Carpenters
SOC Code: 47-2031
Carpenters carries a 28% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $59,310 and +4.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 959,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 28% AI exposure, Carpenters sits 9 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 23% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Carpenters sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Carpenters has ai exposure of 28%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Carpenters vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Carpenters is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Carpenters (SOC 47-2031) carries an AI exposure score of 28%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 959,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.5% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $59,310, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Carpenters. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Registered Apprenticeship Pathway Available
Carpenters is a recognized registered apprenticeship occupation under the DOL RAPIDS system. Earn while you train, apprentices typically start at ~$16/hr and reach $28–$46/hr upon completion, depending on the specific trade and region.
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
- 2. Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.
- 3. Assemble and fasten materials to make frameworks or props, using hand tools and wood screws, nails, dowel pins, or glue.
- 4. Study specifications in blueprints, sketches, or building plans to prepare project layout and determine dimensions and materials required.
- 5. Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.
- 6. Verify trueness of structure, using plumb bob and level.
- 7. Cover subfloors with building paper to keep out moisture and lay hardwood, parquet, or wood-strip-block floors by nailing floors to subfloor or cementing them to mastic or asphalt base.
- 8. Construct forms or chutes for pouring concrete.
- 9. Arrange for subcontractors to deal with special areas, such as heating or electrical wiring work.
- 10. Build or repair cabinets, doors, frameworks, floors, or other wooden fixtures used in buildings, using woodworking machines, carpenter's hand tools, or power tools.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Coordination
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Quality Control Analysis
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Building and Construction
- Administration and Management
- Mathematics
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Physics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Carpenters?
Carpenters has an AI exposure score of 28%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Carpenters?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Carpenters is projected to grow by 4.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 959,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Carpenters?
Key skills for Carpenters include Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Carpenters earn?
The median annual wage for Carpenters is $59,310, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Carpenters?
The typical entry-level education for Carpenters is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Apprenticeship. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Carpenters?
Carpenters roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).