How to Research Salary Ranges and Benefits for a Carpenter
Carpenters build structures, furniture and other items made from wood. A carpenter's approximate annual salary can range from less than $18,000 to more than $49,000, depending on experience, geographic area, union affiliation, economic times and the weather. The median salary is approximately $29,000.
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Instructions
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Interview carpentry contractors to get an idea about the salary range in your area.
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Contact your state's employment service for information about wages and opportunities.
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Understand that training in an official apprentice program, if possible, is preferable over receiving just on-the-job training. In a program, you also receive classroom instruction, which will make you a better candidate for landing higher-paying jobs.
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Expect to work hard to advance to supervisory positions if you want to have a well-paid career.
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Consider joining the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. Union benefits and salaries are generally better than working for a non-union shop. But consider that you will have to pay union dues and that the competition to join the union may be tough.
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Search the Internet for further information about the field. A major search engine like Google or Yahoo! is a good place to start.
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Tips & Warnings
Gain skills in various types of carpentry work so that you will have the best opportunity for full-time employment.
Be aware that bad weather and economic downturns can greatly reduce a carpenter's salary, especially a structural carpenter working outdoors. You might have to relocate to find work.
