Updated 2025 · Construction
How to Become a Carpenter
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.
Steps to Become a Carpenter
- Meet basic requirements — You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. A strong foundation in math, physics, and shop classes helps.
- Apply to an apprenticeship program — Carpenter apprenticeships last 4 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apply through your local union (IBEW, UA, etc.) or a non-union contractor program. You earn while you learn from day one.
- Complete required training — Complete 8000 hours of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
- Earn certifications — Required certifications include: OSHA 10/30-Hour Construction Safety, NCCER Carpentry Certification, Lead-safe renovation certification (EPA RRP).
- Pass the journeyman exam — After completing your apprenticeship, pass the journeyman licensing exam in your state to earn full journeyman status and pay.
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.
Daily Duties
- 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
Skills Needed
- Blueprint reading
- Power and hand tool proficiency
- Framing and finishing
- Mathematics and measurement
- Building code knowledge
Required Certifications
- OSHA 10/30-Hour Construction Safety
- NCCER Carpentry Certification
- Lead-safe renovation certification (EPA RRP)
Carpenter Salary (2025)
The national median carpenter salary is $60,859 per year. Pay ranges from $51,034 in the lowest-paying metro to $79,122 in the highest-paying metro. See the full carpenter salary breakdown by city.
Apprentice Pay Progression
Carpenter apprentices earn while they learn, starting at approximately 40% of journeyman pay:
| Year | % of Journeyman | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40% | $24,344 |
| Year 2 | 57% | $34,690 |
| Year 3 | 73% | $44,427 |
| Year 4 | 90% | $54,773 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $60,859 |
Union vs Non-Union Carpenter Pay
Union carpenters earn 33% more than non-union workers — $35.80/hour union vs $26.92/hour non-union. Approximately 17.1% of carpenters are union members. See the full union vs non-union comparison.
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.
Career Outlook
Employment projected to grow 2% from 2022-2032. Residential remodeling and commercial construction drive steady demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
The national median salary for a carpenter is $60,859 per year (2025 BLS data). Pay ranges from $51,034 to $79,122 depending on location, with top earners in the 90th percentile making significantly more.
It takes 4 years to complete a carpenter apprenticeship. During this time, you earn while you learn — starting at approximately 40-50% of journeyman wages and receiving annual raises.
No college degree is required to become a carpenter. The primary path is through an apprenticeship program or trade school. You will need to earn specific certifications: OSHA 10/30-Hour Construction Safety and NCCER Carpentry Certification.
Carpenter earns a Trade Pay Score grade of C, meaning it rates moderately on pay relative to cost of living, wage growth, and demand. Employment projected to grow 2% from 2022-2032. Residential remodeling and commercial construction drive steady demand.
/methodology