Career comparison
Carpenter vs. Roofer
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Carpenters earn more at the median ($60,580 vs. $55,440), while roofers usually get to work faster (3–12 months on the job of training). Carpenters build and repair frameworks, structures and finish work from wood and other materials. Roofers install, repair and replace the roofs that keep buildings dry and protected.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Carpenter | Roofer | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $60,580 ($29.12/hr) | $55,440 ($26.65/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $40,410 – $99,910 | $37,460 – $81,720 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.9% (about as fast as average) | +5.3% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 62,800 | 12,000 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | 3–4 years (apprenticeship) | 3–12 months on the job |
| Key credential | Journeyman carpenter (apprenticeship completion) | OSHA 10-Hour Construction |
| Work setting | Carpenters work on construction sites outdoors and indoors in all weather. | Roofers work outdoors on residential and commercial roofs in heat, cold and wind. |
What each job does
Carpenter
- Read blueprints and building plans
- Measure, cut and shape wood, plastic and other materials
- Frame walls, floors, roofs and stairs
- Install doors, windows, cabinets, trim and molding
- Build and remove concrete forms and scaffolding
Roofer
- Tear off old roofing and inspect the roof deck
- Replace damaged sheathing and install underlayment
- Install flashing around chimneys, vents and valleys
- Lay shingles, metal panels, tile or membrane roofing
- Seal seams and penetrations to prevent leaks
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, working outdoors, and teamwork. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose carpenter if…
- I enjoy building things and seeing the results
- I’m good with measurements and spatial thinking
- I don’t mind working outdoors in different weather
Choose roofer if…
- I’m comfortable working on rooftops and ladders
- I like hard physical work outdoors
- I don’t mind heat and changing weather
Still torn? Take the Carpenter fit quiz and the Roofer fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, carpenter or roofer?
Carpenters earn more at the median: $60,580 versus $55,440 for roofers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Roofers typically train faster (3–12 months on the job) than carpenters (3–4 years (apprenticeship)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects roofers to grow +5.3% from 2025–35, compared with +3.9% for carpenters.