Career Explorer Construction and trades
Human edge, growing
Carpenters
Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation. Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways.
Among the most resilient careers: more resilient than 86% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is low (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it low), and US jobs are projected to change by +3.9% by 2035, faster than average. The work leans on physical dexterity and ethical judgement.
AI struggles with much of this work, and US employers are expected to hire more people into it than average.
- Median pay (2025)
- $60,580
- Job growth to 2035
- +3.9%
- Openings a year
- 62,800
- People doing it (2025)
- 890,000
- Usual route in
- High school diploma, then an apprenticeship
Where people already use AI for this work
- Read documents or materials to inform work processes
- Measure physical characteristics of materials, products, or equipment
- Select materials or equipment for operations or projects
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Build structures
- Clean tools, equipment, facilities, or work areas
- Position materials or components for assembly
What the work looks like
- Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.
- Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
- Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.
- Select and order lumber or other required materials.
- Install structures or fixtures, such as windows, frames, floorings, trim, or hardware, using carpenters' hand or power tools.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfittersHuman edge, growing, Index 91, +6.8%
- Derrick operators, oil and gasHuman edge, steady, Index 87, +1.6%
- Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersHuman edge, growing, Index 94, +10.9%
- Electric motor, power tool, and related repairersHuman edge, growing, Index 88, +4.4%
Also known as: Carpentry Construction Specialist, Finish Carpenter, Form Carpenter, Scaffold Builder, Bridge Carpenter, Cabinet Maker, Concrete Carpenter, Construction Carpenter.
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.