Carpenter

Build

It feels good to be providing a necessity to people in your community. Providing a home, or a place for people to work and earn a living, gives us a sense of purpose.  

Chad Greziuk
Carpenter

In A Nutshell

I use hand and power tools to build things out of wood, like barns and the smaller structures needed inside them.

I measure, cut, and build things like frames, doors, floors, tables, chairs, and other structures using wood and different materials.

I often install, inspect, and replace frameworks and walls in buildings.

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Potential Salary Range

$33,000 - 73,000 Annually

Which provinces would this job be in?

Alberta AB
Alberta
British Columbia BC
British Columbia
Manitoba MB
Manitoba
New Brunswick NB
New Brunswick
Newfoundland & Labrador NL
Newfoundland & Labrador
Nova Scotia NS
Nova Scotia
Nunavut NU
Nunavut
Northwest Territories NWT
Northwest Territories
Ontario ON
Ontario
Prince Edward Island PEI
Prince Edward Island
Quebec QC
Quebec
Saskwatchewan SK
Saskwatchewan
Yukon Territories YT
Yukon Territories

I usually work either in my shop or right at the construction site. Both places are busy, loud and full of action. It keeps things exciting.

Workplace

Indoor / Outdoor

Job Requirements & Duties

  • Follow blueprints and building plans
  • Install structures and fixtures
  • Identify different types of wood and understand their best uses
  • Use power tools, machines, and construction equipment
  • Follow safety protocols and wear protective gear required on the site
  • Inspect and repair previous work

Education & Training

  • Entry-level carpentry jobs are often available through apprenticeships with certified carpenters.
  • To become a certified carpenter, most provinces require a combination of on-the-job training, technical courses, and certification exams.
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Job Outlook

    • As the population grows, there will be a greater need for home construction, which means more job opportunities for carpenters.
    • Carpenters are subject to periods of unemployment as construction contracts end and slow down during colder months.

Related School Subjects

Arts Education
Ed. Prof. et Tech.
69 Math
Career Education

What words come to mind when thinking about this career?

Construction Build Wood Tools Trades

Important Skills

Creativity & Innovation

Customers often come to me with a general idea of what they'd like me to do, and it takes creativity to bring their vision to life.

Detail-Oriented icon

Detail-Oriented

Carpentry is a skill that requires precision; it's very important to focus on every little detail when you're doing such precise work.

Patience

High-quality work takes time, and good carpenters know not to rush the process.

Mechanical

I use specialized tools like saws and lathes, so being comfortable with machinery helps.

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The Best Things About This Job Are…

Pays Well
Creative Work
Independent Work
Work Changes Daily
Flexible Work Routine