lubricate machinery, equipment, or parts
- position, align, or level machines, equipment, or structures
- position, align, or level machines, equipment, or structures
- estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
- determine amount or kind of explosive needed to complete job
- determine installation, service, or repair needed
- determine material or tool requirements
- adhere to safety procedures
- adhere to safety procedures
- perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting
- perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting
- operate woodworking equipment/machinery
- operate woodworking equipment/machinery
- build or install cabinets or related interior wood fixtures
- fabricate ducting
- use hand or power woodworking tools
- use hand or power woodworking tools
- use hand or power tools
- use hand or power tools
- use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
- use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
- weld together metal parts, components, or structures
- operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
- use basic carpentry techniques
- use basic carpentry techniques
- use basic plumbing techniques
- use concrete fabrication techniques
- use concrete fabrication techniques
- use hazardous materials information
- use knowledge of ventilation systems
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use building or land use regulations
- lay out woodworking projects
- lay out woodworking projects
- determine dimensions of wooden furnishings or structures to be built
- determine dimensions of wooden furnishings or structures to be built
- measure and mark reference points or cutting lines on workpieces
- measure and mark reference points or cutting lines on workpieces
- verify trueness of structure using plumb bob or level
- verify trueness of structure using plumb bob or level
- measure, weigh, or count products or materials
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- determine project methods and procedures
- signal directions or warnings to coworkers
- apply adhesives, caulking, sealants, or coatings
- apply adhesives, caulking, sealants, or coatings
- paint walls or other structural surfaces
- climb ladders, scaffolding, or utility or telephone poles
- climb ladders, scaffolding, or utility or telephone poles
- cut, shape, fit, or join wood or other construction materials
- cut, shape, fit, or join wood or other construction materials
- build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting
- build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting
- erect scaffold
- erect scaffold
- install prefabricated building components
- install prefabricated building components
- install siding or sheeting
- install siding or sheeting
- move or fit heavy objects
- move or fit heavy objects
- prepare building surfaces for paint, finishes, wallpaper, or adhesives
- repair prefabricated wooden building components
- install doors, wood floors, window frames, trim, or stairs
- construct, erect, or repair wooden frameworks or structures
- construct, erect, or repair wooden frameworks or structures
- finish or refinish floor, furniture, or related wood surfaces
- install drywall, plasterboard, or wallboard
- attach moisture barrier sheeting over construction surfaces
- install locks, hinges, or related finish hardware
- install sub flooring, rough framing, or partitions
- install sub flooring, rough framing, or partitions
- anchor or brace wooden structures, frameworks, or forms
- anchor or brace wooden structures, frameworks, or forms
- install lathing to support plaster, stucco, or related construction material
- install wall or ceiling shock-absorbing paneling or acoustical tiles
- install or replace glass in windows, skylights, or other structural surfaces
- repair cracks, defects, or damage in installed building materials
- repair cracks, defects, or damage in installed building materials
- install insulating materials
- charge blasting holes with explosives
- dig holes or trenches for foundations, posts, poles, or related items
- install sheet metal assemblies in supportive framework
- move materials or goods between work areas
- use building materials for routine building maintenance
- laminate objects
- assemble detonation units for construction or extraction work
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- examine products or work to verify conformance to specifications
- inspect premises or structure for evidence of deterioration or damage
- inspect premises or structure for evidence of deterioration or damage
- read blueprints
- read blueprints
- read specifications
- read tape measure
- read tape measure
- read technical drawings
- read technical drawings
- obtain information from clients, customers, or patients
- understand construction specifications
- understand construction specifications
- recognize wood species characteristics
- recognize wood characteristics
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
- Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.
- Assemble and fasten materials to make frameworks or props, using hand tools and wood screws, nails, dowel pins, or glue.
- Study specifications in blueprints, sketches, or building plans to prepare project layout and determine dimensions and materials required.
- Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.
- Verify trueness of structure, using plumb bob and level.
- 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.
- Construct forms or chutes for pouring concrete.
- Arrange for subcontractors to deal with special areas, such as heating or electrical wiring work.
- Build or repair cabinets, doors, frameworks, floors, or other wooden fixtures used in buildings, using woodworking machines, carpenter's hand tools, or power tools.
- Inspect ceiling or floor tile, wall coverings, siding, glass, or woodwork to detect broken or damaged structures.
- Erect scaffolding or ladders for assembling structures above ground level.
- Finish surfaces of woodwork or wallboard in houses or buildings, using paint, hand tools, or paneling.
- Install structures or fixtures, such as windows, frames, floorings, trim, or hardware, using carpenters' hand or power tools.
- Maintain records, document actions, and present written progress reports.
- Select and order lumber or other required materials.
- Remove damaged or defective parts or sections of structures and repair or replace, using hand tools.
- Work with or remove hazardous material.
- Fill cracks or other defects in plaster or plasterboard and sand patch, using patching plaster, trowel, and sanding tool.
- Maintain job records and schedule work crew.
- Anchor and brace forms and other structures in place, using nails, bolts, anchor rods, steel cables, planks, wedges, and timbers.
- Prepare cost estimates for clients or employers.
- Bore boltholes in timber, masonry or concrete walls, using power drill.
- Install rough door and window frames, subflooring, fixtures, or temporary supports in structures undergoing construction or repair.
- Perform minor plumbing, welding, or concrete mixing work.
- Dig or direct digging of post holes and set poles to support structures.
- Apply shock-absorbing, sound-deadening, or decorative paneling to ceilings or walls.
- Examine structural timbers and supports to detect decay, and replace timbers as required, using hand tools, nuts, and bolts.
- Build sleds from logs and timbers for use in hauling camp buildings and machinery through wooded areas.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Carpenters
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
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