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Summary Guide for

Carpenters in California

May also be called: Commercial Carpenters; Residential Carpenters; and Specialty Carpenters.

Specialties within this occupation include: Acoustical Installers; Cabinet Makers; Drywall-Lathers; Hardwood Floorlayers; Insulators; and Scaffold Erectors.

What Would I Do?

Carpenters work in almost every type of construction. They construct, erect, install, and repair structures made from concrete, steel, wood, and other materials.

Carpenters often work in dusty, noisy places that may be indoors or outdoors, at floor level, or on ladders or scaffolds. Those working outdoors are exposed to all types of weather conditions. Carpenters can be injured by falling objects, sharp tools, and power equipment, or from falling from high places. However, the risk of injury may be reduced by following proper safety procedures and wearing personal protective equipment and clothing.

Will This Job Fit Me?

The job of a Carpenter may appeal to those who enjoy activities that involve practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

What Wages and Benefits Can I Expect?

The median wage in 2009 for Carpenters in California was $51,839 annually, or $24.92 hourly. The median is the point at which half of the workers earn more and half earn less.

Annual Wages for 2009	Low (25th percentile)	Median (50th percentile)	High (75th percentile)
Change to Hourly Wages
California	$39,385	$51,839	$65,120
Source: EDD/LMID Occupational Employment Statistics Survey, 2009 Wages do not reflect self-employment.
View Wages for All Areas

Hourly Wages for 2009	Low (25th percentile)	Median (50th percentile)	High (75th percentile)
Change to Annual Wages
California	$18.93	$24.92	$31.31
Source: EDD/LMID Occupational Employment Statistics Survey, 2009. Wages do not reflect self-employment.
View Wages for All Areas

Carpenters can expect to receive health insurance and paid vacation. Benefits for union Carpenters include health, dental, and vision insurance; paid vacation; and retirement plans. Some non-union shops also provide benefits other than workers’ compensation.

What is the Job Outlook?

In California, the number of Carpenters is expected to grow slower than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Carpenters are expected to increase by 12.2 percent, or 25,700 jobs between 2006 and 2016.

Estimated Employment and Projected Growth Carpenters
Geographic Area (Estimated Year-Projected Year)	Estimated Employment	Projected Employment	Numeric Change	Percent Change	Additional Openings Due to Net Replacements
California (2006-2016)	210,000	235,700	25,700	12.2	28,400
Source: EDD/LMID Projections of Employment by Occupation
View Projected Growth for All Areas

The need for Carpenters is expected to remain sound as commercial construction activity increases in California in response to the demand for new office and retail space, and for modernizing and expanding industrial plants.

How Do I Qualify?

Many employers prefer to hire Carpentry applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent. Those entering Carpentry occupations must be physically able to complete all phases of the work. Completion of a formal apprenticeship or construction vocational or trade college program is the usual method of entry into this occupation.

Finding a Job

Online job opening systems include JobCentral at www.jobcentral.com and CalJOBS^SM at www.caljobs.ca.gov.

To find your nearest One-Stop Career Center, go to Service Locator. View the helpful job search tips for more resources. (requires Adobe Reader).

Learn More About Carpenters