Best degree programs for Carpenters, ranked by enrollment
1 college programs and 205 schools train Carpenters. Compare graduates per year, cost and pay, $60,580 median wage, 670,090 U.S. jobs. Federal data.
1 college programs at 205 schools train carpenters, graduating 6,053 people a year (IPEDS completions). The largest is Carpentry/Carpenter. The job pays a median of $60,580 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About 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.
Fields of study that lead to this job
Grouped at the 4-digit CIP level, the tier our program pages are built on. Numbers are graduates per year.
1 degree programs that lead to this job
Ranked by graduates per year (IPEDS completions). Graduate earnings and debt are College Scorecard figures for people who finished the program, reported at the 4-digit CIP level, so specializations within one field share a figure. That is a different measurement from the occupation-wide wages further down this page.
| # | Program | Graduates / yr | Share of pipeline | Schools | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carpentry/Carpentermain feeder CIP 46.0201 | 6,053 | 100.0% | 205 | $37,611 | $12,610 |
Top 50 schools by graduates into this job
Counting every feeder program a school offers, not just its largest one.
| # | School | Graduates / yr | Top feeder program | Grad rate | Net price | Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American River College Sacramento, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 500 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 37% | — | — |
| 2 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, IN Public · 1 feeder programs | 415 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 40% | — | — |
| 3 | Rio Hondo College Whittier, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 340 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 25% | — | — |
| 4 | J F Ingram State Technical College Deatsville, AL Public · 1 feeder programs | 294 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 21% | — | — |
| 5 | Community College of Allegheny County Pittsburgh, PA Public · 1 feeder programs | 138 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 24% | — | — |
| 6 | Jefferson Community and Technical College Louisville, KY Public · 1 feeder programs | 126 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 35% | — | — |
| 7 | Atlanta Technical College Atlanta, GA Public · 1 feeder programs | 125 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 49% | — | — |
| 8 | Central Arizona College Coolidge, AZ Public · 1 feeder programs | 108 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 27% | — | — |
| 9 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Green Bay, WI Public · 1 feeder programs | 101 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 51% | — | — |
| 10 | Tulsa Technology Center Tulsa, OK Public · 1 feeder programs | 88 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 81% | — | — |
| 11 | Philadelphia Technician Training Philadelphia, PA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 84 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 50% | $22,992 | — |
| 12 | Wichita State University - Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology Wichita, KS Public · 1 feeder programs | 84 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 43% | — | — |
| 13 | Hazard Community and Technical College Hazard, KY Public · 1 feeder programs | 77 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 48% | — | — |
| 14 | Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park, MN Public · 1 feeder programs | 77 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 42% | — | — |
| 15 | Uintah Basin Technical College Roosevelt, UT Public · 1 feeder programs | 75 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 86% | — | — |
| 16 | Southern Regional Technical College Thomasville, GA Public · 1 feeder programs | 74 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 31% | — | — |
| 17 | Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins, GA Public · 1 feeder programs | 72 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 47% | — | — |
| 18 | Madison Area Technical College Madison, WI Public · 1 feeder programs | 70 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 29% | — | — |
| 19 | Gwinnett Technical College Lawrenceville, GA Public · 1 feeder programs | 69 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 32% | — | — |
| 20 | City Colleges of Chicago - Kennedy - King College Chicago, IL Public · 1 feeder programs | 67 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 31% | — | — |
| 21 | Bluegrass Community and Technical College Lexington, KY Public · 1 feeder programs | 66 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 43% | — | — |
| 22 | Maysville Community and Technical College Maysville, KY Public · 1 feeder programs | 66 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 56% | — | — |
| 23 | Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College Cumberland, KY Public · 1 feeder programs | 62 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 47% | — | — |
| 24 | Columbus Technical College Columbus, GA Public · 1 feeder programs | 59 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 27% | — | — |
| 25 | Honolulu Community College Honolulu, HI Public · 1 feeder programs | 59 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 25% | — | — |
| 26 | Owensboro Community and Technical College Owensboro, KY Public · 1 feeder programs | 59 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 54% | — | — |
| 27 | Aims Community College Greeley, CO Public · 1 feeder programs | 57 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 40% | — | — |
| 28 | Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 55 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 35% | — | — |
| 29 | San Juan College Farmington, NM Public · 1 feeder programs | 55 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 37% | — | — |
| 30 | Somerset Community College Somerset, KY Public · 1 feeder programs | 50 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 43% | — | — |
| 31 | West Kentucky Community and Technical College Paducah, KY Public · 1 feeder programs | 49 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 50% | — | — |
| 32 | Western Iowa Tech Community College Sioux City, IA Public · 1 feeder programs | 48 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 50% | — | — |
| 33 | Kansas City Kansas Community College Kansas City, KS Public · 1 feeder programs | 46 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 42% | — | — |
| 34 | Southwestern Community College Creston, IA Public · 1 feeder programs | 46 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 59% | — | — |
| 35 | Yavapai College Prescott, AZ Public · 1 feeder programs | 42 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 34% | — | — |
| 36 | Hinds Community College Raymond, MS Public · 1 feeder programs | 39 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 43% | — | — |
| 37 | Northwood Technical College Rice Lake, WI Public · 1 feeder programs | 38 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 56% | — | — |
| 38 | Manhattan Area Technical College Manhattan, KS Public · 1 feeder programs | 37 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 74% | — | — |
| 39 | North Iowa Area Community College Mason City, IA Public · 1 feeder programs | 37 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 61% | — | — |
| 40 | Washburn Institute of Technology Topeka, KS Public · 1 feeder programs | 36 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 68% | — | — |
| 41 | Meridian Technology Center Stillwater, OK Public · 1 feeder programs | 35 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 48% | — | — |
| 42 | Chattahoochee Technical College Marietta, GA Public · 1 feeder programs | 34 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 38% | — | — |
| 43 | Francis Tuttle Technology Center Oklahoma City, OK Public · 1 feeder programs | 34 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 52% | — | — |
| 44 | Ranken Technical College Saint Louis, MO Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 32 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 53% | $17,520 | — |
| 45 | Lake Superior College Duluth, MN Public · 1 feeder programs | 31 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 42% | — | — |
| 46 | Northwest Shoals Community College Muscle Shoals, AL Public · 1 feeder programs | 31 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 39% | — | — |
| 47 | Orleans Technical College Philadelphia, PA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 31 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 90% | $19,184 | 80% |
| 48 | South Mountain Community College Phoenix, AZ Public · 1 feeder programs | 31 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 16% | — | — |
| 49 | Southern Oklahoma Technology Center Ardmore, OK Public · 1 feeder programs | 31 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 83% | — | — |
| 50 | Emily Griffith Technical College Denver, CO Public · 1 feeder programs | 30 | Carpentry/Carpenter | 97% | — | — |
What carpenters earn
What people already working in this job earn (BLS OEWS May 2025). Not graduate earnings.
Top-paying states
Top-paying metro areas
Job outlook
Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections, 2024 to 2034.
Where the jobs are, state by state
Pick a state for in-state pay, the schools there, and the programs they run.
| State | Median pay | Jobs | Concentration | Schools | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $75,920 | 100,750 | 1.28× | 7 | 938 |
| Kentucky | $52,680 | 8,540 | 0.99× | 10 | 600 |
| Georgia | $49,350 | 9,190 | 0.44× | 15 | 563 |
| Oklahoma | $46,910 | 3,820 | 0.52× | 23 | 423 |
| Indianalimited | $62,870 | 15,240 | 1.10× | 1 | 415 |
| Kansas | $56,960 | 5,210 | 0.84× | 15 | 355 |
| Alabamamoderate | $48,220 | 5,560 | 0.61× | 3 | 331 |
| Pennsylvania | $59,370 | 30,630 | 1.17× | 8 | 326 |
| Wisconsin | $61,660 | 13,880 | 1.09× | 11 | 315 |
| Iowa | $57,710 | 5,770 | 0.86× | 12 | 240 |
| Minnesota | $64,930 | 14,930 | 1.17× | 12 | 228 |
| Arizona | $58,580 | 16,230 | 1.16× | 8 | 210 |
| Illinois | $79,000 | 19,570 | 0.74× | 5 | 116 |
| Utahmoderate | $52,360 | 15,220 | 2.03× | 4 | 111 |
| Colorado | $62,830 | 12,740 | 1.03× | 5 | 105 |
| Mississippi | $48,650 | 2,950 | 0.59× | 5 | 86 |
| North Carolina | $49,100 | 13,480 | 0.63× | 8 | 86 |
| Florida | $49,870 | 39,300 | 0.92× | 8 | 79 |
| Hawaiilimited | $85,280 | 4,810 | 1.78× | 2 | 74 |
| New Mexicomoderate | $59,720 | 3,630 | 0.97× | 3 | 59 |
| Washington | $74,190 | 26,960 | 1.76× | 6 | 57 |
| Missourimoderate | $60,840 | 14,410 | 1.14× | 4 | 40 |
| Montanamoderate | $58,820 | 4,030 | 1.83× | 4 | 38 |
| Louisianalimited | $49,920 | 8,990 | 1.08× | 2 | 32 |
| New Jerseylimited | $64,010 | 14,230 | 0.77× | 2 | 31 |
| Michiganmoderate | $61,680 | 18,590 | 0.98× | 4 | 29 |
| New Yorklimited | $72,330 | 40,630 | 0.97× | 2 | 28 |
| South Carolinalimited | $50,670 | 6,950 | 0.70× | 1 | 25 |
| Virginialimited | $55,690 | 20,460 | 1.16× | 1 | 20 |
| North Dakotalimited | $57,890 | 2,360 | 1.28× | 2 | 19 |
| Texaslimited | $48,900 | 33,540 | 0.55× | 1 | 19 |
| Nebraskalimited | $50,320 | 5,710 | 1.29× | 2 | 16 |
| Massachusettslimited | $75,200 | 18,540 | 1.18× | 1 | 10 |
| Ohiolimited | $60,810 | 18,450 | 0.77× | 2 | 8 |
| Alaskalimited | $73,860 | 2,560 | 1.82× | 1 | 5 |
| Nevadalimited | $62,380 | 12,700 | 1.90× | 1 | 3 |
| Oregonlimited | $62,870 | 15,110 | 1.78× | 1 | 2 |
| South Dakotalimited | $48,140 | 4,560 | 2.32× | 1 | 1 |
| Wyominglimited | $56,850 | 2,260 | 1.87× | 1 | 1 |
Skills and tools
From O*NET, the U.S. Department of Labor's occupational database. Importance is a 1 to 5 scale.
What they do day to 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.
- Verify trueness of structure, using plumb bob and level.
- Inspect ceiling or floor tile, wall coverings, siding, glass, or woodwork to detect broken or damaged structures.
- Erect scaffolding or ladders for assembling structures above ground level.
Skills
- Monitoring3.4
- Critical Thinking3.4
- Active Listening3.4
- Reading Comprehension3.1
- Speaking3.1
- Active Learning3.0
- Mathematics3.0
- Writing2.9
Knowledge areas
- Building and Construction4.7
- Administration and Management3.9
- Mathematics3.9
- Design3.9
- Engineering and Technology3.6
- Public Safety and Security3.5
Abilities
- Visualization3.9
- Problem Sensitivity3.9
- Manual Dexterity3.6
- Near Vision3.6
- Finger Dexterity3.6
- Information Ordering3.5
Core activities
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.2
- Getting Information4.1
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.1
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.1
- Handling and Moving Objects4.0
- Performing General Physical Activities4.0
Tools and technology
hotmarks an O*NET hot technologyHow to get in
How to become a Carpenter
Job zone 2 of 5 · SVP Below 6.0- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Apprenticeship
Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Every major mapped to this job
The official federal mapping behind the rankings above.
All 1 majors mapped to Carpenters1 of them graduated someone in the latest IPEDS year. NCES CIP 2020 → SOC 2018 crosswalk.+
- 46.0201Carpentry/Carpenter
Related careers
Jobs O*NET identifies as close to this one, with their own pay and outlook.
Common questions
What degree do you need to become a Carpenter?+
High school diploma or equivalent is the typical entry-level education BLS reports for this occupation. The most common program people actually graduate from is Carpentry/Carpenter, which awarded 6,053 degrees in 2024-25, 100.0% of everyone graduating from a program that feeds this career.
Which college majors lead to becoming a Carpenter?+
The NCES CIP-to-SOC crosswalk maps 1 programs to this occupation. The largest are Carpenters. Together they graduate about 6,053 people a year.
How much do carpenters earn?+
The median is $60,580 a year (BLS OEWS May 2025). The middle range runs from $40,410 at the 10th percentile to $99,910 at the 90th. This is pay for people already working in the occupation, not the same thing as graduate earnings one year after finishing a degree.
Is demand for carpenters growing?+
BLS projects a +4.5% change in employment between 2024 and 2034, about as fast as average, with roughly 74,100 openings a year nationally once retirements and job changes are counted.
How many schools offer programs for this career?+
205 institutions reported graduates from at least one of the 1 programs that feed this occupation in IPEDS 2024-25. Rankings on this page use graduates per year, because the federal data publishes no enrollment count by program.
What other job titles do carpenters work under?+
Employers advertise this work under many names. O*NET records Carpenter, Cabinet Maker, Form Carpenter, Scaffold Builder among the most commonly reported, all mapping to SOC 47-2031.
About the data on this page
Rankings use IPEDS completions 2024-25, degrees awarded per year. That is the closest federal measure of how many people a program puts into a career, because no federal dataset publishes enrollment by program. Wages and employment come from BLS OEWS May 2025, growth and openings from BLS Employment Projections 2024-34, and which majors lead to which jobs from the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk. Occupation descriptions, tasks, skills and tools are O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0, U.S. Department of Labor/ETA).
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics
May 2025Wages, employment counts, location quotients and metro breakdowns.
BLS Employment Projections
2024–34Projected growth, annual openings and typical entry-level education.
IPEDS Completions
2024-25 (provisional)Graduates per year by program and institution — the ranking metric.
College Scorecard, Field of Study
2020-21 cohortsMedian graduate earnings one year after completion, and median debt.
Census Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes
latest availableGraduate earnings 1/5/10 years out, where the state participates.
NCES CIP 2020 and the CIP-to-SOC 2018 crosswalk
CIP 2020 / SOC 2018Which college programs officially lead to this occupation.
O*NET Database 30.3
30.3Tasks, skills, knowledge, tools, job zone and alternate job titles.
Official source →CC BY 4.0, U.S. Department of Labor / ETA
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