France currently has nearly 56,000 carpentry professionals, including around ten thousand independent craftsmen. That said, the average age is 40 years in the wood-building sector, according to the construction professions observatory. More than 10% of carpenters are also close to retirement. The sector is therefore promising, if you are considering a career or retraining in the sector.
What training to become a carpenter?
From CAP to master’s degree, there is now a wide variety of training courses allowing you to become a carpenter. These courses correspond to the various specialties in the field. You can, for example, acquire expertise in furniture creation, wood construction, layout, parquet floors, etc. After college, you have the possibility of preparing a CAP (professional aptitude certificate) in 2 years:
- Carpenter manufacturer;
- Carpenter installer;
- Fitting carpenter;
- Seat carpenter;
- Wood arts (option: marquetry maker, turner or ornamental sculptor);
- Wood carpenter;
- Flooring engineer (additional mention);
- Manufacturer of building works (wood, glass, aluminum and PVC).
You can also follow a 3-year course to obtain a professional baccalaureate:
- Carpenter-designer technician;
- Wood and associated materials manufacturing technician;
- Wood construction technician;
- STI2D (sciences and technologies of industry and sustainable development), mention of architecture and construction.
After the baccalaureate, it is also possible to do 2 years of study to obtain a BTS (higher technician certificate):
- SCBH (wood and housing construction systems);
- DRB (wood development and production);
- EBCR (building envelope: design and construction).
If you plan to further explore the profession, you can prepare a professional license (bac +3 level) by:
- Wood and furniture;
- Wood and construction;
- Wood and environment;
- Wood construction and positive energy building;
- Production in the wood industry.
These different licenses allow you to participate in the entrance exam to the ESB (École supérieure du bois). They also give access to the master’s degree in construction and advanced studies of wooden structures. After this training, you will be real references in the processing and use of wood.
The achievements of a carpenter
The achievements of a carpenter fundamentally depend on his specialization in woodworking and the usefulness of his creations (decorations, frames, furniture, etc.). The professional can in fact specialize in fittings, construction or furnishings, during his training and his career. If you are looking for a high table for the kitchen, you will therefore have to choose an expert in the design and customization of wooden furniture.
With a furniture specialist such as 4 pieds, you will be able to benefit from quality furniture adapted to your expectations. The site also stands out for its wide choice of wooden tables, chairs and stools made in France. Thanks to his expertise in the field, the actor stands out above all for the creation of careful and personalized furniture. You can then enhance your kitchen, your dining room or even your garden. This furniture is also perfect for relaxation and dining areas in professional or collective establishments.
For his part, a design specialist focuses on the creation of doors, windows, shutters, stairs, storage, etc. This specialization most often leads to the use of other materials such as aluminum and PVC. Depending on the project, the carpenter can also use laminated or chipboard panels. Wood nevertheless remains his favorite material. The achievements will include, in this case, verandas, mezzanines, glazing frames, woodwork, etc.
What is the salary of a carpenter?
Based on INSEE data, a beginner carpenter receives around 1,521 euros net per month. The salary obviously varies depending on the qualifications and experience of the professional considered. Additionally, specialists generally receive higher salaries. A carpenter fitter or installer can, for example, earn up to 1,805 euros per month. This amount is thus close to the median salary of the carpenter, estimated at 1,833 euros net per month.
Despite the sector’s efforts, women often earn 10% less than men for the same qualifications. The potential income is therefore lower compared to the 2184 euros net of a interior designer. That said, it is possible to significantly increase the salary of a carpenter through her qualifications and specialization. In addition, career development is particularly rapid with expertise in wooden structures, acoustic insulation, parquet flooring, marquetry, etc.
While waiting for equal treatment, carpentry enthusiasts can rely on the rarity of their skills to earn more than 2,000 euros net monthly. Experience is also valued in this profession, especially for construction workers. After large-scale projects and achievements, both women and men will be able to significantly improve the amount of their salaries. Income is also more attractive on sustainable projects.
