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Why Pursue a Career in Carpentry?

An education in carpentry prepares an individual to work with the shaping of wood and other materials for the purposes of furnishing, construction or repair. An individual can take several paths to obtain the skills necessary to become a carpenter. The first option is enrolling in a carpentry course or joinery course at an accredited college offering an associate degree or carpentry certificate. The second is to find work as a carpenter's assistant - usually working alongside a journeyman while taking relevant classes.   The third is a formal apprenticeship that also offers college CTE dual credit.

The value of a dual credit CTE allows students to maximize time and money while in school while building skills for the future.  Once an apprenticeship is completed an individual will obtain the title of journeyman. A journeyman carpenter can then obtain certification in a variety of specialties in order to increase his or her skill set and increase marketability.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$48,340

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

23.32%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

676,980

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Carpentry Courses

Rolla Institute of Technology/Center is a seamless bridge between education and employment for students. Its goals include the training of technologically advanced personnel in their preferred professions. 

One of the most recent activities added to the woodworking project of the Rolla Institute of Technology/Center is the acquisition of CNC milling machines by Weeke Vantech, enabling students to master their skills in CNC machining. Rolla's woodworking program provides high-tech skills training, which will motivate students to continue their career-related technical training or university degrees. Its wood manufacturing and design course includes a hands-on training in residential cabinetmaking, conventional machining as well as assembly and finishing.

Acceptance Rate

64

Tuition

$10,800 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The Orleans Institute of Technology is managed by the Human Services Department of JEVS. It is a non-profit post-secondary vocational school dedicated to helping learners achieve their career or employment goals. It provides high-quality education, and its plans will continue to improve. 

Its woodworking craftsmanship is an outstanding plan for its career, surpassing the ordinary level of the Orleans Technical Institute. It has a vocational training course that will provide students with hands-on practical knowledge that is essential for success in the construction trade industry and demanding building construction. After completing the program, students will learn how to address the needs of businesses and homeowners and acquire the technical skills sought by employers.

Acceptance Rate

60.69

Tuition

$14,938 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Thaddeus Stevens College Technology is a pioneer in offering two-year residential technology courses. It specially accommodates people who are socially disadvantaged as well as qualified learners for skilled employment.   Its carpentry technology program uses state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology coupled with industry-experts as instructors to equip students in addressing present-day issues in the building industry. The students have received special training for two years, which is enough to prepare light commercial and residential construction workers. At the end of the course, students will understand the basic skills and knowledge of woodworking and masonry, including the use of power equipment and hand tools.

Acceptance Rate

88.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Johnson College is known for providing timely and high-quality two-year university courses and 15-degree programs. Students are trained in gaining and honing technical skills to meet the growing demands in today’s industry-driven world.   In the technical and vocational fields, Johnson College offers courses in woodworking and cabinet making technology, enabling students to become entry-level businessmen in estimating, layout, and building residential projects. Students are taught about the industry-standard equipment and tools such as jointers, table saws, hand tools, power tools, laser levels and pneumatic nailers. Through this program, they can become skilled carpenters, cabinetmakers, factory workers and custom carpenters.

Acceptance Rate

97.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The State University of New York Institute of Technology is located in the town of Delhi and is one of the leading public universities. It was established in 1913 and has a unique close connection between teachers and students. 

The State University of New York Institute of Technology in Delhi is a leading provider of architectural technology and leading courses. It prides itself on its 100% employment guarantee rate, thus ensuring a successful career path for graduates of the program. Any qualified individual is welcomed and encouraged to pursue an associated and applied science construction technology.

Acceptance Rate

72.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The University of Montana encourages students to think critically, explore creatively and live a moral life. Such ideals are embodied in its policies and programs to help the faculty and the students to be more than competent in living through the life’s challenges especially in today’s digital era.

The plan is designed to enable the University of Montana to provide assistance to skilled, qualified, and capable carpenters in the region. The program affords opportunity to master carpentry skills through the university’s competency-based learning environment. Students are trained to use hand and power grade tools with blueprints to construct frame buildings, foundation forms, side and roof buildings, and to apply roofing materials, among others.

Acceptance Rate

93.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is a well-known land research institution and a place for endless learning and exploration in various fields. At Fairbanks University, students have won with the revolutionary ideas and innovative learning systems provided by the institution.

UAF provides OEC for basic woodworking majors, which are the stepping stones for all woodworking professions and courses, suitable for woodworking students. An OEC can be used to further get a certification and a degree in construction technology. The program's training includes some hands-on practices in safety, introduction to power tools, architectural mathematics, and a basic understanding of how to promote communication and participation.

Acceptance Rate

75.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The University of Alaska Southeast is a public university with different three campuses located across the state of Alaska. Due to its geographic location, UAS's research and educational formulas are centered on science and humanities.  One of the top-notching programs at UAS is its program for construction technology. The students of this program are entitled to acquire the necessary tools, basic understanding, and knowledge to build their own path towards a successful career. UAS provides guidance and career assistance so that students can improve their skills and achieve better output and training.

Acceptance Rate

60.57

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

It is a public technical college and a leader in providing students with high-quality technical courses and skills courses. It is a recognized technical institution in the field of vocational innovation and technical education in the country.  A career technician trade is a career for people with skills in hands-on, challenging, and driven tasks in construction. At Washburn Institute of Technology, students interested in building construction can magnify their knowledge and polished their abilities with the school’s high-quality program. This program will introduce the basic knowledge of carpentry, including masonry and roof framing.

Acceptance Rate

50.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Moore Norman Technology Center is committed to providing resources and facilities to prepare any student who enrolls in changing lives, preparing for a better tomorrow and success. It has continuing education and vocational training programs.  Adults and high school juniors and seniors may enroll for a carpentry program with Moore Norman Technology Center to gain and hone technical skills essential in the growing construction trade industry. With carpentry, they will learn about retail, office, and housing construction. They will also be adept in estimating and placing orders in construction materials, preparation and assembly, installation of materials using power and manual tools, and constructing tailored home projects.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,625 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

28:1

The Florida Panhandle Institute of Technology was established in 1967 to provide career and technical programs to help meet the vocational education needs of the community. Today, it has become a leading provider of vocational and technical training for the Florida workforce.   The carpentry courses at Florida Panhandle Technical College focuses on training students how to build a community. The construction is not only about housing, but also about schools, court houses and building edifices. The woodworking program provides instructions on how to use power tools and hand tools, estimation, drawing reading, selection and use of building materials, and construction code interpretation.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,890 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

In more than 50 years, Manatee Technical College has provided more than 50 vocational courses. To help students complete their studies, the institution provides financial assistance.   The Manatee Institute of Technology has industry-trained lecturers who can make students employment after participating in a woodworking course competition. The course includes training students and honing their skills to make them suitable for professionals in the construction industry as carpenters of trimming, framing, and shaping. Part of their training is to educate students on how to use power tools and hand tools, how to select and use building materials, estimate, read blueprints, and explain building regulations, to name a few.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,332 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Lancaster County Career College understands how innovation affects the world. Therefore, all its courses equip students with innovative abilities, productivity, and skills, enabling them to overcome any challenges they may encounter after the course is completed.  The focus of its carpentry classes and carpentry courses is to equip learners with professional skills and the ability to engage in residential carpentry and achieve success. They can also use it as a stepping-stone to seek further education. With the help of construction technology, they will obtain national skills certificates, including national vocational ability testing institutions and PA skills certificates.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$14,965 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The best technical careers start at Grand River Technical School, which has a wide variety of courses, many of which can be completed by attending six hours of courses per day. Its programs include paid internships, and most are certified by several national industry certification organizations.   It has provided the Building Trades plan since 2006. The lecturers of the program not only teach learners how to build houses, but also build houses from generation to generation. As part of the woodworking course, students will learn how to operate electric and hand tools, construct layouts, construct walls or roofs, and complete interior and exterior decoration.

Acceptance Rate

74.65

Tuition

$6,000 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

The Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center is known for producing world-class graduates who have enough confidence to tread through the world and set up a career for themselves or become an expert in their specialization. Its teachers, resources and facilities are characterized by the complexity of being able to cope with various challenges and being able to compete with the weather. 

Its construction technology students will continue to participate in the construction career day, demonstrating their talents and skills honed through intensive training in carpentry. There are scores of academic activities hosted or participated by Cape Girardeau Career & Technology Center which would benefit the students when it is their time to go out into the world and seek employment or establish a reputation for themselves. Operating heavy equipment as well as manual tools are part of the curriculum at Girardeau.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$8,400 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Triangle Tech Incorporation – Bethlehem is a technical school known for its modern facilities, cheaper and affordable program costs, and proven track record over the years. It has been endorsed by different organizations and renowned agencies including the U.S. Department of Education to administer Federal Perkins Loans.

Students looking for modern methods and carpentry methods will experience Triangle Tech. Incorporation. The institution is committed to produce graduates with high-skills and guaranteed competence to meet the employer’s needs and job demand in the real world. After completing the cooperation with the School of Woodworking and Construction Technology, students will prepare for entry-level courses.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Green Country Technology is a public institution that provides career and trade programs and courses. Among the 29 technology centers, Green Country Technology is Oklahoma’s finest in serving and providing opportunity to people to get a shot in obtaining certification and degrees in technical courses.

As a leading institute for technical and skill trade courses, green country also includes a comprehensive course in carpentry. The course aims to pave the way for learners to become highly skilled in the woodworking and construction fields through participating learning courses. In addition, as everyone knows, Green Country Technology teachers support and encourage them to achieve high-quality output and outstanding results.

Acceptance Rate

84.62

Tuition

$2,625 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Erwin Technical College or commonly known as D.G. Erwin Technical College is a public vocational college known as a hotbed of technical courses and programs. Its origins began in 1925, when it was established to operate and provide services and procedures.

The woodworking program of the Erwin Technology Center aims to expose students to all levels of architecture. Students can complete it in 14 months. By the end of the program, they are expected to acquire specialized learning knowledge in all stages of carpentry and upright construction (including doors, roofs and other things).

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,818 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee offers full-time programs in career training, business, and industry training, as well as adult & career development to help students jumpstart or upgrade their career. Students are inspired to imagine, experience, and achieve excellence. 

Its residential and commercial carpentry programs not only receive intensive training on how to use manual and professional power tools, but also how to interpret blueprints and the construction of residential and commercial buildings. Students will learn woodworking theories and skills from the simplest to the most complex crafts. At the end of the course, learners will have the necessary knowledge and skills to join the high-demand construction industry.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,098 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Centura College's career began in 1969, when it continued to grow, and later opened its first school in 1983. Its Norfolk campus is among the campuses of Centura College as a result of expansions and the college’s growth.  The Norfolk campus in Virginia offers a series of technical programs in different fields. This primarily features a program in carpentry. The Norfolk Woodworking Campus Program is committed to providing students with all the technical skills needed for construction.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

North Bennet Street School provides the privileges of manual skills and modern technical teaching skills to improve the level of craftsmanship, and to preserve and promote the tradition of craftsmanship. It provides hands-on training for students from all over the world to achieve a better life and a more meaningful life. 

Its woodworking program inspires students to strive for excellence and master craftsmanship. In just 9 months, learners can start working in the carpentry and woodworking industry and get a return from their educational investment. Its class size is small, which can best accommodate students and lecturers for one-on-one tutoring.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$50,150 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The Autry Technology Center played an important role in the Enid community as early as 1967. Its program includes evening as well as weekend certifications and short-term courses. 

To prepare students to become experts in the construction industry, the construction technology, which includes carpentry is included in Autry Technology Center’s academic programs. The carpentry technology features licensure and or certifications in the brotherhood of carpenters, forklift safety and OSHA 10. It also specializes in cabinetmaking, drywall installing, interior trim carpentry, roofing, frame carpentry, form carpentry and insulation installing.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,100 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Pamlico Community College features a non-discriminatory community in all levels and programs, admissions, and employment. It was founded in 1962 as an industrial education center and has now developed into a successful accredited community college.  The carpentry major at Pamlico Community College is a top-notch program under Pamlico’s section for Trades. Students at PCC’s schools for trades major are offered with boundless opportunity to enhance their skills on hands-on training in plumbing, HVAC and other quality trade-related programs. In addition, the school also supports and encourages learners to surpass and achieve more achievements in the field of construction and woodworking.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

It began its own journey in 1966 and now functions as a well-regarded public community college. Northwestern Iowa Community College is made up of smaller communities and is the best performing community college in Iowa.   NICC provides a woodworking undergraduate certificate, which guarantees a 12-month completion time. The program does not have any state license requirements and guarantees the employment of students in the fields of construction carpenters and rough carpenters. In addition, for students who need financial assistance, NICC also provides a program that allows students to borrow financial assistance during their studies.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The Salina Area Technical College is a publicly operating technical college. It is known for being ranked second among community colleges, and its mission is to educate students in transformation and make them workable individuals.  The Salina Area Technical College has opened a building technology course designed to train future skilled builders. Students in this course will carry out a series of activities in the field of architecture and technology throughout the year. They will receive training and first-hand knowledge about building codes and protection.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Where Do Carpenters Work?

Carpenters can work for or with a variety of carpenters and tradespersons in the construction industry. From independent tradespeople and general contractors to factories and unions the landscape of work can vary from job to job. Carpentry can involve the process of planning, designing, installing, deconstructing, repairing, and maintaining work for the customer. This can be done for a specialty woodworking project for a familys mantle to large-scale, multi-faceted project like building a public bridge.

Some classes in a carpentry program may include:

  • Industrial Math
  • Hand and Power Tools
  • Tool Grinding and Sharpening
  • Reading Prints and Schematics
  • Wood Products
  • Carpentry

How to Become a Carpenter

In order to become a tradesperson in carpentry, you will need the right tools for the job. The tools of the trade include knowing what tools to use in differing scenarios and equipment necessary to successfully complete a project. The formal path to become a carpenter includes going to a college or trade school to earn a degree or certification. By coupling a certification or degree with a robust apprenticeship program, students can maximize their resources by learning in class and on the job.

An apprenticeship program that is state-sponsored or affiliated with a post-secondary school is an excellent path to a carpentry career. Apprenticeship programs are 3 to 4 years in length and are paid training programs coupled with college lessons that lead to a certificate, diploma, or degree. These programs also allow students to learn from trained professionals in a safe environment while gaining valuable exposure to a variety of building blocks of carpentry. Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, you may have the opportunity to earn a journeyman status.

Certificate in Carpentry Education

A certificate program in carpentry is specifically designed to provide students with a set of foundational skills to enter the trade. The curriculum is designed to help students establish a good understanding of the tools, equipment, safety measures, and essential construction practices. Some trade schools and vocational programs offer apprenticeship programs in conjunction with certificate programs while other certificate programs do not. Specific research in the program or school desired will help determine if a certificate program is right for you.

Associate Degrees in Carpentry

An associate degree in carpentry is a program created to provide students with the basics of the carpentry trade plus a robust set of general education courses. The general education courses like philosophy or English composition help students think differently which can directly apply to work situations. The core carpentry curriculum will provide basic construction techniques, theories, business practices, workflow management, and safety protocols. A number of colleges and trade schools offering associate level programs are linked to an apprenticeship program which is valuable for students looking to make a long-term career out of the carpentry trade.

Carpentry Endorsements & Apprenticeship

Endorsements coupled with a certificate or degree in carpentry is another means to showcase your dedication and ability in the trade. Earning an endorsement may help you with a future employer or help to secure a project with an important client. In either case, the additional education is an added benefit that may be worth considering at some point in your career. A sampling of endorsements may include the following:

  • Site Inspection
  • Asbestos
  • Mold
  • Fire Protection
  • Lead
  • Confined Space
  • First Aid
  • CPR
  • OSHA 10-hour and 30-hour programs
  • HCS/HAZCOM certifications

Carpentry is the second largest building trade in the Unites States and is expected to have normal growth over the next decade. Carpentry is a volatile profession in that it is closely tied to the economy and can have long droughts of work due to lack of available opportunities. Conversely, during construction booms, carpenters can be in short supply. Additionally, work for carpenters can vary greatly based on geographic region and specialization.

Why Carpenters Need a College Education

The range of information a student will learn as they navigate college towards a certificate in carpentry or an associate degree in college will vary from school to school. That being said, a set of common skills undergirds the educational track for virtually every tradesperson. We have listed out the most common take-aways from college courses and hands-on carpenters training around the country:

  1. Project Management & Resource Management
  • Gathering job-specific information
  • Bidding out the job
  • Managing the project: tools, time, resources, budget
  • Adhering to plans and specifications to limit rework
  • Pulling permits required by state and/or municipality
  1. Construction and Building
  • Allocating proper tools and equipment
  • Identifying the right tools for the job
  • Adhering to best practices and value engineering scope
  • Utilizing the best material for the project
  1. Workplace Safety
  • Properly using, maintaining, and storing equipment
  • Communicating safety issues and concerns effectively
  • Understanding set of emergency response measures including First Aid, AED, and CPR
  • Adhering to township and municipality codes for safety
  1. Math
  • Using of math and mathematical models to solve issues
  • Budgeting and bidding jobs
  • Converting raw material to finished products
  • Calibrating equipment and machinery
  • Converting volume and area into materials to procure
  1. Codes & Regulations
  • Tightly adhering to local and national codes and regulations
  • Meeting federal standards relating to OSHA safety
  • Proactively determining any work site risks
  • Providing customer with green building options and path to a LEED certification
  1. Administrative & Managerial
  • Leveraging trade knowledge to help plan resources
  • Strategically planning with customer milestones and objectives
  • Helping superintendent coordinate resources and people
  1. Technology
  • Utilizing technology by trade and job to make processes more efficient
  • Learning new computer devices and hardware
  • Using electronic communication to help move a job forward
  • Working with experts to model project using CAD applications
  1. Planning & Design
  • Understanding intricacies of blueprints and CAD models
  • Processing and applying codes, regulations, standards by job type
  • Working with cross-functional team to create models and renderings

Top 6 Skills of a Carpenter

According to the most recent survey completed by carpenters and administered by the United States Department of Labor, a carpenter must possess a number of core skills. These skills include activities ranging from communication to operating mechanized devices. A list of the most important skills for a carpenter is listed below in order of importance:

  • Communication: Gathering information from overt methods or through observations, a carpenter must critically assess situations to obtain vital information about a job or project.
  • Inspection: Carpenters in all trades are required to carefully inspect the work site, equipment, and structures to identify problems and provide solutions.
  • Physical Activities: Performing a range of physical activates that may include bending, squatting, reaching, and stretching is quite common.
  • Transporting: Moving goods and equipment from station to station at a job site or in the shop is yet another important job skill of a carpenter.
  • Planning: The skills around project management of organizing, planning, and executing job-specific work or project-based work is vital for anyone in the trade.
  • Equipment: Safely and effectively operating mechanized devices and equipment to achieve a desired result is a technical aspect requisite for all carpenters.

Most Common Jobs for Carpenter Students

From residential houses to museums to convenience stores, each of these building structures exist thanks to many dedicated construction professionals.  Carpenters literally have a hand in building permanent structures from office buildings to bridges you use in everyday life.   Below you will find a quick list of the top jobs for a carpenter and the most common management jobs for upwardly mobile carpenters.

Top 10 Jobs for a Carpenter
  1. General Trade Carpenter
  2. Construction Carpenter
  3. Rough Carpenter
  4. Millwright
  5. Floor Covering Specialist & Tile Setter
  6. Cabinetmaker
  7. Interior Systems Carpenter
  8. Drywall Specialist
  9. Acoustical Systems Carpenter
  10. Mason
Top 8 Management and Supervisory Jobs in Carpentry
  1. Project Manager
  2. Crew Leader
  3. Foreman
  4. Superintendent
  5. Lead Hand
  6. Project Site Manager
  7. Project Estimator
  8. Safety Lead

The average salary for a carpenter is approximately $43,600 per year. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) estimates a total of 169,100 job opening in carpentry for the ten year reporting period ending in 2024. Entry level positions start at about $24,250 per year on average.

Top 5 States with Highest Employment for Carpenters
  1. California 91,780
  2. New York 48,220
  3. Florida 41,610
  4. Texas 36,870
  5. Pennsylvania 30,620
Top Paying States in Carpentry
  • Alaska $69,970
  • Hawaii $68,960
  • Illinois $62,380
  • New York $61,900
  • New Jersey $60,380

Individuals interested in a career in carpentry may also be interested in becoming an electrician, plumber, or construction worker.  Additional trade information can be found by researching national associations such as the American Builders and Contractors (ABC) or the Associated General Contractors (AGC).  Trade groups and associations provide membership benefits and vocational insights for professionals in the carpentry trade from coast to coast.

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