NOC 72310: Carpenters

The employment outlook will be Very good for carpenters (NOC 72310) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities may vary depending on the time of the year.

Carpenters continue to be in high demand in P.E.I., driven by housing shortages, new residential construction, and steady renovation activity. Residential employment is expected to continue to grow over the forecast period, creating strong demand for carpenters. Seasonal demand remains a factor, with peak employment during the summer months, but opportunities are also sustained through renovation and maintenance projects year-round. Many carpenters in P.E.I. are self-employed, and entrepreneurial opportunities remain strong, particularly for those with specialized skills. For new graduates or career seekers, this occupation offers stable employment, competitive wages, and advancement potential, with prospects strongest for those who can adapt to new technologies (e.g., digital blueprints, advanced tools) and are willing to travel to job sites across the province.

Here are some key facts about carpenters in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 1,100 people work in this occupation.

Carpenters mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 93%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 16% for all occupations

50% of carpenters work all year, while 50% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

30% of carpenters are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 16% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 28% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 30% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 21% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for carpenters (NOC 72310) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

Carpenters are in high demand in many areas of mainland Nova Scotia, due in part to the high level of housing construction and renovation activity currently taking place. Opportunities for carpenters are not always advertised through traditional channels. Possession of a vehicle is often a job requirement, which may be a barrier to some candidates. The limited supply of carpenters has prompted some employers or contractors to offer improved compensation, drawing workers from up to an hour away. It has also served to improve hiring prospects for recent graduates from carpentry programs, as well as jobseekers with experience but no formal training. Some employers may hire an applicant with little carpentry experience as a helper or labourer, but provide informal on-the-job carpentry training. Those pursuing a formal apprenticeship in carpentry may be challenged by a lack of existing Red Seal journeypersons who are able to supervise them

Here are some key facts about carpenters in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 5,250 people work in this occupation.

Carpenters mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 86%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 91% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 9% compared to 18% for all occupations

48% of carpenters work all year, while 52% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

31% of carpenters are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 16% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 26% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 32% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 21% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for carpenters (NOC 72310) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Sustained demand for this occupation is expected, as most employment is in the construction sector.

Large infrastructure investments in healthcare, and public facilities, and rising commercial construction will support demand for this occupation.

To meet population growth, there will be a steady demand for new housing, including the construction of multi-unit buildings, as well as multiple large non-residential projects.

Falling interest rates and lower borrowing costs should support an increase in renovations and home improvement projects, and support work opportunities for this occupation.

Here are some key facts about carpenters in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 3,100 people work in this occupation.

Carpenters mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 85%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 90% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 10% compared to 19% for all occupations

53% of carpenters work all year, while 47% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

37% of carpenters are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 16% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 33% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 42% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 6% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for carpenters (NOC 72310) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

This occupation will benefit from major public and private construction projects scheduled in Northwest Territories over the forecast period.

For example, the planned construction of the $1.65 billion Mackenzie Valley Highway, connecting Wrigley to Norman Wells, is expected to generate employment in this occupation when construction begins in 2027 or 2028. Ongoing work at the $4 billion Giant Mine remediation site may also lead to construction employment.

Training for this occupation is available locally at Aurora College.

Designated carpenters in the Northwest Territories require apprenticeship training. This training requires eight weeks of learning per level at each of the four levels. Apprentices must score at least 70% on the Trades Entrance Exam or have certain grades in high school English or Literacy, Math, and Science or equivalents (

Government of Northwest Territories, 2025

).

Here are some key facts about carpenters in Northwest Territories:

Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Carpenters mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 73%

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 8%

Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 7%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 93% compared to 88% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 7% compared to 12% for all occupations

56% of carpenters work all year, while 44% work only part of the year, compared to 71% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

12% of carpenters are self-employed compared to an average of 7% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 32% compared to 17% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 21% compared to 26% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 36% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 7% compared to 18% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for carpenters (NOC 72310) in Nunavut for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

This occupation will benefit from major public and private construction projects scheduled in Nunavut over the forecast period.

For example, the planned construction of a new air terminal in Rankin Inlet by 2026 and the Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre in Iqaluit in 2027 are expected to generate employment in this occupation.

The Government of Nunavut's proposed $3.3 billion project to connect Manitoba Hydro's power grid to five western Nunavut communities and a gold mine, if built, would also lead to new construction jobs in the territory.

Nunavut has a shortage of skilled tradespeople to complete major public and private construction projects, leading to contractors routinely bringing in workers from southern Canada.

Local training for this occupation is available at Nunavut Arctic College.

Here are some key facts about carpenters in Nunavut:

Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Carpenters mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 73%

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 8%

Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 7%

56% of carpenters work all year, while 43% work only part of the year, compared to 72% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

6% of carpenters are self-employed compared to an average of less than 5% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 95% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 5% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 47% compared to 37% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 14% compared to 22% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 28% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 12% compared to 15% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: n/a

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Moderate for carpenters (NOC 72310) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities may vary depending on the time of the year.

Following a decline in 2023, housing starts are expected to rise through the remainder of the forecast period due to a shortage in housing units. Renovation and maintenance activity should remain steady over the forecast period. On the non-residential side, activity is expected to remain stable. Carpenters will need to keep abreast of advancements in technology which are shaping the occupation. For instance, workers will need to be able to read computer generated blueprints and be familiar with the latest tools. Also, carpenters should be mobile as they will be required to travel to various job sites across the region. Employment prospects will be better for experienced workers with specialized carpentry skills.

Here are some key facts about carpenters in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 2,400 people work in this occupation.

Carpenters mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 80%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 95% compared to 83% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

28% of carpenters work all year, while 71% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 31 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

14% of carpenters are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 18% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 25% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 44% compared to 17% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 12% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for carpenters (NOC 72310) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

Housing shortages (particularly in urban centres) and investments in new and affordable housing are expected to sustain demand for these positions over the forecast period.

The demand for these skilled workers tends to fluctuate seasonally, with employment needs strongest during the summer months when residential construction typically peaks.

Opportunities are greatest for carpenters who are up to date on new and emerging technologies. For instance, workers will need to be able to read computer generated blueprints and be familiar with the latest tools and building codes. In addition, candidates should have access to transportation as they may be required to travel to job sites.

Employment opportunities in other provinces may affect the available pool of carpenters in the province. Because many experienced and skilled carpenters return to seasonal jobs with the same employers each year, those with entry-level skills may encounter competition for available employment opportunities.

Self-employment in this field is common. Those interested in establishing their own business may wish to explore investment opportunities in this occupation.

Carpentry is a regulated occupation in New Brunswick. As such, candidates are expected to hold a New Brunswick Diploma of Apprenticeship and a Certificate of Qualification. A Red Seal endorsement will further enhance prospects.

Here are some key facts about carpenters in New Brunswick:

Approximately 3,750 people work in this occupation.

Carpenters mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 85%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 92% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 8% compared to 16% for all occupations

41% of carpenters work all year, while 59% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

25% of carpenters are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 19% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 30% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 32% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 17% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for carpenters (NOC 72310) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

Most work in the construction industry, with a large number in residential building construction and as specialty trade contractors

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

Construction activity is expected to be favourable across Ontario over the forecast period, supporting work for carpenters

Steady demand for new housing to meet population growth

Residential and non-residential renovation projects

Large infrastructure investments in transit, health care, utilities and bridges

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

There is one voluntary skilled trade associated with this occupation in Ontario, named, General Carpenter

Completion of a working at heights and confined space awareness training program for some positions

What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?

There may be more work during the spring and summer months because of greater construction activity

Self-employment is common.

Here are some key facts about carpenters in Ontario:

Approximately 39,200 people work in this occupation.

Carpenters mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 85%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 91% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 9% compared to 19% for all occupations

50% of carpenters work all year, while 50% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

35% of carpenters are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 17% compared to 9% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 33% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 26% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 18% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for carpenters (NOC 72310) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Labour shortages are expected in the construction trades for the forecast period.

Provincial infrastructure spending for the upgrade and construction of schools and highways will support employment opportunities in non-residential construction for the forecast period.

New housing starts in Alberta are expected to remain strong due to a growing population driving demand. The new federal agency, Build Canada Homes, will help accelerate the construction of affordable homes in Alberta in the near future.

Renovation investment is expected to steadily increase to maintain older housing and allow homeowners to age in place.

Here are some key facts about carpenters in Alberta:

Approximately 15,450 people work in this occupation.

Carpenters mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 86%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 91% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 9% compared to 20% for all occupations

50% of carpenters work all year, while 50% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

38% of carpenters are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 15% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 31% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 38% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 11% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for carpenters (NOC 72310) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment in this occupation essentially depends on activity in the construction industry.

After experiencing a significant decline in recent years, residential construction gradually recovered in 2024. In the short term, the increase in housing starts will primarily come from rental properties, considering the sustained demand in this segment and the measures implemented by public authorities to fast track project delivery. However, the pace of recovery could be hampered by the climate of uncertainty surrounding the effects of the trade war with the United States.

In the institutional sector, several projects are planned or underway thanks to public investments in infrastructure, but budgetary constraints could slow the start of some of them. Meanwhile, the commercial sector continues to be disadvantaged by high vacancy rates in office buildings and changes in household consumption patterns.

Here are some key facts about carpenters in Quebec:

Approximately 44,500 people work in this occupation.

Carpenters mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 90%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 18% for all occupations

39% of carpenters work all year, while 61% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

17% of carpenters are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 10% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 14% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 65% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 9% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for carpenters (NOC 72310) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Demand for this occupation is driven by construction activity in institutional, commercial and residential new build, retrofit, and renovation projects.

Key trends in this occupation include the use of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines for precise cutting and drilling, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), smart tools, modular and prefabricated construction, and minimalist and multifunction designs.

Workers in this occupation are concentrated in the Southeast, South Central, North Central, Parklands and North regions.

Here are some key facts about carpenters in Manitoba:

Approximately 5,350 people work in this occupation.

Carpenters mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 86%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 92% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 8% compared to 19% for all occupations

57% of carpenters work all year, while 42% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

31% of carpenters are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 19% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 32% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 33% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 13% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for carpenters (NOC 72310) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

British Columbia has faced slower demand and delays in new construction starts as shortages of skilled workers and rising wages continue to drive up construction costs.

In residential construction, slower housing starts will impact growth in construction jobs.

Renovation investment is expected to steadily increase to maintain older housing and allow homeowners to age in place.

Here are some key facts about carpenters in British Columbia:

Approximately 20,600 people work in this occupation.

Carpenters mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 86%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 90% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 10% compared to 22% for all occupations

53% of carpenters work all year, while 47% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

33% of carpenters are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 12% compared to 8% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 33% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 36% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 12% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 5% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations