How To Become A Carpenter (2025 Guide)

Updated October 24, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents

Carpenters are the creators and builders of our physical world. From framing homes to crafting custom cabinetry, carpentry is a versatile trade that rewards craftsmanship, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills. It's perfect for those who like working with their hands and seeing tangible results every day.

Carpenter Salary Snapshot

U.S.
U.S. Median Pay $59,310 $28.51 per hour
Job Outlook 4.5% +43,100 jobs (2024–2034)
74,100 openings/yr
Data Year: 2024 Source: BLS OEWS

What Do Carpenters Do?

Carpenters construct, install, and repair building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. They work on:

  • Residential and commercial framing
  • Interior trim and cabinetry
  • Drywall and flooring
  • Roofing and siding
  • Concrete forms and scaffolding

Carpenters often specialize in rough framing, finish carpentry, remodeling, or general contracting.

Carpenter Salary & Job Outlook

Based on BLS occupation: Carpenters (47-2031)
Data Year: 2024 • U.S.

Median Pay (2024) $59,310 $28.51 per hour
Job Outlook (2024–2034) 4.5% +43,100 jobs (2024–2034) • 74,100 annual openings

Mean Pay (2024)

$64,040 per year $30.79 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $38,760

$18.64 per hour

25th Percentile $47,550

$22.86 per hour

75th Percentile $75,620

$36.36 per hour

90th Percentile $98,370

$47.30 per hour

Employment Outlook

2024 959,000
2034 1,002,100

Employment: 959,000 → 1,002,100 jobs by 2034 (4.5%)

74,100 projected openings each year

Additional Details

Share of U.S. Employment
0.5%
Employment per 1,000 Jobs
4.53
Employment RSE
1.2%
Projected Annual Openings
74,100

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. www.bls.gov/oes

How to Become a Carpenter

Here's a simple path to becoming a professional carpenter:

  1. Finish high school or earn a GED
  2. Apply for a carpentry apprenticeship
  3. Attend trade school or vocational training (optional)
  4. Complete 3-4 years of on-the-job training
  5. Earn journeyman certification (if required in your state)

Training Options

You can train for carpentry through:

  • Carpentry Trade Schools
  • Union apprenticeships (e.g., United Brotherhood of Carpenters)
  • Contractor mentorship and on-site training

💡 Many apprenticeships offer tools, insurance, and paid training while you learn.

Certifications & Licensing

While not always required, many carpenters pursue:

  • OSHA 10 or 30 safety certification
  • Journeyman or contractor license (varies by state)
  • Special certifications for green building or remodeling

🏗️ Where to Get Licensed

Every state has different rules for carpenters. Some states require registration for contractors, while others focus more on experience and certifications.

We've written step-by-step guides for the top states:

State Step-by-Step Guide
Florida Become a Carpenter in Florida
Texas Become a Carpenter in Texas
California Become a Carpenter in California

Explore more: All State Licensing Pages »

Skills Needed

  • Measuring and cutting with precision
  • Understanding blueprints and building codes
  • Physical endurance and hand-eye coordination
  • Math and geometry knowledge
  • Strong work ethic and jobsite communication

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • High job satisfaction from hands-on work
  • Wide range of specialties
  • Strong demand in construction-heavy states
  • Opportunity to become a licensed contractor

Cons:

  • Physically demanding
  • Seasonal slowdowns in some regions
  • Injuries from tools or jobsite hazards

Explore Related Topics:

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.