Welder vs. Carpenter: Which Career Is Right for You?
Quick answer: Carpenters earn a median of $60,580 per year and welders earn $53,750 (BLS, May 2025), so carpenters earn more on average, about $6,830 more at the median and a much higher top end. Pick carpentry if you want building, framing, and a higher earning ceiling. Pick welding if you want a portable metal-working skill that travels across manufacturing, energy, and construction.
Choosing between a career as a welder and a carpenter is one of the most common decisions people face when entering the skilled trades. Both are solid, in-demand careers, but they differ in pay, work environment, training requirements, and long-term outlook.
This guide breaks down the key differences using Bureau of Labor Statistics data so you can make an informed decision.
Welder vs. Carpenter at a Glance
| Category | Welder | Carpenter |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,750 | $60,580 |
| Median Hourly | $25.84 | $29.12 |
| Entry-Level Pay (10th %) | $39,240 | $40,410 |
| Experienced Pay (90th %) | $77,530 | $99,910 |
| Total Employed | 416,210 | 670,090 |
| Job Growth (2024-2034) | 2.2% (slower than average) | 4.5% (about as fast as average) |
| Annual Job Openings | 45,600 | 74,100 |
| Typical Training | 7 months to 2 years (trade school or apprenticeship) | 3 to 4 years (apprenticeship) |
| Work Setting | Fabrication shops, construction sites, shipyards, pipelines | Residential and commercial construction sites |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025); Employment Projections (2024-2034).
Salary Comparison
Carpenters earn a higher median salary by about $6,830 per year (BLS, May 2025).
Here is how pay breaks down across experience levels:
| Pay Level | Welder | Carpenter |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $39,240 | $40,410 |
| Early Career (25th percentile) | $46,790 | $48,510 |
| Median | $53,750 | $60,580 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $63,010 | $76,830 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $77,530 | $99,910 |
Pay is close at the entry level, with welders and carpenters starting within about $1,200 of each other. The gap widens with experience. At the 75th percentile, carpenters earn roughly $13,800 more, and at the top end the difference grows to more than $22,000.
Keep in mind that salaries vary by state, metro area, union membership, specialization, and overtime. Both trades frequently offer overtime that can push annual earnings well above the median.
Job Outlook and Demand
Carpenter jobs are projected to grow faster (4.5% vs. 2.2%) through 2034.
| Metric | Welder | Carpenter |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 416,210 | 670,090 |
| Projected Growth | 2.2% | 4.5% |
| Annual Openings | 45,600 | 74,100 |
Annual openings include positions created by workers retiring, changing careers, or moving into supervisory roles. With 45,600 openings per year for welders and 74,100 for carpenters, both fields offer strong hiring prospects.
Training and Education
Welder: Trade school welding program or on-the-job training. Training typically takes 7 months to 2 years. Common certifications include AWS certifications (D1.1, D17.1), API 1104, and ASME Section IX.
Carpenter: Apprenticeship through a union or contractor. Training typically takes 3 to 4 years. Common certifications include OSHA 10/30, NCCER Carpentry, and a state license in some states.
Both careers require hands-on training, and most states require some form of licensing or certification before you can work independently.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Welder: Welders typically work in fabrication shops, construction sites, shipyards, and pipelines. Physical demands include standing for long periods, exposure to heat and fumes, and heavy lifting.
Carpenter: Carpenters typically work on residential and commercial construction sites. Physical demands include heavy lifting, climbing, standing, and working outdoors in all weather.
Career Advancement
Welder: The typical career path goes from entry-level welder to certified welder, welding inspector, and welding engineer.
Carpenter: The typical career path goes from apprentice to journeyman carpenter, foreman, and general contractor.
Both careers offer a path to self-employment. Experienced welders and carpenters often start their own contracting businesses, which can significantly increase earning potential.
Which Career Should You Choose?
Choose Welder if you:
- Enjoy precision handwork and working with metal
- Want a portable skill that works in many industries (construction, manufacturing, oil and gas)
- Are willing to earn specialty certifications for higher-paying niche work
- Prefer project-based work that lets you see tangible results
Choose Carpenter if you:
- Enjoy building, framing, and working with wood and other materials
- Want creative variety in your daily work
- Are comfortable working outdoors in all weather
- Want a versatile skill set that spans residential, commercial, and finish work
There is no wrong answer here. Both are respected, well-paying trades with strong demand across the country. Your decision should come down to which type of work interests you more on a daily basis.
Related Resources
- Learn more about becoming a welder
- Learn more about becoming a carpenter
- Compare trade salaries nationally
- Find trade schools near you
FAQ
Is Welder or Carpenter a better career?
Both are strong career choices. Carpenters earn a higher median salary, about $6,830 more per year (BLS, May 2025). Carpenter jobs are also projected to grow faster, 4.5% versus 2.2% through 2034. The right choice depends on which type of work appeals to you more.
Do welders or carpenters make more money?
Carpenters make more on average. Carpenters earn a median of $60,580 per year ($29.12 per hour), while welders earn a median of $53,750 ($25.84 per hour) (BLS, May 2025). The top 10% of carpenters earn over $99,910, compared to over $77,530 for welders.
What is the starting pay for welders and carpenters?
Entry-level workers in the bottom 10% earn about $39,240 per year for welders and $40,410 for carpenters (BLS, May 2025). Apprentices and trainees typically start near these figures and earn more as they gain certifications and experience.
Which trade is easier to get into?
Both trades are accessible with a high school diploma and neither requires a college degree. Welders can often enter the field in 7 months to 2 years through a trade school program or apprenticeship, while carpenters usually train for 3 to 4 years in an apprenticeship.
Which trade has better job security?
Both fields hire steadily. Carpenters have about 74,100 annual openings and 4.5% projected growth through 2034, while welders have about 45,600 annual openings and 2.2% growth (BLS). Welding skills transfer across manufacturing, energy, and construction, which can add stability when one industry slows down.
Can you switch from Welder to Carpenter?
Yes. Many foundational skills, such as reading blueprints, following building codes, and working safely on job sites, transfer between trades. You would need additional training and any licensing specific to the new trade.
Do welders or carpenters have a higher earning ceiling?
Carpenters have a higher top end. The top 10% of carpenters earn over $99,910 per year, compared to over $77,530 for welders (BLS, May 2025). Welders can raise their ceiling with specialty certifications for pipeline, pressure vessel, and underwater work.
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.