Carpentry

Carpenters are expert woodworkers and form builders, capable of tackling projects that range from ornate custom furniture to framing for full-scale construction and housing developments. In addition to honing their craft, carpenters must learn to read plans and specifications, understand steel formwork, shoring and concrete, and use precision tools to erect, install and repair structures that are literally the foundation for the buildings in which people live and work.

Carpenters are in high demand, and will continue to be in demand into 2028. New job openings in this profession are expected to exceed 23,000 according to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank. Those who have completed secondary school and want to join the industry can enroll in carpentry courses and carpentry apprenticeships, which can take three to four years. A combination of college courses and industry experience will be required for trade certification.

Carpenters earn an average of $49,800 in the year they are certified, according to Statistics Canada. Those starting work as apprentices earn an average of $30,180. Carpenters who have already been certified for two years earn approximately $54,480. Salaries for project managers and supervisors with carpentry skills can exceed $80,000-$100,000 per year.