Carpentry is one of the more enduring trades across industries, with a history that stretches back over a thousand years. With no shortage in construction and renovation projects in the country, it’s no wonder why carpenters remain in high demand. If you want to learn how to become a carpenter, you may already have the tools you need to succeed.

Carpenters are workers that cut and install numerous building materials, pre-made structures, fixtures, and more. Experienced carpenters may also be responsible for estimating the material needs of a project, including the quantity and the cost, as well as placing orders for those building materials.

Carpenters work with a variety of materials like wood, drywall, insulation, and plastic. They can choose from many specialties that require different skills including cabinet making, restoration, scenic carpentry for film sets, and more.

Find Your Bootcamp Match

• Career Karma matches you with top tech bootcamps
• Access exclusive scholarships and prep courses

Select your interest
Software Engineering Design Data Science Data Analytics UX Design Cyber Security Digital Marketing First name

Last name

Email

Phone number

By continuing you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, and you consent to receive offers and opportunities from Career Karma by telephone, text message, and email.

To become a carpenter, you can get an apprenticeship with just a high school diploma or GED. So if you’re a high school graduate who excelled in your shop classes, you may be able to start working in carpentry without any extra schooling. After finishing your carpentry apprenticeship, you’ll have to apply for a journeyman license to start working on your own.

However, if you want more training before your apprenticeship, there are tons of other paths you can pursue. For instance, trade schools and community colleges can teach you everything you’ll need to further your carpentry skills and knowledge.

The carpentry business always needs fresh talent with hands-on experience and on-the-job training. The following education tracks can get you started with the basics for almost every carpentry job.

Trade schools are college alternatives that teach a specific skill. Many of these schools offer certificate programs that teach students the basics of carpentry. This is the fastest route for extra training, but it probably won’t cover anything beyond the foundation you need to start working in construction.

Carpentry courses in trade schools teach students how to read blueprints, make cabinets, and work with the different materials they’ll need with on-the-job training. Students can graduate from these training programs with a certificate within six months to a year of study.

Community college programs can vary in terms of what they offer, but most of them focus more on classroom lectures than practical training. These courses also cover the basics of carpentry like framing, working from blueprints, and power tool safety procedures.

This option tends to be less expensive than a four-year college option. Because it only requires two years of study, you’ll get to enjoy an early start in the job market than if you went for a bachelor’s degree.

That being said, this route usually lasts longer and costs more than going to a trade school. Some community colleges only offer certificate programs while others give students an associate degree upon completion.

A bachelor’s degree is much less common for people who want to start working as carpenters, but it’s a viable path to a career in carpentry nonetheless. These four-year degrees usually focus more on the management side of carpentry instead of the physical demands of the job.

This option is more for people who have worked as carpenters for a few years and therefore want to transition into the management side. If you already hold an associate degree, you’ll probably only need two years of instruction at this level. These degrees are more expensive than the previous two options.

An apprenticeship is required for anyone that wants to work as a professional carpenter. Apprentices work for a few years under an experienced carpenter to get more training in real-life job situations. Apprentices also get paid during their time in the program, so you’ll have some income as you learn on the job.

Many educational options help students find an apprenticeship program. But if you want to find an official apprenticeship, the United States Department of Labor helps job seekers with its dedicated website.

You can start working as an apprentice without any extra training. However, other educational options can also help you decide if you truly want to be a carpenter before you fully commit to the trade.

So far, we’ve covered your educational options along with a guide that can help you pick the right path for you. So, where do you go from here? If you’re thinking of becoming a carpenter, here’s the step-by-step guide to make that dream a reality.

Key carpenter skills include hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, and math skills. The point of training is to enhance these qualities before you start working on your own. These are only three of the things you’ll need to do the job well, but they’ll carry you a long way as you start your journey into carpentry.

The carpentry field is expected to stay pretty stable over the next 10 years. There’s no change projected in the job market, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is lower than the national growth rate average of four percent in other fields, but it’s not so far behind.

The median salary for the position is around $49,520 per year, the BLS reports. This salary is higher than the national average median salary of $39,810. The extra pay reflects the amount of training that carpenters need before they can enter the field.

The only thing you need to start working as a carpenter is a high school degree and a journeyman card. Depending on your state, you can get an apprenticeship and then go on to get your journeyman card without stepping into a classroom.

Carpenters are in charge of shaping and installing materials, as well as communicating with parties on and off the job site to complete their projects. These duties require more than just being good with your hands. You’ll need to have skills with communication and basic math to make everything run as intended.

Below is more detail on what carpenters do.

As we’ve mentioned above, there are certain certifications that you can earn to broaden your job prospects as a carpenter. Some of these certifications are required in some states, but others add value to your resume for potential employers.

These popular sustainable construction credentials come in two versions. A LEED Green Associate credential shows that you’ve got a solid understanding of green building principles. A LEED AP credential shows you have advanced knowledge in green building with expertise in a particular LEED rating system.

These certifications from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration are required for any construction worker. The OSHA10 course covers the fundamentals of construction health and safety in a 10-hour format, while the OSHA30 course adds more to that foundation over a 30-hour format.

This certification from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry guarantees that its holder can supervise every aspect of a building project while also working on the site. You need at least five years of experience as a remodeler and two years of experience as a lead carpenter to qualify for this certificate.

The best way to prepare for your carpenter job interview is by completing your training. Most of the questions you’ll encounter will test your competency in the field. As an entry-level carpenter, these questions will focus more on your ability to perform the handiwork. If you’re interviewing for more senior roles, the focus will shift to your managerial skills.

Below are some examples of job interview questions that you might encounter during your first few interviews.

You can expect to become a carpenter in about three or four years. The time you take will depend on your education path and how long it takes for you to grasp the fundamental skills. Then, it’s just a matter of completing the requirements for your journeyman card before you can start working professionally.

If you want to earn more as a carpenter or move into managerial roles, then you may want to earn some of the sought-after certificates listed above. You’ll be able to get these certificates over a few months.

If you like working with your hands and creating tangible results, then carpentry may be for you. There’s always going to be a need for competent carpenters. If you decide to go the freelance route, your work will fluctuate. On the upside, you will be your boss.

Carpentry is a route to steady and rewarding work in an industry that’s been around for thousands of years.