πŸ”§ Skilled Trades ↑ 2% growth Β· Average

Carpenter / Finish Carpenter

Carpenters build and repair wooden structures β€” framing houses, installing cabinets, building decks, and doing finish work. Finish carpenters and custom millworkers can command premium rates for beautiful craftsmanship.

$51,390 Median Salary
918K US Jobs
4 years (apprenticeship) Training
$0–$5,000 Typical Cost

πŸ’° Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages β€” local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$36,000
Median
$51,390
Experienced
$78,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

πŸ“ˆ Job Outlook

2%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Average
918K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
UBC Carpenter certification or state license
Required Credential
UBC Carpenter certification or state license

πŸŽ“ Training & Education

Typical Program
Carpentry Apprenticeship or Certificate
Program Length
4 years (apprenticeship)
Typical Tuition
$0–$5,000
Work Setting
Residential/commercial construction, cabinet shops, restoration
πŸ† Credential Required: UBC Carpenter certification or state license

β˜€οΈ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Carpenter / Finish Carpenter involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Residential/commercial construction environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

βš–οΈ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • βœ… Strong job security
  • βœ… Rewarding work
  • βœ… Clear career progression
  • βœ… Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🏫 Schools Offering This Program

Vocational School
⭐ 81

Construction Education Center

πŸ“ Plainville, CT

Non-profit NCCER-accredited apprenticeship training center. Offers state-approved apprenticeships in major construction ...

CarpentryElectricalHVACPlumbingSheet Metal
Vocational School
⭐ 78

Delaware Skills Center

πŸ“ Wilmington, DE

New Castle, DE workforce training center offering short-term certificate programs for adults. Approved apprenticeship an...

LPN/Practical NursingCNAWeldingCarpentryElectrical Technology
Technical College
⭐ 86

Monty Tech (Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School)

πŸ“ Fitchburg, MA

23 trade programs including top-rated LPN program. Known for nursing and healthcare workforce development in north-centr...

Practical Nursing (LPN)CosmetologyCulinary ArtsEarly Childhood EducationHVAC
Community College
⭐ 86

Flathead Valley Community College

πŸ“ Kalispell, MT

Northwestern Montana community college with a dedicated Trades Institute offering HVAC, carpentry, and electrical progra...

Nursing (RN/CNA)Medical AssistingDental AssistingHVACElectrical

πŸ—ΊοΈ Carpenter / Finish Carpenter by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state: