Carpenter
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. Federal job definition
How people get into it
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists apprenticeship as the typical training for this job.
Apprentice carpenters learn by working with more experienced coworkers.
Carpenters typically need a high school diploma and learn on the job or through apprenticeships.
Carpenters typically learn on the job or through apprenticeships.
- Typical education to start
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Typical training on the job
- Apprenticeship
Registered apprenticeships are run by employers, unions and industry groups. To find openings near you, search the U.S. Department of Labor's apprenticeship finder, or contact your state's apprenticeship office.
What it pays
Yearly pay for all workers in this job nationally, including experienced ones. Apprentices usually start lower and get raises as they advance.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025Median pay by state (51 states)
| State | Median pay | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $48,220 | 5,560 |
| Alaska | $73,860 | 2,560 |
| Arizona | $58,580 | 16,230 |
| Arkansas | $47,760 | 4,030 |
| California | $75,920 | 100,750 |
| Colorado | $62,830 | 12,740 |
| Connecticut | $64,060 | 5,160 |
| Delaware | $59,200 | 2,250 |
| District of Columbia | $61,710 | 1,540 |
| Florida | $49,870 | 39,300 |
| Georgia | $49,350 | 9,190 |
| Hawaii | $85,280 | 4,810 |
| Idaho | $52,000 | 8,380 |
| Illinois | $79,000 | 19,570 |
| Indiana | $62,870 | 15,240 |
| Iowa | $57,710 | 5,770 |
| Kansas | $56,960 | 5,210 |
| Kentucky | $52,680 | 8,540 |
| Louisiana | $49,920 | 8,990 |
| Maine | $62,160 | 5,170 |
| Maryland | $62,960 | 9,770 |
| Massachusetts | $75,200 | 18,540 |
| Michigan | $61,680 | 18,590 |
| Minnesota | $64,930 | 14,930 |
| Mississippi | $48,650 | 2,950 |
| Missouri | $60,840 | 14,410 |
| Montana | $58,820 | 4,030 |
| Nebraska | $50,320 | 5,710 |
| Nevada | $62,380 | 12,700 |
| New Hampshire | $61,200 | 3,760 |
| New Jersey | $64,010 | 14,230 |
| New Mexico | $59,720 | 3,630 |
| New York | $72,330 | 40,630 |
| North Carolina | $49,100 | 13,480 |
| North Dakota | $57,890 | 2,360 |
| Ohio | $60,810 | 18,450 |
| Oklahoma | $46,910 | 3,820 |
| Oregon | $62,870 | 15,110 |
| Pennsylvania | $59,370 | 30,630 |
| Rhode Island | $60,840 | 2,580 |
| South Carolina | $50,670 | 6,950 |
| South Dakota | $48,140 | 4,560 |
| Tennessee | $50,830 | 8,200 |
| Texas | $48,900 | 33,540 |
| Utah | $52,360 | 15,220 |
| Vermont | $62,400 | 3,080 |
| Virginia | $55,690 | 20,460 |
| Washington | $74,190 | 26,960 |
| West Virginia | $48,710 | 3,670 |
| Wisconsin | $61,660 | 13,880 |
| Wyoming | $56,850 | 2,260 |
Job outlook
- People in this job
- 889,700
- Openings each year
- 62,800projected average, 2025–35, including people retiring or changing jobs
- Change in jobs
- +3.9%expected to grow 3.9%, 2025–35
Where these numbers come from
Pay comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' wage survey (May 2025). Jobs, openings, growth, education and training come from BLS Employment Projections (2025–35). The description of the job is the federal Standard Occupational Classification definition, and the quote is from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. For how many apprentices there are in each state, see the Department of Labor's apprentices by state dashboard. Updated November 5, 2026.