How to become a carpentry trades Contractor or supervisor
Official title: Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades
Also called: Carpenter supervisor, Carpenter-contractor, Carpentry contractor, Carpentry supervisor, Contractor-carpenter, Carpentry foreman/woman, Cabinetmaking contractor, Residential construction supervisor, General supervisor - building construction, General supervisor - residential construction, Concrete form builders foreman/woman - carpentry, Framers foreman/woman
Contractors and supervisors in carpentry trades supervise and coordinate the activities of workers classified in the following unit groups: Carpenters (72310) and Cabinetmakers (72311). They are employed by construction companies, carpentry contractors, maintenance departments of industrial establishments, and custom furniture and fixture manufacturing or repair companies. Contractors may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of carpenters who construct, renovate and maintain structures of wood and other building materials and build and install interior finishing in residential, commercial and industrial buildings; and of cabinetmakers who construct and repair custom wooden cabinets, furniture, fixtures and related products
- Establish methods to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other departments
- Requisition materials and supplies
- Resolve work problems and recommend work measures to improve productivity
- Train or arrange for training of workers
- Recommend personnel actions such as hirings and promotions
- Ensure standards for safe working conditions are observed
- Prepare schedules and other reports
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Several years of experience as a qualified carpenter or cabinetmaker are required. Journeyman/woman trade certification as a carpenter or cabinetmaker is usually required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $74,100 a year The middle half earn $58,500 to $87,750.
- About 31,500 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 36,100 are projected by 2033. (+14.6%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations
- Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
- Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
- Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
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Questions people ask
How do I become a carpentry trades Contractor or supervisor?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Several years of experience as a qualified carpenter or cabinetmaker are required. Journeyman/woman trade certification as a carpenter or cabinetmaker is usually required.
How much does a carpentry trades Contractor or supervisor earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $74,100 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $58,500 to $87,750.
Is a carpentry trades Contractor or supervisor a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 15% by 2033, from about 31,500 to about 36,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a carpentry trades Contractor or supervisor?
Usually not. Only 6% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03