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.
Make5
Cut wooden elements
+Measure and mark the eight stair stringers from the layout, cut each with the circular saw to the exact rise…
Cut wooden elements
+Measure and mark the eight stair stringers from the layout, cut each with the circular saw to the exact rise and run, dry-fit the treads and risers on the landing today and flag any warped pieces for replacement before Friday installation.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingESCOjob descriptionsWikipedia
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Prepare and measure lumber
+Lay out the bedroom joists and plate locations, measure and rip the twelve 2x10s to length with a clear end…
Prepare and measure lumber
+Lay out the bedroom joists and plate locations, measure and rip the twelve 2x10s to length with a clear end mark, check each against the framing plan, bundle and label them for tomorrow's installation.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Construct framing and frameworks
+Lay out the exterior wall plates and rafters from the plan, cut and assemble the first wall with plumb and…
Construct framing and frameworks
+Lay out the exterior wall plates and rafters from the plan, cut and assemble the first wall with plumb and square checks, toe-screw the temporary bracing, and mark the anchor locations for the foundation bolts before ending the day.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingjob descriptionsO*NET
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Make cabinets and furniture
+Cut and assemble the kitchen base cabinet carcasses to the measured opening, fit adjustable shelves and…
Make cabinets and furniture
+Cut and assemble the kitchen base cabinet carcasses to the measured opening, fit adjustable shelves and drawer boxes, sand and check reveal gaps, then deliver the completed units to the homeowner for dry-fit on Saturday.
The tools that do the workRenaissance MasterCarpenterjob descriptionsWikipedia
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Finish surfaces of wood and other materials
+Finish sanding, fill knots and seams, apply grain-enhancing oil to the dining table top and touch up the…
Finish surfaces of wood and other materials
+Finish sanding, fill knots and seams, apply grain-enhancing oil to the dining table top and touch up the stair handrail with matching stain so both surfaces are smooth, level, and cured by Friday for the client walkthrough.
The tools that do the workRenaissance MasterCarpenterO*NETWikipedia
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Analysing1
Read and interpret blueprints
+Compare the set of blueprints for the kitchen wall to the on-site dimensions, call out any discrepancies with…
Read and interpret blueprints
+Compare the set of blueprints for the kitchen wall to the on-site dimensions, call out any discrepancies with the electrician and homeowner, note the header sizes and stud spacing, and record two change items to resolve before ordering materials on Monday.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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The daily work15
Measure and mark materials for cutting and assembly
+Measure and mark all studs, plates, and cut lists for the new kitchen framing, double-checking dimensions…
Measure and mark materials for cutting and assembly
+Measure and mark all studs, plates, and cut lists for the new kitchen framing, double-checking dimensions against the plan and marking blade depth and grain direction before cutting this afternoon.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingO*NETWikipedia
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Remove damaged or defective parts or sections of structures and repair or replace, using hand tools.
+Remove the rotten stair stringer section, salvage sound fasteners and treads, cut a replacement from…
Remove damaged or defective parts or sections of structures and repair or replace, using hand tools.
+Remove the rotten stair stringer section, salvage sound fasteners and treads, cut a replacement from pressure-treated stock to match, fit and screw it in place with through-bolts, then log materials used and photos for the homeowner.
The tools that do the workCraftsman CD EstimatorO*NET
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Construct forms or chutes for pouring concrete.
+Build and fit sturdy timber forms and a debris chute for the rear patio pour, cut and join 2x8s to the lines,…
Construct forms or chutes for pouring concrete.
+Build and fit sturdy timber forms and a debris chute for the rear patio pour, cut and join 2x8s to the lines, brace every two feet, plywood sheathing on the inside, leave removable screws for demolding after seven days.
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 bolt locations, centre and pilot drill 18mm holes through the timber plates and into the concrete…
Bore boltholes in timber, masonry or concrete walls, using power drill.
+Mark bolt locations, centre and pilot drill 18mm holes through the timber plates and into the concrete backing at the otherwise marked anchors, clear debris, verify bolt fit, and wear eye and dust protection throughout.
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 and dig post holes to plan depth and diameter, set treated posts plumb with gravel base and concrete…
Dig or direct digging of post holes and set poles to support structures.
+Lay out and dig post holes to plan depth and diameter, set treated posts plumb with gravel base and concrete backfill, brace each post until cured, and record hole depths and dates for inspection.
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 licensed electrician Tom Ruiz and HVAC tech Lisa Cheng, send them the scope and access times for next…
Arrange for subcontractors to deal with special areas, such as heating or electrical wiring work.
+Contact licensed electrician Tom Ruiz and HVAC tech Lisa Cheng, send them the scope and access times for next Tuesday, confirm insurance and permits, and book them to start after our rough framing is signed off.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordO*NET
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Work with or remove hazardous material.
+Remove the lead-flashed trim from the upstairs window, isolate the area, bag and label hazardous waste,…
Work with or remove hazardous material.
+Remove the lead-flashed trim from the upstairs window, isolate the area, bag and label hazardous waste, request certified hazardous-waste pickup for Thursday, and log PPE use and clearance test results before reinstalling finish trim.
The tools that do the workJob costingO*NET
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Install formwork for concrete pouring
+Install the timber formwork for the front stoop: cut and fit treated 2x8s to the marked layout, brace every 3…
Install formwork for concrete pouring
+Install the timber formwork for the front stoop: cut and fit treated 2x8s to the marked layout, brace every 3 feet with stakes and diagonal supports, level the top to 1/8 inch over 6 feet, check all joints are tight before concrete pour on Friday.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingWikipedia
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Use materials such as plastic and metal
+Fit the new threshold and curb patch using sheet plastic as a vapor barrier and galvanized metal flashing at…
Use materials such as plastic and metal
+Fit the new threshold and curb patch using sheet plastic as a vapor barrier and galvanized metal flashing at all joints, measure and trim materials to clear door swing, fasten with stainless screws and sealant, and inspect edges for water-tightness before closing up.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingESCO
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Build sleds from logs and timbers for use in hauling camp buildings and machinery through wooded areas.
+Build two heavy sleds from pine logs and oak skids to move the camp kitchen and generator: lay out join…
Build sleds from logs and timbers for use in hauling camp buildings and machinery through wooded areas.
+Build two heavy sleds from pine logs and oak skids to move the camp kitchen and generator: lay out join points, notch runners to fit the axles, bolt timber beds with galvanized hardware, fit rope tow points, then stage them by the north gate for the logging crew on Monday morning.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingO*NET
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Assist with structural design and planning
+Help produce structural plans for the back porch rebuild: take final field measurements, calculate header and…
Assist with structural design and planning
+Help produce structural plans for the back porch rebuild: take final field measurements, calculate header and beam sizes for the 14-foot span, note connection details for the contractor, and hand the sketches and load notes to Sarah, the structural engineer, before Friday's permit review.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingjob descriptions
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Perform repair work on fixtures
+Repair the loose bathroom vanity and cabinet doors at 12 Elm: remove doors, tighten hinges and replace…
Perform repair work on fixtures
+Repair the loose bathroom vanity and cabinet doors at 12 Elm: remove doors, tighten hinges and replace stripped screws, plane and re-glue any swollen panels, sand and touch up finish, then photograph the repairs and email the before-and-after to homeowner Jason by end of day.
The tools that do the workBosch Punch Listjob descriptions
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Maintain and repair existing structures
+Inspect and repair the sagging porch roof on 7 Maple: remove damaged sheathing, replace rotten joists with…
Maintain and repair existing structures
+Inspect and repair the sagging porch roof on 7 Maple: remove damaged sheathing, replace rotten joists with treated lumber to current spans, secure flashing and re-seat shingles, update the maintenance log and submit the repair summary and invoice to Linda by Thursday.
The tools that do the workJob costingWikipedia
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Prepare construction sites for building activities
+Prepare the Willow Lane site for the new shed: clear brush and grading lines, mark and stake footings,…
Prepare construction sites for building activities
+Prepare the Willow Lane site for the new shed: clear brush and grading lines, mark and stake footings, protect nearby trees with plywood shields, order and stage the cut lumber and fasteners at the driveway, and confirm the site is ready for the crew on Tuesday morning.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingWikipedia
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Drawing and drafting
+Record the new kitchen cabinet run into the drawing and drafting, noting 3/4 oak plywood, two blind corners,…
Drawing and drafting
+Record the new kitchen cabinet run into the drawing and drafting, noting 3/4 oak plywood, two blind corners, soft-close hinges, tall pantry elevation, and attach the site photos and measurements before I order materials for next Tuesday.
The tools that do the workDrawing and draftingO*NET
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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