Carpenters
(NOC 7271)
in All Trades and TransportationCarpenters build, install, maintain, and repair structures and components of structures made of wood, wood substitutes, lightweight steel, and other materials. They work for construction companies, carpentry contractors, and maintenance departments of factories, plants and other businesses, or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
At the outset of the pandemic in March, carpenters were moderately impacted. Private worksites were impacted by physical distancing requirements, leading to the suspension of work on some projects and general uncertainty about the state of the construction industry going into the busy season. Disrupted supply chains caused a large increase in material prices, rendering some planned projects uneconomical. These events resulted in temporary layoffs, which affected a large percentage of this occupational group. An influx of people moving to the province, a surge of interest in home renovations, and an exceptionally tight housing market provided a major boost to residential construction activity. This trend appears to have overwhelmed the negative effects experienced earlier in the pandemic. In some areas of the province, COVID-19 has made a pre-existing shortage of carpenters worse, as some decided to stop working or retire early to avoid exposure. As the Health Protection Act Order remains in effect, some carpenters are working with personal protective equipment (PPE).
Employment prospects for carpenters are good, thanks to the current surge in demand. In addition to strong residential activity, several non-residential projects have absorbed nearly all the available supply of carpenters in that sector. These favourable conditions are expected to persist for the next couple of years. The limited supply of available carpenters may apply upward pressure on wages as contractors and employers compete for a dwindling supply of workers. Some employers have relaxed requirements in response to the shortage. Jobseekers with less experience may benefit from this hiring environment.
The median employment income for the 40% of Carpenters who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $38,527. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, the 59% of those who worked full-time, year-round had a median employment income of $43,600. (Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$20.67
Median$33.63
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,640
Minimum$26,101
Median$59,012
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.50
Minimum$27.25
Median$35.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Carpenters build, install, maintain, and repair structures and components of structures made of wood, wood substitutes, lightweight steel, and other materials. They work for construction companies, carpentry contractors, and maintenance departments of factories, plants and other businesses, or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Carpenters:
- Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine specifications and calculate requirements.
- Prepare layouts that meet building codes using measuring tools.
- Measure, cut, shape, assemble and join materials made of wood, wood substitutes, lightweight steel, and other materials.
- Build foundations, install floor beams, lay subflooring and build walls and roof systems.
- Fit and install trim items like doors, stairs, moulding, and hardware.
- Maintain, repair, and renovate residences and wooden structures in mills, mines, hospitals, industrial plants and other businesses.
- Supervise apprentices and other construction workers.
- May prepare cost estimates for clients.
Sample job titles
- apprentice carpenter
- boatbuilder
- carpenter
- construction carpenter
- framing carpenter
- journeyman/woman carpenter
- prefabricated house carpenter
- renovation carpenter
- rough carpenter
Skills
This work requires good hand-eye coordination, spatial perception, and material handling abilities. You should be in excellent physical condition and be willing to work under adverse weather conditions and at heights from ladders, staging, and rooftops. You must also be able to follow instructions and cooperate with others as part of a team. Some artistic ability is an asset.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- A three- to four-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in carpentry is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Trade certification for carpenters is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified carpenters upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Other considerations
Jobs in the construction industry are strongly affected by seasonal changes and general economic conditions. As a result, workers in these jobs should be prepared for periods of unemployment. Also, many work on a project basis and can expect periods of unemployment throughout the year. The wage rate for apprentices is usually a percentage of the journeyperson rate, increasing upon completion of each stage of the apprenticeship program. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Southern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
North Shore
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Manufacturing
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Retail trade
Educational services
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
25-34
35-44
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Apprenticeship
$31,351 median annual incomeHigh school
$23,265 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$26,521 median annual incomeLess than high school
$22,255 median annual incomeBachelor
$22,047 median annual incomeCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Apprenticeship
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Siploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Carpentry
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to lay out, cut, fabricate, erect, install, and repair wooden structures and fixtures, using hand and power tools. They include courses in technical mathematics, framing, construction materials and selection, job estimating, blueprint reading, foundations and roughing-in, finish carpentry techniques, and applicable codes and standards.
Institutions providing this program
Stellarton, NS
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Marine Maintenance/Fitter and Ship Repair Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair outboard and inboard engines, test, maintain, and repair steering devices and electrical systems, repair hulls and vessel components, make and maintain sails, and repair and balance propellers and drive shafts.
Institutions providing this program
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This job is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, but a certificate is not needed to legally do this work.
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This job is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, but a certificate is not needed to legally do this work.