Best colleges for Carpentry/Carpenter
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to lay out, cut, fabricate, erect, install, and repair wooden structures and fixtures, using hand and power tools.
205 U.S. institutions graduated 6,053 Carpentry/Carpenter students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 46.0201, a specialization of Carpenters (CIP 46.02), and leads most directly to the Carpenters occupation (BLS SOC 47-2031).
About Carpentry/Carpenter programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to lay out, cut, fabricate, erect, install, and repair wooden structures and fixtures, using hand and power tools. Includes instruction in technical mathematics, framing, construction materials and selection, job estimating, blueprint reading, foundations and roughing-in, finish carpentry techniques, and applicable codes and standards.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Carpentry/Carpenter program prepares individuals for a career in the construction trades by providing essential technical knowledge and skills. Students learn to lay out, cut, fabricate, erect, install, and repair wooden structures and fixtures using both hand and power tools. This program is ideal for those who enjoy working with their hands and have an interest in building and construction.
Core coursework includes technical mathematics, framing, construction materials selection, job estimating, blueprint reading, and finish carpentry techniques. Students also learn about applicable codes and standards, ensuring they are well-equipped for the demands of the industry.
Credentials awarded
What Carpentry/Carpenter graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year2,989 graduates / yr · 101 institutions49%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years2,224 graduates / yr · 132 institutions37%
- Associate's degree532 graduates / yr · 53 institutions8.8%
- Award of less than 12 weeks253 graduates / yr · 10 institutions4.2%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years55 graduates / yr · 7 institutions0.9%
Graduates over time
Carpentry/Carpenter completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 3,621 |
| 2013 | 3,428 |
| 2014 | 3,546 |
| 2015 | 3,695 |
| 2016 | 3,740 |
| 2017 | 3,649 |
| 2018 | 4,021 |
| 2019 | 4,066 |
| 2020 | 4,268 |
| 2021 | 3,273 |
| 2022 | 3,899 |
| 2023 | 4,214 |
| 2024 | 5,356 |
| 2025 | 6,053 |
Top 50 institutions for Carpentry/Carpenter, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field starting salary* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American River College Sacramento, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 500 | 37% | — | — |
| 2 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 415 | 40% | — | $51,104 |
| 3 | Rio Hondo College Whittier, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 340 | 25% | — | — |
| 4 | J F Ingram State Technical College Deatsville, ALPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 294 | 21% | — | — |
| 5 | Community College of Allegheny County Pittsburgh, PAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 138 | 24% | — | — |
| 6 | Jefferson Community and Technical College Louisville, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 126 | 35% | — | — |
| 7 | Atlanta Technical College Atlanta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 125 | 49% | — | — |
| 8 | Central Arizona College Coolidge, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 108 | 27% | — | — |
| 9 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Green Bay, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 101 | 51% | — | — |
| 10 | Tulsa Technology Center Tulsa, OKPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of less than 12 weeks | 88 | 81% | — | — |
| 11 | Wichita State University - Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology Wichita, KSPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 84 | 43% | — | — |
| 12 | Philadelphia Technician Training Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 84 | 50% | $22,992 | — |
| 13 | Hazard Community and Technical College Hazard, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of less than 12 weeks | 77 | 48% | — | — |
| 14 | Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 77 | 42% | — | — |
| 15 | Uintah Basin Technical College Roosevelt, UTPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 75 | 86% | — | — |
| 16 | Southern Regional Technical College Thomasville, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 74 | 31% | — | — |
| 17 | Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 72 | 47% | — | — |
| 18 | Madison Area Technical College Madison, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 70 | 29% | — | — |
| 19 | Gwinnett Technical College Lawrenceville, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 69 | 32% | — | — |
| 20 | City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College Chicago, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 67 | 31% | — | $17,697 |
| 21 | Bluegrass Community and Technical College Lexington, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 66 | 43% | — | — |
| 22 | Maysville Community and Technical College Maysville, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 66 | 56% | — | — |
| 23 | Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College Cumberland, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 62 | 47% | — | — |
| 24 | Columbus Technical College Columbus, GAPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 59 | 27% | — | — |
| 25 | Honolulu Community College Honolulu, HIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 59 | 25% | — | — |
| 26 | Owensboro Community and Technical College Owensboro, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 59 | 54% | — | — |
| 27 | Aims Community College Greeley, COPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 57 | 40% | — | — |
| 28 | Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 55 | 35% | — | — |
| 29 | San Juan College Farmington, NMPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 55 | 37% | — | — |
| 30 | Somerset Community College Somerset, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 50 | 43% | — | — |
| 31 | West Kentucky Community and Technical College Paducah, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 49 | 50% | — | — |
| 32 | Western Iowa Tech Community College Sioux City, IAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 48 | 50% | — | — |
| 33 | Southwestern Community College Creston, IAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 46 | 59% | — | — |
| 34 | Kansas City Kansas Community College Kansas City, KSPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 46 | 42% | — | — |
| 35 | Yavapai College Prescott, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 42 | 34% | — | — |
| 36 | Hinds Community College Raymond, MSPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 39 | 43% | — | — |
| 37 | Northwood Technical College Rice Lake, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 38 | 56% | — | — |
| 38 | North Iowa Area Community College Mason City, IAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 37 | 61% | — | — |
| 39 | Manhattan Area Technical College Manhattan, KSPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 37 | 74% | — | — |
| 40 | Washburn Institute of Technology Topeka, KSPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 36 | 68% | — | — |
| 41 | Meridian Technology Center Stillwater, OKPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 35 | 48% | — | — |
| 42 | Chattahoochee Technical College Marietta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 34 | 38% | — | — |
| 43 | Francis Tuttle Technology Center Oklahoma City, OKPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 34 | 52% | — | — |
| 44 | Ranken Technical College Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAssociate's | 32 | 53% | $17,520 | $35,975 |
| 45 | Northwest Shoals Community College Muscle Shoals, ALPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 31 | 39% | — | — |
| 46 | South Mountain Community College Phoenix, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 31 | 16% | — | — |
| 47 | Lake Superior College Duluth, MNPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 31 | 42% | — | — |
| 48 | Orleans Technical College Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 31 | 90% | $19,184 | $21,916 |
| 49 | Southern Oklahoma Technology Center Ardmore, OKPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 31 | 83% | — | — |
| 50 | Emily Griffith Technical College Denver, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 30 | 97% | — | — |
* Field starting salary (1 yr): median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Carpenters field (CIP 46.02) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 40 states & territories
Where Carpentry/Carpenter graduates come from. Each state links to all Carpenters programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 47-2031, Carpenters, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Carpentry/Carpenter program can pursue careers primarily as carpenters, with additional opportunities as first-line supervisors in construction trades. The job outlook is promising, with a growth rate of 4.5% and approximately 74,100 annual openings. The median wage for carpenters is $59,310, and a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 46.0201
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Carpentersprimary SOC 47-2031 | $60,580 | +4.5% About as fast as average | ~74,100 | High school diploma or equivalent |
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers SOC 47-1011 | $79,920 | +5.3% Faster than average | ~74,400 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- 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.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Carpentry/Carpenter programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- 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.
Tools and technology used
Common questions
What types of credentials can I earn?+
You can earn awards ranging from less than 12 weeks to an associate's degree.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, mathematics, and reading comprehension.
What is the job outlook for carpenters?+
The job outlook for carpenters is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.5%.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are 205 colleges offering the Carpentry/Carpenter program across the U.S.
What is the CIP code for Carpentry/Carpenter?+
Carpentry/Carpenter is CIP 46.0201 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Carpenters (CIP 46.02). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to lay out, cut, fabricate, erect, install, and repair wooden structures and fixtures, using hand and power tools. Includes instruction in technical mathematics, framing, construction materials and selection, job estimating, blueprint reading, foundations and roughing-in, finish carpentry techniques, and applicable codes and standards.
How many institutions offer Carpentry/Carpenter programs?+
205 U.S. institutions reported Carpentry/Carpenter graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 40 states & territories, awarding 6,053 credentials in the year. That is 100.0% of all Carpenters graduates.
How much do Carpentry/Carpenter graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Carpenters occupation, which Carpentry/Carpenter most directly leads to, pays a median of $60,580 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Carpenters field report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $38,268, College Scorecard.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license. This specialization accounts for nearly all Carpenters graduates, so its figures match the Carpenters program page.
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