Updated May 2026 · BLS OEWS 2024
How to Become a Carpenter (2024)
Construction · 4-year apprenticeship · SOC 47-2031
Carpenters earn a national median of $61,080 per 2024 BLS data, with the 90th percentile reaching $133,040 in San Francisco. The standard path is a 4-year registered apprenticeship — paid from day one, no four-year degree required.
What Does a Carpenter Do?
Carpenters build, install, and repair structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials. They work on everything from framing houses to installing cabinets and trim.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Read blueprints and building plans
- Measure, cut, and shape wood, drywall, and other materials
- Build frameworks including walls, floors, and doorframes
- Install cabinets, siding, drywall, and insulation
- Inspect and replace damaged framework and structural components
The Path: How to Become a Carpenter
- 1
Finish high school or earn a GED
Most apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED. Strong math (especially algebra and geometry) and reading skills matter for trade exams and blueprint work. - 2
Find a registered apprenticeship
Search apprenticeship.gov for registered programs in your area. Programs are sponsored by unions, contractor associations, or individual employers. Application windows are usually annual. - 3
Complete the 4-year apprenticeship
Apprentices spend roughly 8000+ hours on the job paired with a journeyman, plus 144 classroom hours per year. Pay starts around $51,310 and steps up each year — see the timeline below. - 4
Pass the journeyman exam
Most states require a written + practical exam to earn the journeyman license. The exam covers code knowledge, safety, and practical work scenarios. Pass rates vary 50-80% on the first attempt. - 5
Earn certifications and (optionally) the master license
Layer on specialty certifications (OSHA 10/30-Hour Construction Safety) to access higher-paying work. Most states offer a master license after 2-4 additional years of journeyman experience — required for independent contracting in many states. - 6
Climb to the top decile
Top earners ($133,040 in San Francisco) typically reach the 90th percentile through specialization, foreman/supervisor roles, union membership, or running a small contracting business.
Carpenter Apprentice Pay Timeline
Hourly wage progression based on industry-standard apprenticeship pay schedules. Actual rates vary by local union or contractor agreement.
| Year | Stage | Hourly | Annual (2,080 hr) | % of Journeyman |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Apprentice | $40/hr | $83,200 | 138% |
| Year 2 | Apprentice 2 | $53/hr | $110,240 | 183% |
| Year 3 | Apprentice 3 | $67/hr | $139,360 | 231% |
| Year 4 | Pre-journeyman | $85/hr | $176,800 | 293% |
| Journeyman | Licensed | $29/hr | $61,080 | 100% |
| Master / Top 10% | Specialist / Foreman | $64/hr | $133,040 | 218% |
Required Certifications & Licenses
- ✓OSHA 10/30-Hour Construction Safety
- ✓NCCER Carpentry Certification
- ✓Lead-safe renovation certification (EPA RRP)
Skills You'll Need to Build
Work Environment
Carpenters work on construction sites, in homes, and in workshops. The job is physically demanding, extensive standing, climbing, lifting, and kneeling. Outdoor work in all weather conditions.
Job Outlook
Employment projected to grow 2% from 2022-2032. Residential remodeling and commercial construction drive steady demand.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Carpenter Pay by City
The highest-paying metros for carpenters, with cost-of-living-adjusted pay so you can compare real take-home.
| City | Median | Top 10% | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $80,950 | $133,040 | D |
| Seattle, WA | $76,760 | $116,660 | D |
| Chicago, IL | $76,510 | $120,970 | C |
| Minneapolis, MN | $75,710 | $97,100 | C |
| Los Angeles, CA | $73,840 | $117,940 | D |
| Boston, MA | $73,800 | $121,940 | D |
| New York, NY | $69,680 | $125,280 | D |
| Portland, OR | $65,810 | $104,330 | D |
| St. Louis, MO | $65,090 | $96,510 | C |
| Detroit, MI | $65,060 | $82,560 | C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Most carpenters complete a 4-year registered apprenticeship — typically 8000+ hours of paid on-the-job training plus 144 classroom hours per year. After completing the apprenticeship and passing the journeyman exam, you can work independently. Master-level certification (where applicable) usually takes another 2-4 years of journeyman experience.
No. Carpenters do not require a four-year college degree. The standard credential is a journeyman license earned through a paid apprenticeship registered with the U.S. Department of Labor at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/. Some workers complete a 1- or 2-year certificate at a community or trade college before applying — but the journeyman license is what employers actually require.
Carpenter apprentices typically start at $51,310 per year (10th percentile) and progress upward each year of the apprenticeship. By year 3, pay usually reaches the 50th percentile around $61,080. All training is paid — apprentices are W-2 employees of contractors or unions, not students paying tuition.
Common carpenter certifications include: OSHA 10/30-Hour Construction Safety; NCCER Carpentry Certification; Lead-safe renovation certification (EPA RRP). Most states also require a journeyman license; some have a separate master license for independent work.
Carpenters earn a national median of $61,080 (Trade Pay Score grade C), wages have grown 2% over the past 5 years, and the BLS counts roughly 299,230 carpenter jobs nationwide. The work is physically demanding and the apprenticeship is real, but the trade clears the bar for living-wage, debt-free career entry.
The U.S. Department of Labor maintains a searchable database of registered apprenticeship programs at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/. Local building trades councils, IBEW/UA/IUPAT/IBB union halls, and trade school career offices also place candidates directly. Most apprenticeships have one open application window per year — check listings early.
Wage figures from BLS OEWS 2024. Apprentice pay schedules from industry-standard registered programs. Career outlook from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 2032 projections.