Carpenter

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks carpenters under SOC code 47-2031\. As of May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage is

$60,580

(

$29\.12/hr

), with

670,090

workers employed nationwide. BLS projects employment to grow

4\.5%

from 2024 to 2034, with about

74,100

openings expected each year.

Key Takeaways

• Median pay: $60,580 per year ($29\.12/hr)
• Top 10% earn: more than $99,910 per year ($48\.03/hr)
• Entry-level (bottom 10%): under $40,410 per year ($19\.43/hr)
• Projected growth: 4\.5% from 2024 to 2034
• Annual job openings: \~74,100 per year through 2034
• Workers employed nationwide: 670,090
• Highest-paying state: Hawaii (median $85,280)
• State with most workers: California (100,750 employed)

Sources: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034\. Last reviewed July 24, 2026\.

Quick answer:

Training as a carpenter usually takes

3 to 4 years

through a registered apprenticeship that pays you while you train, or a shorter

6 to 12 month

trade school program followed by on-the-job experience. There is

no single national license

, though many employers value an NCCER carpentry credential and OSHA 10 or 30 safety training, and some states require contractor registration or a journeyman card. Training costs vary by program and school. The median carpenter salary is

$60,580 per year

($29\.12/hour), and the field is projected to have about

74,100 openings

nationwide each year (BLS, May 2025).

Carpenters build, install, and repair the wood, metal, and composite structures behind nearly every construction project, from framing and roofing to cabinetry and remodeling. If you like working with your hands, solving problems, and seeing finished results, carpentry is a direct path into a skilled trade without a college degree.

How to Become a Carpenter

Most people reach journeyman carpenter status in about

three to four years

, depending on whether they learn mainly through a paid apprenticeship or start with a trade school program. There is no single licensing exam to pass nationwide. You build the career through training, paid jobsite experience, and credentials that prove your skills.

• Earn a high school diploma or GED

A high school diploma or GED is the baseline requirement for most registered apprenticeships and trade school programs. Before you apply, it helps to build the skills carpentry depends on every day. Math is central to the trade, so geometry, algebra, and any class that uses fractions and measurement will serve you well on the job. Shop, woodworking, and drafting classes give you early exposure to tools, materials, and reading plans. Physical stamina matters too, since carpenters spend long days lifting, climbing, and standing. If you are changing careers and already hold a diploma, you can move straight to applying for an apprenticeship. Many strong carpenters come from other fields and bring useful skills in organization, reliability, and teamwork that crews value just as much as raw experience.

• Enroll in an apprenticeship or trade school

This is the core of how carpenters learn the trade, and you have two main routes. A

registered apprenticeship

combines paid jobsite work with classroom instruction, typically over three to four years. Apprenticeships are sponsored by unions such as the

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC)

, which runs the Carpenters International Training Fund, and by contractor groups like

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)

and the

Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)

. A

trade school or vocational program

of roughly 6 to 12 months teaches framing, finishing, tool use, and safety in a structured setting, which can shorten your path to a first job or apprenticeship slot. Many programs build their classroom curriculum around the

NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research)

standards. Costs vary by program and school, so request current pricing before you enroll. Apprenticeships are often paid, which means you can earn wages while you learn.

• Build hands-on jobsite experience

Carpentry is learned by doing. Whether you enter through an apprenticeship or a trade school, you build real competency by working alongside experienced carpenters on active jobsites. Early on you will measure, cut, and assemble materials, set concrete forms, raise framing, and install doors, windows, and trim under close supervision. Apprenticeship hours are paid and count toward the on-the-job total you need to reach journeyman status, so this stage is both training and a paycheck. Pay attention to how skilled carpenters sequence a job, keep tolerances tight, and maintain safety on a busy site. Ask questions, volunteer for varied tasks, and treat every project as a chance to add a skill, since the breadth of work you can do directly shapes how employable and well paid you work as.

• Earn safety and skill credentials

There is no single national carpentry license, but credentials make you more hireable and can support higher pay. Most employers expect

OSHA 10 or OSHA 30

safety training, which covers hazard recognition and jobsite safety standards. An

NCCER carpentry credential

documents that you have met a standardized, employer-recognized curriculum, which transfers across states and companies. Specialty certifications in areas such as scaffold building, green construction, or remodeling can set you apart for specific work. Requirements also vary by state and specialty: some states require

contractor registration

or a

journeyman card

before you work independently or bid jobs. Check your state’s licensing board and your local UBC or ABC chapter to confirm exactly what your area requires before you take on independent work.

• Find work and advance

Unions, general contractors, home builders, and apprenticeship sponsors all hire carpenters. Apply directly through UBC, ABC, and AGC chapters, which often connect members to openings, and tailor your resume to the kind of work you want, such as residential framing, commercial finishing, or cabinetry. Highlight the hours, credentials, and project types you have logged. Once you are working steadily, experience opens the door to specialization and leadership. Carpenters move into roles such as lead carpenter, foreman, estimator, or finish-carpentry specialist, and many eventually start their own contracting businesses. Continued training and a clean safety record are the surest ways to keep advancing and increase your earning potential over time.

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What Carpenters Do

Carpenters construct, install, and repair building frameworks and structures made from wood, metal, and other materials. Their work spans large commercial builds, residential framing, and fine interior finishing.

Typical Responsibilities

• Measure, cut, and assemble wood and building materials
• Read and interpret blueprints or construction drawings
• Install doors, windows, flooring, and cabinetry
• Build concrete forms, scaffolding, and framing structures
• Maintain jobsite tools and safety standards

Carpenters combine precision and creativity to turn raw materials into finished structures.

Key Skills for Success in Carpentry

• Strong attention to measurement and detail
• Familiarity with power tools and safety procedures
• Ability to interpret blueprints and building codes
• Solid math and geometry skills
• Problem-solving and teamwork on dynamic jobsites

Common Work Settings

Carpenters Are Needed In a Variety Of Environments

• Residential and commercial construction
• Remodeling and renovation projects
• Industrial and infrastructure builds
• Furniture and cabinet-making workshops
• Maintenance and facilities departments

Education and Training Pathways

Pathway Typical Duration Outcome Trade School Program 6 to 12 months Entry-level carpentry knowledge Apprenticeship 3 to 4 years Comprehensive hands-on training Associate Degree 2 years Broader technical and management foundation Continuing Education Ongoing Skill upgrades or specialization

Carpentry Requirements by State

Requirements vary across states. Some require contractor registration or journeyman credentials, while others rely on employer training standards.

State Guide Texas Carpentry in Texas Florida Carpentry in Florida California Carpentry in California

View All State Carpentry Requirements

Career Development and Advancement

Projected job growth for carpenters Use this chart on your site (free)

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As experience grows, carpenters can move into roles such as:

• Lead Carpenter or Foreman who supervises teams on construction sites
• Estimator or Project Coordinator who manages materials and timelines
• Cabinet Maker or Finish Carpenter who specializes in fine craftsmanship
• Construction Supervisor or Contractor who oversees major building projects

Carpentry offers room for lifelong skill growth and creative problem-solving.

Training Duration and Cost Overview

• Training Period: 3 to 4 years for a full apprenticeship, or 6 to 12 months for many trade school programs
• Learning Focus: Safety, structural framing, and finishing techniques
• Format: Classroom, lab, and supervised field training

Program structures and costs vary by provider, and registered apprenticeships are often paid. Always review program details and current pricing directly from the school or training organization.

Pros and Considerations

Highlights

• Hands-on, creative, and detail-oriented work
• Paid apprenticeship paths and no degree required
• Skills transferable across industries
• Opportunities for self-employment

Considerations

• Physically demanding and tool-intensive work
• Seasonal variations in project availability
• Strict safety and compliance requirements
• Precision is critical to project quality

Find Carpentry Training Near You

Quick Facts: Carpentry Salary, Training, and Outlook

Median Pay $60,580 $29\.12/hr Top 10%: $99,910

Job Outlook (2024-2034) 4\.5% 74,100 openings/yr

Employment (2025) 670,090

Wage Percentiles 25th $48,510 75th $76,830

Typical Education High school diploma or equivalent

On-the-Job Training Apprenticeship or moderate-term on-the-job training

Highest Paying States HawaiiIllinoisCalifornia

Top Industries Cross-industry

Certification Recommended (OSHA safety or state journeyman card)

2025 data \| SOC 47-2031 \| Source: BLS OEWS

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Industry Organizations \& Certifying Bodies

These are the recognized national organizations, unions, certifying bodies, and regulatory authorities that shape this trade. They issue the credentials, sponsor the apprenticeships, publish the codes, and represent workers and employers.

• United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) Primary carpentry union; operates the Carpenters International Training Fund.
• Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Major construction contractor association with carpentry workforce programs.
• NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) Standardized carpentry curriculum and credential.
• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Merit-shop association sponsoring carpentry apprenticeships.

Federal Prevailing Wages by State

The U.S. Department of Labor sets

Davis-Bacon prevailing wages

that contractors must pay on federally funded construction projects. These are minimum hourly rates, not averages - actual market pay can be higher. Across 48 states with active 2026 determinations, the average total compensation (base \+ fringe) for carpenters is

$41\.51/hour

. New Jersey pays the highest rate ($116\.67/hr total), while Oklahoma reports the lowest active determination ($14\.96/hr total).

Davis-Bacon prevailing wage rates for carpenters by state, 2026\. State Base Hourly Fringe Hourly Total Hourly Annualized* New Jersey $57\.42 $59\.25

$116\.67

$242,674 Nevada $50\.77 $28\.28

$79\.05

$164,424 Rhode Island $47\.88 $30\.50

$78\.38

$163,030 Alaska $50\.79 $26\.42

$77\.21

$160,597 Wisconsin $45\.46 $31\.52

$76\.98

$160,118 Connecticut $42\.03 $29\.19

$71\.22

$148,138 Oregon $52\.62 $16\.81

$69\.43

$144,414 Massachusetts $39\.28 $27\.90

$67\.18

$139,734 Minnesota $36\.55 $29\.03

$65\.58

$136,406 California $39\.15 $26\.18

$65\.33

$135,886 Delaware $38\.27 $25\.34

$63\.61

$132,309 Washington $44\.21 $17\.28

$61\.49

$127,899 Indiana $34\.70 $25\.98

$60\.68

$126,214 Ohio $36\.29 $23\.79

$60\.08

$124,966 Pennsylvania $38\.92 $20\.06

$58\.98

$122,678 Michigan $36\.76 $21\.11

$57\.87

$120,370 Illinois $31\.39 $25\.99

$57\.38

$119,350 Missouri $31\.51 $22\.25

$53\.76

$111,821 Maryland $34\.41 $14\.49

$48\.90

$101,712 District of Columbia $34\.41 $14\.33

$48\.74

$101,379 Colorado $33\.11 $12\.17

$45\.28

$94,182 Alabama $30\.26 $14\.78

$45\.04

$93,683 West Virginia $24\.19 $16\.23

$40\.42

$84,074 Kentucky $20\.76 $8\.63

$29\.39

$61,131 Iowa $21\.75 $7\.54

$29\.29

$60,923 Montana $20\.51 $7\.13

$27\.64

$57,491 Vermont $18\.81 $7\.96

$26\.77

$55,682 New Mexico $19\.79 $6\.14

$25\.93

$53,934 New Hampshire $25\.00 $0\.00

$25\.00

$52,000 Utah $19\.51 $4\.71

$24\.22

$50,378 Nebraska $19\.35 $4\.29

$23\.64

$49,171 Maine $19\.77 $3\.38

$23\.15

$48,152 Kansas $18\.74 $3\.86

$22\.60

$47,008 North Carolina $18\.11 $2\.63

$20\.74

$43,139 South Dakota $15\.96 $4\.15

$20\.11

$41,829 Arizona $18\.42 $1\.46

$19\.88

$41,350 Idaho $17\.71 $1\.82

$19\.53

$40,622 Tennessee $17\.59 $1\.81

$19\.40

$40,352 Arkansas $16\.08 $2\.77

$18\.85

$39,208 Georgia $18\.00 $0\.00

$18\.00

$37,440 Texas $15\.13 $2\.63

$17\.76

$36,941 Louisiana $16\.86 $0\.00

$16\.86

$35,069 Florida $14\.79 $1\.81

$16\.60

$34,528 Mississippi $16\.13 $0\.00

$16\.13

$33,550 North Dakota $15\.78 $0\.00

$15\.78

$32,822 Virginia $15\.60 $0\.00

$15\.60

$32,448 South Carolina $14\.46 $0\.78

$15\.24

$31,699 Oklahoma $14\.96 $0\.00

$14\.96

$31,117

• Annualized total \= total hourly × 2,080 hours (40-hour week, 52 weeks). Actual annual pay varies with overtime, project length, and benefits utilization.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division - Davis-Bacon General Wage Determinations, 2026\. Rates reflect the lowest base rate within each statewide determination for carpenter classifications.

Wage and Employment Charts

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Workplace Safety Snapshot

BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data (2023-2024) report approximately 243\.9 days-away, restricted, or transfer cases per 10,000 full-time-equivalent workers in carpenters (about 2\.44 per 100 FTE). Source: BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, Table R98\.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does carpenter training take?

Most carpenters reach journeyman level in 3 to 4 years through a registered apprenticeship that pairs paid on-the-job hours with classroom instruction. A shorter trade school program of 6 to 12 months can teach core skills first, but you still build full competency on the job. A high school diploma or GED is generally required to start.

Do you need a college degree to work as a carpenter?

No. A college degree is not required to work as a carpenter. Most people enter through an apprenticeship or trade school combined with on-the-job training. A high school diploma or GED is typically the only educational prerequisite.

How much does carpentry training cost?

Costs vary widely by program and school. Registered apprenticeships, including those run through the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America or Associated Builders and Contractors, are often paid, so apprentices earn wages while they train. Trade school tuition varies, so request current pricing directly from each program before enrolling.

Do carpenters need a license or certification?

Requirements depend on your state and specialty. There is no single national carpentry license, but many employers value an NCCER carpentry credential and OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 safety training. Some states require contractor registration or a journeyman card, so check your state rules before working independently.

Is it hard to train as a carpenter?

Entry is accessible because no degree is required and apprenticeships pay while you learn. The work is physically demanding and detail driven, involving precise measurement, blueprint reading, and safe use of power tools, so it rewards patience and steady practice.

Can you train to be a carpenter online?

Some classroom theory, such as blueprint reading, math, and the NCCER curriculum, can be studied online or in a hybrid format. The hands-on portion, however, must be completed in person on real jobsites or in a shop, since carpentry is a physical, tool-based trade.

What is the median pay for a carpenter?

The median carpenter wage is $60,580 per year, or $29\.12 per hour (BLS, May 2025). The lowest 10 percent earned about $40,410 and the highest 10 percent earned about $99,910, with pay shaped by region, specialty, and union membership.

How Carpenter Pay Compares to Similar Trades

Side-by-side comparison of Carpentry and the closest related careers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2025 OEWS \+ 2024-2034 Employment Projections).

Career Median Pay 10-Year Growth Annual Openings Carpentry this guide $60,580 \+4\.5% 74,100 Construction Worker $47,120 \+7\.3% 129,400 Construction Manager $114,990 \+8\.7% 46,800 Flooring Installer $56,460 \+9\.5% 2,700 Home Inspector $74,690 -0\.8% 14,800

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics \+ BLS Employment Projections.

Related Careers

• Construction Worker
• Construction Manager
• Flooring Installer
• Home Inspector
• Plumbing
• Electrician

Advance Your Career with a Degree

Experienced Carpenter professionals often step up into degree-track careers where field experience is a hiring advantage:

• Civil Engineer - median pay $100,840 (BLS OEWS, May 2025); requires a 4-year degree
• Architect - median pay $99,280 (BLS OEWS, May 2025); requires a 4-year degree
• Construction Cost Estimator - median pay $78,740 (BLS OEWS, May 2025); requires a 4-year degree
• CTE Teacher (Shop Teacher) - median pay $66,270 (BLS OEWS, May 2025); requires a 4-year degree
• Construction Project Manager - median pay $102,320 (BLS OEWS, May 2025); requires a 4-year degree
• Carpenter to civil engineer - from building it to designing it

See all trade careers that require a 4-year degree.

Degree and Program Guides

• Online Civil Engineering Degrees - the degree route into design and PM work
• Online Project Management Degrees - moving from the crew to the office

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025)
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (2023-2024, Table R98)
• U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Davis-Bacon General Wage Determinations (2026)

Carpenter Salary by State

BLS OEWS, May 2025

Filter states

State Median annual Top 10% annual Alaska $73,860 $151,530 Massachusetts $75,200 $122,880 New York $72,330 $122,400 New Jersey $64,010 $121,490 California $75,920 $119,950 Washington $74,190 $119,920 Illinois $79,000 $117,660 Hawaii $85,280 $115,900 Oregon $62,870 $106,360 Nevada $62,380 $102,360 Minnesota $64,930 $99,130 Missouri $60,840 $96,310 Maryland $62,960 $94,970 Wisconsin $61,660 $93,040 New Hampshire $61,200 $92,410 Pennsylvania $59,370 $92,110 Colorado $62,830 $90,740 Indiana $62,870 $90,700 Rhode Island $60,840 $89,670 Kansas $56,960 $88,090 Connecticut $64,060 $88,000 Michigan $61,680 $81,860 Delaware $59,200 $81,320 Ohio $60,810 $81,140 Wyoming $56,850 $80,800 District of Columbia $61,710 $80,720 South Carolina $50,670 $79,040 Maine $62,160 $78,240 New Mexico $59,720 $77,790 Montana $58,820 $77,140 Vermont $62,400 $76,850 North Dakota $57,890 $76,760 Iowa $57,710 $76,540 Arizona $58,580 $75,950 Idaho $52,000 $75,710 Utah $52,360 $75,170 Virginia $55,690 $74,250 Kentucky $52,680 $72,960 Nebraska $50,320 $72,800 Arkansas $47,760 $70,550 West Virginia $48,710 $70,060 Florida $49,870 $69,950 Louisiana $49,920 $69,310 Tennessee $50,830 $66,450 Texas $48,900 $65,920 South Dakota $48,140 $65,890 Oklahoma $46,910 $64,940 Georgia $49,350 $63,470 Mississippi $48,650 $63,440 North Carolina $49,100 $63,160 Alabama $48,220 $63,140

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025\.