Carpenters vs Machinists
Side-by-side comparison of salary, job growth, and training requirements based on BLS data.
Overview
Both carpentry and machining offer solid middle-class careers with similar earning potential. Carpenters earn a median $59,310 versus $56,150 for machinists—just a 5.6% difference. However, machinists have stronger growth prospects at 8.3% over the next decade compared to 5.2% for carpenters. Carpenters build, install, and repair wooden structures and fixtures, working with traditional and modern materials. Machinists operate precision equipment to create metal parts and instruments. Both require 3-4 years of training, though machinists need more technical certifications. Each offers apprenticeships and steady employment in essential industries.
Salary Breakdown
The $3,160 salary difference favors carpenters currently, but it's negligible—about $60 per week. Entry-level carpenters start around $35,000 while experienced union carpenters can earn $80,000+. Machinists typically start at $32,000 but top performers with CNC programming skills can reach $75,000-85,000. Carpenters often get overtime on construction projects and premium pay for specialty work like finish carpentry. Machinists benefit from shift differentials, overtime in manufacturing, and bonuses for meeting production targets. Both trades offer solid earning potential with experience and specialization.
Work Environment
Carpenters split time between indoor and outdoor jobsites, facing weather exposure, dust, and construction hazards. Physical demands include lifting, climbing, and repetitive motions. Travel varies by specialty—residential carpenters work locally while commercial crews may travel regionally. Machinists work primarily indoors in climate-controlled shops, dealing with metal dust, cutting fluids, and machinery noise. Physical demands are moderate but require precise hand-eye coordination and long periods standing. Most machinist positions offer regular schedules with potential shift work. Both trades require safety equipment and have injury risks requiring constant attention.
Career Growth
Carpenters can specialize in finish work, cabinetry, or framing, with top specialists commanding premium rates. Many become contractors or start construction companies, with unlimited earning potential. Foreman and superintendent roles offer management paths. Machinists advance through CNC programming, tool and die work, or quality inspection. Management opportunities include shop supervision or manufacturing engineering roles. Some start precision machining businesses. While carpenter business ownership has higher ceilings, machinist technical specializations offer stable, well-paying career paths. Both trades reward continuous learning and skill development with increased earning power.
Who should choose Carpenters?
Choose carpentry if you enjoy working with your hands, seeing tangible results, and variety in your workday. You should be comfortable with physical work, problem-solving on the fly, and adapting to different job sites. Carpenters thrive if they're entrepreneurial-minded, enjoy working outdoors, and take pride in creating lasting structures. This trade suits people who like independence, don't mind weather challenges, and want opportunities to eventually run their own business or work on diverse projects from homes to commercial buildings.
Typical path: UBC apprenticeship or non-union program; no license required in most states
Explore Carpenters →Who should choose Machinists?
Choose machining if you enjoy precision work, technology, and consistent work environments. You should have strong attention to detail, mathematical aptitude, and interest in computer-controlled equipment. Machinists succeed if they prefer predictable schedules, indoor work, and continuous technical learning. This trade fits people who like working with blueprints, enjoy the satisfaction of creating precise parts, and want stable manufacturing careers. It's ideal for those interested in advanced manufacturing, robotics, or aerospace industries where precision and technical skills are highly valued.
Typical path: Apprenticeship or community college; NIMS certifications; CNC programming skills valued
Explore Machinists →The Bottom Line
Both offer solid $55,000+ careers, but choose based on work style preferences. Pick carpentry for variety, outdoor work, and business ownership potential. Choose machining for precision work, stable environments, and technical advancement opportunities.