Pursuing a career in carpentry is a great way to make a living as a skilled tradesperson; however, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to turn if you want to explore alternative vocations. Working as a carpenter requires a range of specialized skills, and these skills can often be transferred to other areas. To help you out, this blog post will explore several alternative careers that carpenters can consider, including working as a home inspector, a restoration specialist or a woodworker. We will look at the duties involved in each role, any qualifications required and the potential rewards available. With this information, you can start to make an informed decision about which direction to take your career.
What are alternative careers for carpenters?
Carpenters may be qualified for or find interesting jobs in alternative careers if they want to pursue a different line of work. Some alternative professions are similar to carpentry in their methods or requirements, which can ease the transition to that position. Other options, like craft professions, active jobs, jobs that allow you to work independently, or jobs involving working with wood, may share some characteristics with carpentry but belong in a different industry.
12 alternative careers for carpenters
These are some examples of alternative careers for carpenters. Please click on the links below to view the most recent Indeed salaries:
The main responsibilities of a demolition worker are to tear down or destroy old, dilapidated buildings so that a construction crew can erect a new building there. Power tools, large machinery, and explosives are some typical tools that demolition workers use to demolish buildings. Additionally, demolition workers might maintain their tools and warn passing traffic to avoid demolition sites. Carpenters frequently interact with the construction sector, which may give them knowledge of how to safely demolish a structure.
Fence builders’ main responsibilities are to design, construct, and maintain various kinds of gates and fences. They can pick the fence’s materials, design fences in accordance with local laws, put up new fences or gates, and fix fence gaps with power tools. Some fence builders have a specific area of expertise, like farming or decorative fencing. Since fences are frequently made of wood, carpenters may be able to build or repair fences using their knowledge of wooden materials.
Industrial painters’ main responsibilities include cleaning, painting, and varnishing a variety of surfaces for industrial businesses like housing or automotive firms. They utilize a variety of tools, such as paint rollers, mechanical hoists, and chemical paint removers, to complete their painting tasks. Maintaining their tools, testing the paint’s viscosity to determine how many coats are necessary, and safely disposing of any chemical waste are additional responsibilities. Numerous carpenters have painting experience, which may lead to a new career as a painter.
Insulators’ primary responsibilities include applying insulation to ducts, boilers, and other household items to help them retain heat or cold. Common tasks include scanning an area for potential safety hazards, replacing outdated insulation with fresh materials, and getting rid of old insulation. Some insulators are certified to eliminate asbestos from homes as well. Carpenters often have good hand-eye coordination and experience handling potentially dangerous materials, which can be advantageous when working as insulators.
Flooring installers’ main responsibilities are to create and install flooring for structures, primarily homes. They determine the floor’s dimensions, make material and layout decisions, install carpet, wood, or other flooring materials, and finish the installation by giving the floor the proper finish. Some flooring installers may also instruct their clients on how to properly maintain their new floors. Because both flooring installation and carpentry involve creating and implementing items for a home, they are similar professions.
Bricklayers use brick, stones, or concrete blocks to build structures as their primary materials. They prepare mortar, lay brick or stone, create openings for brick structures, and demolish previously existing brick structures. Some common structures include walkways, fences, chimneys, buildings and patios. Carpenters and masons share similar responsibilities, but masons work with brick instead of wood, making it possible for a carpenter to pick up masonry skills more quickly.
Building inspectors are safety experts that a city hires to make sure a building complies with all local safety regulations. A building’s location is visited by inspectors, who examine the building to see if it complies with regulations and record their findings for use in a formal report. Numerous building inspectors have a particular area of safety expertise, such as electrical, fire, or residential inspections. Carpenters frequently construct buildings or the structures that support them, so their expertise may help them perform their jobs as building inspectors more efficiently.
Primary responsibilities: 3D modelers use software to create 3D models in accordance with the needs of their clients. Meeting with clients, producing 2D reference drawings, designing models, and applying textures are typical tasks. There are numerous uses for 3D modeling, including models for movies, science, and architecture. In order to draft carpentry designs, many carpenters use 3D modeling software, so they may already be familiar with creating models.
Pipefitters, also known as steamfitters, are responsible for building and maintaining high-pressure piping systems. Off-site pipe design, installation in accordance with piping system blueprints, repairs, and routine pipe inspection for damage These experts might study welding so they can grind and fuse pipes to make them fit together in order to adjust the pipes. Carpenters can assist in the design and drafting of piping systems because they may have experience drawing blueprints.
Logistics managers’ main responsibilities include coordinating a company’s or organization’s supply chain. This may entail keeping track of inventory, addressing transportation issues, monitoring shipments or products, and inspecting warehouses. They are frequently in charge of making sure those who work in their supply chain adhere to the correct safety protocols. Carpenters may be interested in logistics management because it involves a lot of physical work and problem-solving.
Facilities managers are responsible for maintaining a specific commercial space, such as a building or a company’s grounds, and making sure it complies with all safety regulations. They can carry out routine maintenance tasks, hire any necessary outside contractors, keep records of those contractors, and inspect and repair equipment on the property. Because they frequently have some experience repairing items you might find on a commercial property, carpenters may be able to handle more difficult tasks without bringing in outside contractors.
Solar installers, also known as PV installers, are primarily responsible for assembling, installing, and maintaining solar panels on building rooftops. They can take measurements to make sure the solar panels will fit in the space, work at high altitudes to install the panels, and conduct routine maintenance on both residential and commercial solar panels. You can install panels alone even though most solar installers work in teams. Carpentry is a physically demanding job that requires accurate measurement abilities, which can help you become a proficient solar installer.
Alternative Careers 04: Carpenter (Ziyad Ahmad Bagharib)
FAQ
What job can I do after carpentry?
…
12 alternative careers for carpenters
- Demolition worker. …
- Fence erector. …
- Industrial painter. …
- Insulator. …
- Flooring installer. …
- Brick mason. …
- Building inspector. …
- 3D modeler.
Is carpentry still a good career?
Carpenter employment is expected to increase by 2% between 2020 and 2030, which is slower than the average for all occupations. Over the next ten years, there are expected to be, on average, 89,300 openings for carpenters, despite modest employment growth.
What type of carpenter makes the most money?
An average annual salary of $55,742 is possible for carpenters. You may be able to access better wages, benefits, and representation by joining a carpenter’s union. Some carpenters increase their pay by specializing in certain fields, such as furniture or construction carpentry.
