Carpentry is a solid skilled trade profession that had been around for thousands of years. It has seen consistent demand and growth in recent times and is a great option to consider for a career. If you like working with your hands, enjoy creating things, and have a knack for small details, carpentry might be for you. However, getting into carpentry isn’t an easy task that can happen in a day. It takes lots of consistent work and putting yourself out there. Curious about carpentry and want to learn how to become a skilled carpenter? Here’s a simple guide to follow to get you started.

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What Does a Carpenter Do?

Even though a carpenter’s job might seem pretty obvious, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.

The work a carpenter does heavily depends on their area of expertise or job environment. On the whole, however, carpenters work primarily with wooden materials, and they cut and shape it to fit certain specifications. These specifications are typically found on blueprints and building plans.

Carpenters can be found on construction sites installing wooden structures like frameworks. They can also work on commercial buildings and residential homes. Additionally, skilled carpenters can transition into more specific areas, like cabinetry, framing, and finish work.

For the most part, carpenters have a wide variety of paths and choices they can make once they become skilled enough. Self-employment is also a very appealing option.

How to Become a Skilled Carpenter

Becoming a skilled carpenter takes years of honing your skills and taking the appropriate steps through education and apprenticeships.

The first step it to obtain a high school diploma or GED. This is followed by enrolling in carpentry training programs or trade schools. Trade schools can take you through their program in as little as six months, though some can take longer.

The next step is securing and completing an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships typically take 3-4 years to complete. However, you gain on the job experience working as an apprentice carpenter, and you get paid for it, too.

After your apprenticeship is completed, you can choose to develop specialized skills in a wide variety of areas. Cabinetry, framing, and finish work are just some of the specialized areas a carpenter can work in.

A driver’s license is recommended for all carpentry jobs across the board, as carpenters often have to travel to jobsites. Certifications are a great way to advance your career even further, with certifications for installers, craftsman, and master craftsman from the National Wood Flooring Association.

Carpenter Salary Information

Now that you know how to become a skilled carpenter, what’s in it for you once you start working? Carpentry offers a fairly steady salary, and the jobs outlook through 2033 is in line with average job growth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Carpenters on average, across all skill levels and areas of expertise, earn $56,350/year, or $27.09/hour.

According to the BLS, the lowest 10% of carpenters earned less than $37,440/year, while the highest 10% earned more than $94,580/year.

Out of the construction trades, carpenters earn the most on average. Certifications, specialization, and union membership all have an impact on how much individual carpenters make.

Once you make it through trade school, Tempstar Staffing can help you advance your carpentry career. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help!