6 Reasons The Carpentry Trade is a Good Career in 2023

If you’re looking for comfort, a sedentary lifestyle, or a desk job, then carpentry is probably not the career for you. 

However, carpentry can open up a plethora of opportunities and fulfillment within your life.

The carpentry trade is a skilled trade involving making things with wood. The primary work forms include cutting, reforming, shaping, and installing wooden structures and frameworks.

Carpentry is an excellent trade due to higher-than-average wages, minimal education requirements, and opportunities for advancement. In the US, the average salary for a carpenter is over $55,000 per year, and the demand for skilled carpenters is expected to increase by 8% in the next decade.

Having been a carpenter myself, here is a short guide on why I believe carpentry is a great career choice for the right type of person.

1. Working With Your Hands 

Working with your hands can be a great way to keep your mind from overthinking and focus kinesthetically.

• Carpentry could be an excellent option for you if you’re the kinesthetic learner type. 
• There’s nothing like seeing the physical results of your hard work.

2. Creativity

The best carpenters are the creative types that can conceptualize ideas in their heads before they put chisel to wood. 

• Visualizing and coming up with ideas is a key part of carpentry
• If you like to work on creative projects, carpentry will bring this to you daily. 

3. Minimal Educational Requirements

To be a carpenter, getting started requires minimal requirements. You can virtually finish high school and go straight into the role without prior experience, then learn on the job. 

Granted, there are opportunities for apprenticeships and courses you can take to get yourself ahead of fellow applicants, but it’s by no means a necessity. 

4. No College Debt

The best thing about carpentry having no educational requirements is that you’ll end up with no college debt.

• You can start your career years earlier than other people the same age as you who attend college.
• The years spent on the job will allow you to progress and rank up the pay ladder when college grads are still on a starting salary.

5. Good Pay

On average, carpenters earn $24.08 per hour or a salary of $61,905 (1).

• This is higher than the national average wage, and there is a chance to progress and earn even more. 
• You can earn more by working for yourself, even as a one-man carpentry business.

Whether you work for yourself or as an employee, carpenters make good money.

6. Lots of Job Opportunities

There is a high demand for carpentry within the construction industry. It’s a sought-after skill and, with that, brings a lot of job opportunities for both starters and people looking to progress in their carpentry profession.

Pro-Tip: Although carpentry is a sought-after trade, this does not mean you’ll walk into your dream role without any effort from your side. Creating an awesome resume is the best way to get your foot in the door for a great job.

Frequently Asked Questions

References:

1. https://www.indeed.com/career/carpenter/salaries