Career comparison
Carpenter vs. Solar Panel Installer
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. $53,140), while solar panel installers usually get to work faster (1–6 months of training). Carpenters build and repair frameworks, structures and finish work from wood and other materials. Solar panel installers install and maintain rooftop and ground-mounted solar energy systems.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Carpenter | Solar Panel Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $60,580 ($29.12/hr) | $53,140 ($25.55/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $40,410 – $99,910 | $41,600 – $79,970 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.9% (about as fast as average) | +36.5% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 62,800 | 4,200 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 3–4 years (apprenticeship) | 1–6 months |
| Key credential | Journeyman carpenter (apprenticeship completion) | NABCEP PV Associate |
| Work setting | Carpenters work on construction sites outdoors and indoors in all weather. | Installers work outdoors on rooftops and ground-mounted arrays, often in heat and sun. |
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
Solar Panel Installer
- Review site plans, permits and array layouts
- Install roof attachments, flashing and racking systems
- Mount and secure solar modules
- Run conduit and wiring between modules, inverters and panels
- Install inverters, optimizers or microinverters
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 solar panel installer if…
- I like working outside and on rooftops
- Heights don’t bother me
- I’m interested in clean energy
Still torn? Take the Carpenter fit quiz and the Solar Panel Installer fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, carpenter or solar panel installer?
Carpenters earn more at the median: $60,580 versus $53,140 for solar panel installers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Solar Panel Installers typically train faster (1–6 months) than carpenters (3–4 years (apprenticeship)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects solar panel installers to grow +36.5% from 2025–35, compared with +3.9% for carpenters.