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Carpenters

Also called: Cabinet Maker, Carpenter, Form Carpenter, Scaffold Builder

What they do:

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.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • building and construction
  • design

Business

  • management
  • customer service

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
  • physics

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • put together small parts with your fingers

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • order or arrange things

Spatial

  • imagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed

Physical Strength

  • use your lower back and stomach

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • Initiative
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Accounting software

  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Quicken

Project management software

  • Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal
  • VirtualBoss

Word processing software

  • Microsoft Word
  • Wilhelm Publishing Threshold

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $51,390

Education

High school diploma/GED or certificate after high school is usually needed.

Explore More

See other careers in the Construction industry.