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Construction Tradesperson, Cribber, Framer, Scaffolder
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Carpenters’ duties vary with the type of job.
In residential jobs, they:
In commercial or industrial jobs, they:
In maintenance jobs, they:
Some carpenters specialize in a particular type of work such as framing, bench work or finishing work.
Carpenters must be accurate with measurements to avoid costly mistakes or omissions. Most carpentry tasks start with reading blueprints or getting instructions from a supervisor. From there, the work involves:
Carpenters must be accurate with measurements to avoid costly mistakes or omissions. They must also follow national and local building codes.
Carpenters may work alone, in teams or with helpers. Because their profession involves a variety of work sites, working conditions vary. On some jobs carpenters work primarily indoors, are permanently employed and work a regular 40-hour week. On jobs that are primarily outdoors, they are subject to seasonal unemployment and routinely work overtime in peak periods.
There is some risk of injury due to slips, falls and falling objects, and carpenters must follow safety guidelines when working with sharp hand and power tools. They must stand, crouch and kneel for long periods, and often have to handle items weighing up to 25 kilograms.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working to prepare layouts that conform to building codes using measuring tools
Interest in speaking to apprentices and other construction workers to supervise their activities
Interest in compiling information to build foundations, install floor beams, lay subflooring and erect walls and roof systems
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Carpenters need:
They should enjoy creating things with their hands, working with wood, and mastering their craft.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 281 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Apr 10, 2024 and Apr 24, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Measure, cut, shape, assemble and join materials made of wood, wood substitutes, lightweight steel and other materials | 273 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Read and interpret blueprints, drawings and sketches to determine specifications and calculate requirements | 254 |
| Tasks: Fit and install windows, doors, stairs, mouldings and hardware | 253 |
| Tasks: Prepare layouts in conformance to building codes, using measuring tools | 202 |
| Tasks: Build foundations, install floor beams, lay subflooring and erect walls and roof systems | 198 |
| Tasks: Maintain, repair and renovate residences and wooden structures in mills, mines, hospitals, industrial plants and other establishments | 189 |
| Work Setting: Various locations | 157 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 135 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 131 |
| Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years | 105 |
To work in Alberta, a carpenter must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
The term of apprenticeship is 4 years (four 12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year.
High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
Apprentices are required to provide their own tools.
Carpenter apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).
Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Carpenters construct, erect and repair buildings and other structures made of wood, wood substitutes, steel and other materials. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile on Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you do not have to be certified if you are self-employed or work for an employer who is satisfied that you have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. To learn the trade, you must become a registered apprentice.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Carpenter.
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most carpenters are employed by construction contractors, are self-employed or do construction or maintenance work for government agencies, utility companies or manufacturing firms. Employment prospects for carpenters vary considerably depending on the season and market conditions. This is a profession very much tied to the economy, and jobs typically increase when the economy is sound and decline when the economy is in a downturn.
Experienced carpenters may become foremen, subcontractors, construction superintendents, contractors or project managers. They are involved in every step of construction and this overall knowledge is an advantage when applying for supervisory positions.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 7271: Carpenters occupational group, 82.0% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7271: Carpenters occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.6% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 236 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson carpenter wage rates vary, but generally range from $25 to $38 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices earn at least 60% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 70% in the second, 80% in the third and 90% in the fourth.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $23.00 | $38.99 | $31.03 | $30.00 |
| Overall | $25.00 | $38.99 | $33.27 | $34.00 |
| Top | $30.00 | $48.81 | $37.65 | $36.50 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $72,252 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $72,543 |
| Educational Services | $67,459 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $75,025 |
| Public Administration | $88,016 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: www.tradesecrets.alberta.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
