Carpentry

Carpenters are the builders who turn blueprints into real buildings, homes, and structures you see every day. From framing walls and installing doors to building custom cabinets and decks, carpentry is one of the oldest and most respected trades in the world. If you've ever looked at a beautiful staircase or a sturdy rooftop and wondered who built that — it was a carpenter.

Carpenters typically earn between $38,000 and $75,000 a year, with union carpenters in New York City often earning even more thanks to strong union benefits. To become a certified carpenter, most people go through a 3 to 4 year apprenticeship where you learn on the job while getting paid.

The NYC Carpenters Union is one of the best paths in — you earn while you learn and graduate with zero student debt. You can also take courses at trade schools or community colleges to get a head start.

Carpentry is perfect for people who love working with their hands and seeing physical results. Every building in Brooklyn needed a carpenter, and the city is always building more. Job security in this field is as solid as the structures you'll create.