Which is a better trade to start Commercial Carpenter or Commercial Electrician, or something else? And why?

I'm wanting to get into a good apprenticeship program, in a good field that I can stick with for a long time. Having very little construction experience, I'm having a tough time choosing between a Commercial Carpenter or a Commercial Electrician, or perhaps there is even something out there I don't know of that's better.

Could you tell me which you think is better overall, and why? What are the plusses and minuses of each? Thanks.

They are both really good trade programs. It depends on your abilities and skills somewhat. It's a little more difficult to get top wages in carpentry. Electricians that work on or around live (hot) hi voltage work tend to get higher pay, but it's a higher risk job.

Carpentry - and specialize in cabinet making. A good cabinet maker is in very high demand right now and they make excellent money!! You can get to a point where you have your own business much faster than being an electrician. Nothing wrong with being an electrician - that is an excellent trade as well. It's just that cabinet makers are in high demand right now with people paying much more attention to kitchen design.

Well, I am a long time carpenter (now only self serving) and I'm giving you opposite advice. Electricians make much better money, you work in a much easier environment and demand is stronger. Electricians are licensed, carpenters are not (need I say illegal aliens?) Electricians charge much more per hour because they are specialized and licensed. Carpenters are a dime a dozen, maybe a quarter a dozen for those who actually know what they are doing. If you want a career that can actually lead to something substantial, including being an independent contractor...become an electrician.

Would have to say Electrician.
Both good trades & you have to look at the specialties .
There are framers,finish carpenters,cabinetmakers etc.
Electricians generally do spend more time indoors , but there are linemen & others who do heavier outdoor work.
Spent a lot of years working w/ various trades in new construction & renovation.
Electricians are needed in commercial & residential work as are carpenters, but have the additional work of doing more in the way of repairs & upgrades.
Electricians generally work in a cleaner enviornment after a building is enclosed for instance & from what I've seen have a longer career life than many other trades.
As for other trades, there are millwrights, iron workers,fitters , riggers, equipment operators etc.
All good union trades ( if you can get in) but they really work hard for the good salaries.
A little biased ,but a journeyman electrician out of a union apprenticeship has a lot going for him .
Health, medical & retirement benefits are good as well as salaries.
A good electrical contracting firm will want to hang onto reliable men for the long run.
Personally, worked as an IBEW member for a large non construction company.
Had a union contract, but benefits were tied to the company plan.
Just another way to go.
Best regards

Electricians need a license, so our jobs can not be taken over by 2 dollar an hour illegal aliens. More and more states are passing laws requiring that ALL electric work and plumbing work be performed by licensed people. So those fields are going to grow in the future. So there you are. Electrician or plumber.

electrician, pros, you work inside, and dont get to dirty. cons, attics in summer.

Electrician. They tend to make more money, work isn't as labor intensive as carpentry, normally the house is framed and roofed so you're not out in the elements, and its easier on your body, thus you can make a career as an electrician.
Good Luck.