Carpenter Apprentice

Impact: Direct

Assists skilled carpenters in constructing, erecting, installing, and repairing structures and fixtures made of wood, plywood, wallboard, and other materials. Learns to read blueprints, measure, cut, and shape wood, and install various building components under supervision.

What the day looks like

People interaction
Moderate
Team vs solo
Team-oriented
Client facing
Never
Impact visibility
High
Travel
Local travel to job sites
Schedule flexibility
Rigid
Remote work
On-site Only
Typical work hours
40 hours/week
Stress level
Moderate

At a glance

Median salary
$48,000
Entry-level
$35,000
Senior
$65,000
Growth by 2033
5%
Demand
Stable
Freelance potential
Low
Salary growth potential
Medium
Typical student debt
$10,000 - $20,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

  • Blueprint Reading
  • Measuring
  • Cutting

Soft skills

  • Attention to Detail
  • Problem-Solving
  • Communication

Technical complexity: Moderate

How to get there

Minimum education
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Licensing
Yes
Years to mid-career
4
Years to senior
8
Career switching
Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

    Where you can go from here

      Typical progression

      1. Journeyman Carpenter, Foreman, Construction Manager

      Future outlook

      Automation probability
      Low
      AI disruption risk
      Very Low
      Demand trend
      Stable

      How people feel about it

      Overall satisfaction
      3.5/10
      Meaning
      4/10
      Work-life balance
      3.5/10
      Prestige
      5.5/10
      Social perception
      High

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