GraduateSmart
GraduateSmart
No 4-year degree required — and that's a feature, not a fallback
Skilled trades typically start earning $45-75K straight out of high school with little or no debt. Many trades earn more than the median college grad by age 30. Look for paid apprenticeships (IBEW for electricians, UA for plumbers/pipefitters, local trade unions) — you earn while you learn instead of paying tuition.
$70K/yr
Average Salary
1 years
Years of Education
+4%
Job Growth
959K+
Total Jobs
Construct and repair building frameworks and structures made from wood. Erect and install partitions, joists, studding, rafters, stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. Some also fit cabinets, siding, drywall, and insulation.
$42K
Starting
$70K
Average
$98K
Senior
High School Diploma or GED
Foundation requirement for all pathways
Trade / Vocational Program
6–18 months of hands-on technical training
Apprenticeship or License
State licensing exam required for most trade careers
Start your career
Entry-level positions and internships
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OSHA 10-Hour Construction
OSHA Outreach Training Program
Field
Trades & Skilled Labor
Required Degree
Trade / Vocational
Time in School
1 years
Job Demand
10-Year Job Growth
+4%
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Create free account →Federal labor-market data for Carpenter
Pay range
$42K–$98K
10th–90th percentile
Job growth
+4%
projected 2024–2034
Number of jobs
959K
in 2024
Slower than average
Below-average demand growth expected. Projected to grow from 959K to 997K jobs by 2034.
Typical duties
Read the full duties, work environment, and education requirements on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Open BLS page →
Direct match. Median $59,310; 4% growth. **959,000 jobs — largest construction trade**. ~74,100 openings/year.