BUILDING CANADA's FUTURE
Why Carpentry Is In Demand More Than Ever
Every new home, school, bridge, and renovation in Canada starts with one trade: carpentry. From forming concrete and framing walls to finishing interiors and crafting custom details, carpenters are the backbone of construction. Yet across the country, there simply aren’t enough of them. As Canada faces a housing shortage and a surge in infrastructure spending, the need for skilled carpenters has reached levels not seen in decades.
Industry forecasts from BuildForce Canada show that tens of thousands of carpenters are expected to retire by 2030, even as demand for new construction continues to rise. Every province — from British Columbia to Ontario to the Atlantic — reports shortages of qualified journeypersons and apprentices. The federal government’s goal to build millions of new homes and expand public infrastructure is only achievable if more people join the trade. For anyone looking for steady, hands-on work that pays well and builds something tangible, carpentry is one of the smartest career paths available.
Carpentry offers variety, independence, and immediate earning potential. Apprentices start earning from day one while learning on site, and fully licensed carpenters typically make $30 to $45 per hour, with industrial and union positions reaching even higher. It’s also a trade with room to grow — many carpenters go on to become site supervisors, forepersons, estimators, or business owners. The skills are portable across Canada, recognized internationally, and always in demand wherever there’s growth or rebuilding.
What makes carpentry rewarding isn’t just the paycheck — it’s the pride of building something that lasts. Whether you’re framing homes in Alberta, forming high-rises in Toronto, or crafting timber structures in B.C., every project you touch shapes the country’s landscape. With advanced tools, new materials, and sustainable building methods emerging, today’s carpenters work in a trade that blends tradition with innovation. Canada quite literally needs more hands to build its future — and there’s never been a better time to pick up the tools and join the crew.
