The Best Training for
Carpentry in 2021
Carpenters are responsible for much of the furniture you’ve encountered. If you admire this trade skill and want to join the fold, this guide is for you. The first step to learning carpentry is choosing a college or trade school. The best carpentry schools and programs can help you get an apprenticeship.
These carpentry training programs are affordable and accessible. They can help you gain the knowledge you need to turn your passion into profit.
Rundown: The Top 10 Carpentry Programs in 2021
This table contains details about the best carpentry schools in the United States. You will learn about the cost, program type, location, and, where applicable, the certification options.
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All tuition statistics were collected from the schools’ websites. They are subject to change when you apply for admission.
| School | State | Programs and Cost | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cerritos College | CA | Woodworking Manufacturing Technologies Certificate $10,206 total Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Woodworking Certificate $10,206 total Furniture Making Certificate $10,206 total Cabinetmaking Certificate $10,206 total |
None |
| College of Southern Nevada | NV | Associate of Applied Science in Carpentry $109.75 per credit (in-state) $120.75 per credit (out-of-state) |
None |
| Green River College | WA | Associate of Applied Science in Carpentry Technology -Residential and Light Commercial $184.54 per credit (residents) $199.50 per credit (non-residents) $362.78 per credit (undetermined residency) $362.78 per credit (international students) Carpentry Technology Certificate $184.54 per credit (residents) $199.50 per credit (non-residents) $362.78 per credit (undetermined residency) $362.78 per credit (international students) |
None |
| Ivy Tech Community College | IN | Carpentry Specialist Certificate $4,785.60 total Carpentry Specialist Technical Certificate $4,785.60 total |
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certifications |
| University of Montana | MT | Carpentry Certificate $110 per credit (in-state) $450 per credit (out-of-state) |
None |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | AK | Construction Trades Technology Certificate $234 per credit (in-state) $800 per credit (out-of-state) |
None |
| Utah Valley University | UT | Cabinetry & Architectural Woodworking Diploma $407 per credit hour Cabinetry & Architectural Woodworking Certificate $407 per credit hour Associate of Science in Cabinetry & Architectural Woodworking $407 per credit hour Associate of Applied Science in Cabinetry & Architectural Woodworking $407 per credit hour |
None |
| Southern Crescent Technical College | GA | Framing Carpenter Certificate $395 per credit Cabinet Making Assistant Certificate $395 per credit Carpentry Diploma $395 per credit |
None |
| Southern Oklahoma Technology Center | OK | Construction Technology Certificate – Carpentry $2.50 per credit (in-district) $5.00 per credit (in-state) $7.50 per credit (out-of-state) |
National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Carpentry |
| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology | PA | Associate of Applied Science in Carpentry $308 per credit |
None |
How to Pick the Best Carpentry School for You
To become a carpenter, you need to be creative and good with your hands. A school can teach you the skills to turn your ideas into reality. Your school should teach you how to manipulate fiberglass, drywall, and even plastic while making furniture. Read below to learn more about what to look for in a carpentry program.
Specialization Options
The two major categories of carpentry are rough carpentry and finish carpentry. However, there are several subcategories. The best carpentry schools can teach you trim, rough, commercial, residential, and green carpentry. Even if you eventually want to focus on one specialization, knowing every aspect of carpentry will help.
Tuition Cost and Financial Aid
Education can be expensive. While trade schools are typically more affordable than universities, you still need to check the tuition cost. Also, find out if you can get financial aid through payment plans or federal loans. However, the availability of financial aid shouldn’t cloud your judgment when you’re picking a school.
Apprenticeship and Job Placement
Your school should offer apprenticeships and job opportunities. The length of the program and the quality of training during these apprenticeships is crucial. You should also find out if there are job placement options available. The best schools for carpentry place students at different companies for paid, hands-on experience.
The Best Carpentry Schools of 2021
For more details about the top 10 schools for carpentry, read the list below.
Cerritos College
Programs
Woodworking Manufacturing Technologies Certificate, CNC Woodworking Certificate, Furniture Making Certificate, Cabinetmaking Certificate
Accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (WASC-ACCJC)
Online Options
None available
Cerritos College is known across southern Los Angeles as one of the best carpentry schools. The critical programs at this school are cabinetmaking, woodworking, and furniture making. The school’s facility includes over 100 state-of-the-art machines available for students. You can experience face-to-face lessons and hands-on projects.
Woodworking Manufacturing Technologies Certificate Curriculum
Architectural millwork
Woodturning and veneering
Faceframe cabinetmaking
College of Southern Nevada
Programs
Associate of Applied Science in Carpentry
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Online Options
None available
This community college is a great choice because it offers a mandatory apprenticeship. Afterward, you will be able to join the Carpenters Union as a journeyman. Along with carpentry, you will take general electives and academic credits throughout your education. This gives you a well-rounded experience.
Associate of Applied Science in Carpentry Curriculum
Running a woodworking business
Mathematics for carpentry
Carpentry tools and techniques
Green River College
Programs
Associate of Applied Science in Carpentry Technology – Residential and Light Commercial, Carpentry Technology Certificate
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Online Options
None available
This is an excellent option for people who want to choose from a range of carpentry specializations. Green River College offers five certificate programs and one associate degree in carpentry. While all classes are on-site, the scheduling is flexible. For example, you can opt for evening classes as opposed to regular morning sessions.
Associate of Applied Science in Carpentry Technology - Residential and Light Commercial Curriculum
Interior and exterior finish carpentry
Wall and roof framing
Concrete and foundation placement
Ivy Tech Community College
Programs
Carpentry Specialist Certificate, Carpentry Specialist Technical Certificate
Accreditation
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Higher Learning Commission (NCA-HLC)
Online Options
None available
This public school has a carpentry program that is part of its building construction technology department. Ivy Tech is a great choice because it offers the opportunity to gain professional certifications. You can get multiple NCCER certifications, including Carpentry Forms, Carpentry Framing & Finish, and Electrical.
Carpentry Specialist Certificate Curriculum
Applied technical mathematics
Workplace communications
Carpentry framing and finishing
University of Montana
Programs
Carpentry Certificate
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Online Options
None available
This is a public research university that is popularly known for having the second-largest campus in Montana. The carpentry program is also state-of-the-art. It covers all the subjects you need for a career in commercial and residential carpentry. Beyond furniture making, you will learn about roofing, window installation, and drywall.
Carpentry Certificate Curriculum
Frontline supervision
Carpentry basics
Intermediate carpentry lab
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Programs
Construction Trades Technology Certificate
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Online Options
None available
This public university awards technical certificates for people interested in crafts like carpentry. If you want to dive into different trades along with carpentry, the Construction Trades Technology Certificate is a great choice. You can also enter the Occupational Endorsement Program, which can help you get a job in the field later on.
Construction Trades Technology Certificate Curriculum
Windows and exterior doors
Residential carpentry
Construction technology core
Utah Valley University
Programs
Cabinetry & Architectural Woodworking Diploma, Cabinetry & Architectural Woodworking Certificate, Associate of Science in Cabinetry & Architectural Woodworking, Associate of Applied Science in Cabinetry & Architectural Woodworking
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Online Options
None available
Utah Valley University has a carpentry program as part of its construction department. There are degrees at different levels of education, including an associate degree and a certificate program. Each option has unique requirements and completion times. You will be able to find jobs in many different areas of construction.
Cabinetry & Architectural Woodworking Diploma Curriculum
Cabinetry installation
Customized commercial cabinetry
Milling setup
Southern Crescent Technical College
Programs
Carpentry Diploma, Cabinet Making Assistant Certificate, Framing Carpenter Certificate
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Online Options
None available
At Southern Crescent Technical College, you can join thousands of craftspeople in the carpentry program. The public school offers three different carpentry programs, and you can choose which one suits your career goals. Each one promotes hands-on training through on-site and off-site apprenticeships.
Carpentry Diploma Curriculum
Blueprint reading and estimating
Roof, floor, and wall framing
Introduction to power tools
Southern Oklahoma Technology Center
Programs
Southern Oklahoma Technology Center
Accreditation
Oklahoma State Board of Career and Technology Education
Online Options
None available
Popularly known as SouthernTech, this school offers a range of technical and crafts training. The carpentry program is part of its construction technology department. It runs for about ten months. The free education and affordable tuition make this program a fantastic choice if you don’t want to break the bank on school.
Construction Technology Certificate - Carpentry Curriculum
Structural framing
Exterior and interior finishing
Cabinet construction
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Programs
Associate of Applied Science in Carpentry, Carpentry Technology Certificate
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Online Options
None available
This school offers a range of programs for carpentry, including associate degrees and certificates. This associate degree runs for two years, but the certificate programs can help you save time. The program focuses on the best technologies used by professional carpenters and woodworkers. You can also study to become a construction manager.
Associate of Applied Science in Carpentry Curriculum
Drywall installation and finish
Hand tools and power tools
Writing technical reports
How Much Can You Earn as a Carpenter?
Carpenters earn an average of $43,023 in the United States, according to ZipRecruiter. Variables like location, job title, and experience will influence the total amount you make every year. Most carpenters can work flexible hours, which affects the amount you will earn. It could be as high as $60,500 or as low as $22,000.
The jobs listed below are the highest-paying carpentry jobs in the United States.
The Highest-Paying Carpentry Roles
Why You Should Be a Carpenter in 2021
You should become a carpenter in 2021 because it is a reliable trade job. You can be a carpenter without any post-secondary education. In some cases, you may be fortunate enough to get the training you need without any formal education, but it is always better to go to school.
Before you start your training as a carpenter, keep in mind that there is a high risk of injury compared to other professions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also estimates that there will be little to no change in carpenter job opportunities by 2029. Although carpentry is not the most lucrative or glamorous job out there, it can still be a great choice.
