In short
Most carpenters learn on the job, either through a three to four year apprenticeship or by starting as a helper. Trade school programs can teach the basics faster. You need a solid grip on measuring, fractions and layout. Carpenters earned a median $60,580 in May 2025, and BLS projects about 62,800 openings each year, one of the largest numbers in construction.
| Middle pay | $60,580 a year, roughly $29.12 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| How most people start | High school or GED to start, then apprenticeship |
| People in the trade | About 889,700 nationwide (2025) |
| Growth to 2035 | BLS expects 3.9% growth |
| Openings a year | Around 62,800, counting retirements |
From the BLS Employment Projections table (2025 to 2035) and May 2025 wage survey. These are U.S. numbers. Local shops may pay above or below them, and apprentices start well under the middle figure.
Specialties
| Specialty | What you build |
|---|---|
| Rough framing | Walls, floors and roofs in wood or metal |
| Concrete formwork | Molds for foundations, walls and bridges |
| Finish carpentry | Doors, trim, stairs, cabinets |
| Interior systems | Metal studs, drywall, ceilings |
Getting started
Read about carpenter apprenticeships and brush up on trade math, especially fractions and the 3-4-5 rule for squaring corners.
Find carpentry training
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Straight answers
How long does it take to become a carpenter?
Usually three to four years through an apprenticeship, though you start earning right away.
Do carpenters need a license?
Individual carpenters usually do not, but contractors often need a state or local contractor license.
Is carpentry hard on your body?
It is physical: lifting, kneeling and working on ladders. Good technique and safety gear help.