JOB OUTLOOK

Job opportunities for carpenters are expected to be excellent over the 2004 - 2014 period, particularly for those with the most skills. Demand for carpenters is expected to increase faster than other occupations through 2014, and turnover also creates a large number of openings each year.

Contractors report having trouble finding skilled carpenters to fill many of their openings, due to the fact that many job seekers are not inclined to go into construction, preferring work that is less strenuous and with more comfortable working conditions.

Also, many people with limited skills take jobs as carpenters but eventually leave the occupation because they dislike the work or cannot find steady employment.