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Will AI replace Carpenters?

Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. The percentage shown is a task-exposure model, not a prediction of certain job loss.

O*NET 30.3 · 47-2031.00 · modeled exposure, not guaranteed job loss
LOW TASK EXPOSURE
8%
Estimated share of representative tasks exposed to current AI capabilities.
Last updatedAugust 20, 2026
Evidence confidenceMedium
Browse this risk tierLower exposure jobs →
Task automation shareⓘ
8%Automatable
Automatable8%
Augmentable51%
Hard to automate41%
Based on analysis of representative responsibilities and current AI capability maturity.
Category#
Trades & Physical
Field & Physical
Modeled pay midpoint$
$92,300/yr
Directional estimate — verify locally
Time until impact⌁
6–10+ years
Earliest 2032 · widespread 2036+
Task-level replaceability ⓘ
Representative tasks ranked from highest to lowest AI exposure.
✦Physical dexterity in unpredictable settings31%
✦Safety responsibility and on-site judgment27%
◇Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.18%
⚙Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.12%
▥Assemble and fasten materials to make frameworks or props, using hand tools and wood screws, nails, dowel pins, or glue.12%
Impact timeline ⓘ
How AI assistance may move from early support to wider adoption.
2032Next2036+
Light supportAI provides limited help with follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment..
AugmentationTools improve productivity without owning outcomes.
Human-ledCore work stays anchored in physical dexterity in unpredictable settings.
6–10+ yearsdirectional confidence window
HOW AI CHANGES THIS JOBtyping the logic in plain English
01>Start with the real work done by Carpenters.
02>AI can help with: Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
03>If a task is repetitive and easy to check, AI pressure goes up.
04>But a person is still needed for: Physical dexterity in unpredictable settings.
05>Likely result: AI mostly acts as a helper while the core job stays human-led.
06>Important: 8% is estimated task exposure—not a 8% chance of losing the job.
What AI can do
Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.LOW MATCH
Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.LOW MATCH
Assemble and fasten materials to make frameworks or props, using hand tools and wood screws, nails, dowel pins, or glue.LOW MATCH
How estimates work →
Your human moat
◆

Physical dexterity in unpredictable settings

HIGH MOAT

Combined with safety responsibility and on-site judgment, this keeps a human in the loop.

Strength9.7
Similar-role comparison
RoleRisk
Carpenters8%
Electricians8%
Helpers--Carpenters8%
Helpers--Electricians8%
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Why this score?

✓The model evaluates 3 representative core tasks.
✓The core work depends on presence, dexterity, or accountability.
✓Occupation and task language comes from O*NET 30.3.
✓The strongest human advantage is physical dexterity in unpredictable settings.
Research basis

O*NET 30.3 occupation tasks plus the ILO 2025 exposure framework. Scores are directional estimates.

Read ILO research →
Data: O*NET 30.3 · Model framework: ILO 2025O*NET 47-2031.00Share report
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Sources for this report

Official occupation tasks; timeline remains uncertain Scores are directional estimates and sources do not endorse this site’s exact percentage.

O*NET 47-2031.00 occupation profile ↗ILO Generative AI and Jobs 2025 ↗Scoring methodology →

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