What it pays
Government survey numbers — not estimates, not ads.
Half of all Carpenters in the U.S. earn more than $60,580 a year — the middle 80% land between $40,410 and $99,910. About 670,090 people in the U.S. do this work. Figures are for the U.S. occupation group “Carpenters”. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, published 2025.) In India, Craft and related trades workers earn about ₹16,825 a month on average — around ₹2.0 lakh a year (government PLFS survey via ILOSTAT, occupation-family figure).
$60,580typical pay / year
670,090people in this work
$99,910+top 10% earn
₹2.0 lakha year in India (family avg)
Think you get this job?Six quick questions on how it really works — with a hint and the reason behind every answer.
Test yourself →The work, task by task
These are the real jobs-to-be-done, not a wish list. Each task shows where we found it, and the prompt underneath is written for that exact task.
Make6
Cut wooden elements
+Cut the eight stair stringers and twelve tread pieces to the marked lengths on the site lumber pile, label…
Cut wooden elements
+Cut the eight stair stringers and twelve tread pieces to the marked lengths on the site lumber pile, label each piece with its location, deburr edges, and stack them by flight so I can fit one flight tomorrow morning.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingESCOjob descriptionsWikipedia
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Prepare and measure lumber
+Measure and mark the remaining twenty 2x6 studs at the back shop bench to the wall layout dimensions, note…
Prepare and measure lumber
+Measure and mark the remaining twenty 2x6 studs at the back shop bench to the wall layout dimensions, note any warped pieces, mark cut lines and store them on the nearby racking in sequence for the crew.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Read and interpret blueprints
+Walk the foundation with the set of plans, confirm header locations, roof pitch, and window openings against…
Read and interpret blueprints
+Walk the foundation with the set of plans, confirm header locations, roof pitch, and window openings against the printed layout, jot any discrepancies on the plan and flag them for Mark the foreman before we order headers.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Construct framing and frameworks
+Lay out and assemble the first-floor wall frames using the layout lines on the floor, cut studs to fit,…
Construct framing and frameworks
+Lay out and assemble the first-floor wall frames using the layout lines on the floor, cut studs to fit, toe-screw plates, square each panel, temporarily brace them and stand the first two bays for the crew to sheathe tomorrow.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingjob descriptionsO*NET
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Make cabinets and furniture
+Build the run of four base cabinets to the shop spec: cut carcass parts to size, join with pocket screws,…
Make cabinets and furniture
+Build the run of four base cabinets to the shop spec: cut carcass parts to size, join with pocket screws, sand visible faces, clamp overnight, and dry-fit doors so I can finish them on Friday.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingjob descriptionsWikipedia
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Finish surfaces of wood and other materials
+Prepare the living room trim: sand all chair rail and base moldings smooth, fill nail holes, apply one coat…
Finish surfaces of wood and other materials
+Prepare the living room trim: sand all chair rail and base moldings smooth, fill nail holes, apply one coat of primer on the underside, and lay them out in installation order on the sawhorses.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingO*NETWikipedia
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The daily work16
Install formwork for concrete pouring
+Set out and secure the timber frames and bracing for the slab edge, check dimensions against the site plan,…
Install formwork for concrete pouring
+Set out and secure the timber frames and bracing for the slab edge, check dimensions against the site plan, set levels and battens every 1.2 metres, nail sheathing tight, install chamfered stops and leave access for the pour on Friday morning.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingWikipedia
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Use materials such as plastic and metal
+Prepare and fit the temporary assemblies using plastic spacers and metal brackets where timber meets slab,…
Use materials such as plastic and metal
+Prepare and fit the temporary assemblies using plastic spacers and metal brackets where timber meets slab, cut and dress the metal flashings, secure with stainless fasteners, seal joints and tag each assembly for inventory before the site inspection on Thursday.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingESCO
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Measure and mark materials for cutting and assembly
+Measure and mark all stringers, risers, and tread cut lines for the front porch replacement at 18 Pine Lane,…
Measure and mark materials for cutting and assembly
+Measure and mark all stringers, risers, and tread cut lines for the front porch replacement at 18 Pine Lane, transfer dimensions to each board, label piece, and note which pieces need crown-up orientation before cutting later today.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingO*NETWikipedia
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Operate tools, machines, and equipment
+Set up for the roof framing day at 55 Birch Road: check saw calibration, torque impact driver bits, confirm…
Operate tools, machines, and equipment
+Set up for the roof framing day at 55 Birch Road: check saw calibration, torque impact driver bits, confirm guard and dust collection on the nailer, and write a short safety and tooling rundown for the crew before first lift.
The tools that do the workCraftsman CD Estimatorjob descriptionsWikipedia
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Verify trueness of structure, using plumb bob and level.
+Check the new partition at 102 Oak Avenue with a plumb bob and spirit level, record any out-of-plumb faces…
Verify trueness of structure, using plumb bob and level.
+Check the new partition at 102 Oak Avenue with a plumb bob and spirit level, record any out-of-plumb faces over 5mm per meter, mark corrective shimming or re-fastening locations, and re-check after adjustments.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingO*NET
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Remove damaged or defective parts or sections of structures and repair or replace, using hand tools.
+Remove the rotten lower sill at 89 Elm Street using hand tools, label and store any salvageable joinery, cut…
Remove damaged or defective parts or sections of structures and repair or replace, using hand tools.
+Remove the rotten lower sill at 89 Elm Street using hand tools, label and store any salvageable joinery, cut and fit the replacement sill to match existing profile, and note fasteners and sealant needed for final installation.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingO*NET
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Construct forms or chutes for pouring concrete.
+Build and brace the timber forms and chutes for Monday's slab pour at 412 Pine Street, cut and join the…
Construct forms or chutes for pouring concrete.
+Build and brace the timber forms and chutes for Monday's slab pour at 412 Pine Street, cut and join the panels to the specified thickness, check form alignment and slope, then flag any warped boards before concrete arrives.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingO*NET
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Bore boltholes in timber, masonry or concrete walls, using power drill.
+Mark and centre the bolthole locations on the post timbers and the masonry piers, set the correct drill depth…
Bore boltholes in timber, masonry or concrete walls, using power drill.
+Mark and centre the bolthole locations on the post timbers and the masonry piers, set the correct drill depth and diameter, secure the workpiece, and drill the holes for the anchor bolts while wearing eye and hearing protection.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingO*NET
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Dig or direct digging of post holes and set poles to support structures.
+Lay out, dig and batter the post holes for the new fence line at the rear yard, check depths to frost line,…
Dig or direct digging of post holes and set poles to support structures.
+Lay out, dig and batter the post holes for the new fence line at the rear yard, check depths to frost line, set the treated poles plumb with temporary braces, and backfill with compacted gravel so the line stays true.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingO*NET
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Arrange for subcontractors to deal with special areas, such as heating or electrical wiring work.
+Contact and book the licensed electrician and HVAC subcontractor to schedule trunking and duct runs for next…
Arrange for subcontractors to deal with special areas, such as heating or electrical wiring work.
+Contact and book the licensed electrician and HVAC subcontractor to schedule trunking and duct runs for next Wednesday, send them the elevations and penetrations plan, confirm insurance and permit coverage, and note any coordination clashes for the crew.
The tools that do the workBosch Punch ListDrawing and draftingO*NET
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Work with or remove hazardous material.
+Strip out the lead-painted window frames on the north elevation using containment and HEPA vacuum, log the…
Work with or remove hazardous material.
+Strip out the lead-painted window frames on the north elevation using containment and HEPA vacuum, log the hazardous-material removal in the site register, brief the crew on PPE and disposal method, and book hazardous waste pickup for Thursday.
The tools that do the workJob costingO*NET
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Build sleds from logs and timbers for use in hauling camp buildings and machinery through wooded areas.
+Build two hauling sleds from pine timbers for the camp move: dimension runners and crossbeams for a 10,000 lb…
Build sleds from logs and timbers for use in hauling camp buildings and machinery through wooded areas.
+Build two hauling sleds from pine timbers for the camp move: dimension runners and crossbeams for a 10,000 lb load, specify bolt sizes and skids, cut and pre-fit dry in the shop, then deliver assembled sleds to Camp Birch by Friday morning for trial tug.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingO*NET
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Assist with structural design and planning
+Assist structural planning for the lake cabin by reviewing the foundation and roof spans, mark critical…
Assist with structural design and planning
+Assist structural planning for the lake cabin by reviewing the foundation and roof spans, mark critical member sizes on the plans, suggest three bracing options with cost and labour impacts, and produce annotated sketches for the engineer before Monday's coordination meeting.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingEstimatingjob descriptions
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Perform repair work on fixtures
+Perform repair work on the church pews: inspect all twelve benches for loose joints and surface cracks,…
Perform repair work on fixtures
+Perform repair work on the church pews: inspect all twelve benches for loose joints and surface cracks, tighten or refit joinery, glue and clamp where needed, sand and touch up stain to match, then deliver a repair log and invoice to Pastor Allen by Thursday.
The tools that do the workBosch Punch Listjob descriptions
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Maintain and repair existing structures
+Maintain and repair the school gym bleachers: walk the stands, mark and replace split boards and loose…
Maintain and repair existing structures
+Maintain and repair the school gym bleachers: walk the stands, mark and replace split boards and loose fasteners, reinforce three hinge assemblies, clean and seal exposed wood, then submit a safety report and estimated follow-up costs to Facilities Manager James by Friday noon.
The tools that do the workJob costingWikipedia
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Prepare construction sites for building activities
+Prepare the Henderson lot for the contractor: clear brush, verify and mark batter boards and grade lines, lay…
Prepare construction sites for building activities
+Prepare the Henderson lot for the contractor: clear brush, verify and mark batter boards and grade lines, lay down temporary walkways and mud boards, stage materials at the north gate, and send a site readiness photo set and checklist to Foreman Luis before the crew arrives Monday.
The tools that do the workBosch Punch ListWikipedia
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Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses
Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses