Carpenter vs Construction Equipment Operator: Salary, Training & Career Comparison
Trying to decide between a career as a carpenter or a construction equipment operator? Here's a side-by-side look at the numbers that matter most: pay, job outlook, training requirements, and more.
| Category | 🪓 Carpenter | 🏗️ Construction Equipment Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Median Hourly | $25.50/hr | $26.50/hr |
| Median Annual | $53,000/yr | $55,100/yr |
| Job Growth (10-yr) | 2.0% | 4.0% |
| Total Jobs | 785,000 | 470,800 |
| Training Time | 4 years | 4 years |
| Top-Paying State | Hawaii ($72,100/yr) | Hawaii ($75,800/yr) |
| Union Rate | $33/hr (UBC) | $34/hr (IUOE) |
Salary Comparison
Carpenters earn about $4,200/yr more on average
Which Career Is Right for You?
Both carpenters and construction equipment operators are solid career paths with good earning potential and strong job security. The best choice depends on your interests, physical abilities, and lifestyle preferences.
🪓 Choose Carpenter if...
Carpenters build, install, and repair structures made from wood and other materials. From framing houses to finishing trim work, carpentry covers a wide range of skills and pays solid wages in most markets.
Carpenter salary data →🏗️ Choose Construction Equipment Operator if...
Construction equipment operators run bulldozers, cranes, excavators, loaders, and other heavy machinery on job sites. Getting seat time on specialized equipment like cranes can push your earnings well above the median.
Construction Equipment Operator salary data →Training difference: Both require about 4-year apprenticeships
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Construction Equipment Operators earn a slightly higher national median of $55,100/yr compared to $53,000/yr for carpenters.
Construction Equipment Operator jobs are projected to grow at 4.0% over the next decade, compared to 2.0% for carpenters.
Both require about 4-year apprenticeships. Both paths require dedication and hands-on training, but the length and structure differ.
While some skills transfer between trades, switching typically requires additional training and licensing. That said, the foundational skills -- problem solving, working with tools, reading blueprints -- are valuable in any trade. Some workers complete training in multiple trades over their career.