Carpenter
Build and repair structures, furniture, and frameworks using wood and other materials with precision craftsmanship.
Salary Range
The highest-paid specialization or seniority level for carpenters.
About 1 in 50 reaches this level
About 959K carpenters; becoming a GC clearing $200K+ profit requires large-scale jobs and strong business skills.
Salary data based on 2025 BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
How to Become One
Complete a 3–4 year carpentry apprenticeship or trade school program. Some states require contractor licensing.
For more information: United Brotherhood of Carpenters ↗
AI Risk Assessment
Carpentry involves highly variable, site-specific work in constantly changing environments. While prefabrication robots handle some standardized factory tasks, on-site carpentry requires spatial judgment, creative problem-solving, and adaptability. The 454,000 construction worker shortage ensures demand.
Ratings reflect a 10-year outlook based on 2025-2026 research, weighted toward entry-level impact. Individual outcomes will vary.
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