Carpenters, joiners and framers are involved in the construction, renovation, and maintenance of wooden structures. Carpenters often specialize in either rough or finish work. As a rough carpenter you might construct and assemble building frames and basic structures, while as a finish carpenter you would work on the final stages of construction, for example, installing doors and building stairs. Fully trained carpenters can do both rough and finish carpentry, but many, especially those in urban areas, choose to specialize. As a carpenter you might be an employee or work as an independant contractor, usually on a project-by-project basis. Carpenters tend to remain in the trade for most of their working lives and often enter the work force at an early age-between 17 and 21.

WHAT YOU NEED:

Apprenticeship is recommended as a means of entering carpentry because it provides thorough training in trade skills, a wider choice of job settings and the possibility of higher pay. Four-year apprenticeship programs are usually offered.

SALARY:
$31,000 to $36,000