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Skilled Trades

Carpenters

Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation. Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways.

Median salary (BLS)

$60,580

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$40k – $100k

Job outlook

+5% (faster than average)

AI exposure

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Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$100–$2,600

Time to qualify

3.1 yr

Renewal

$50/yr

  1. 1

    Registered apprenticeship (paid)

    Experience

    Earn-while-you-learn training — apprentices are paid during the program; fees are tools/books, not tuition.

    $0–$2,000 · 36 months · varies by state source

  2. 2

    Journeyman exam & state/local license

    License

    Most states and municipalities test and license journeyman-level trades workers.

    $100–$600 · 1 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Carpenters" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Carpenters

    Entry / Junior

    $40,410

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Carpenters

    Established

    $60,580

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Carpenters

    Senior

    $80,245

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
  • •Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.
  • •Assemble and fasten materials to make frameworks or props, using hand tools and wood screws, nails, dowel pins, or glue.
  • •Study specifications in blueprints, sketches, or building plans to prepare project layout and determine dimensions and materials required.
  • •Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Skilled Trades

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.