by our College Data Analytics TeamCarpenters are an important part of the construction workforce with over one million people working in this field in the US. As one of the top 50 careers with the largest workforce, carpenters provide a critical role in the construction field both residentially and commercially.
Carpenters primarily deal with the construction, repair, renovation, and installation of building frames and structures using wood and other materials. Carpenters use hand and power tools to perform their work.
To be a successful carpenter, you will need to decide if you want to attend trade school first. If you already have experience as a day laborer or have some experience in carpentry already, you may be able to start an apprenticeship in carpentry. However, if you are new to the field, attending a trade school will be a great starting point.
Vocational schools will teach students the needed skills to be a successful carpenter. This includes courses in mathematics, framing and construction techniques, safety, and construction standards to ensure building codes are followed.
As part of their schooling, students will also likely take part in an apprenticeship so that they can gain valuable hands-on experience working in the field.
A major in Carpentry covers Carpenters. Read on to learn the important information every carpentry student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering carpentry programs.
Nationwide, carpentry draws strong interest, with 5,356 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Carpentry Schools ranking analyzes these 215 schools to determine the best overall colleges for carpentry students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of carpentry programs later in this article.
Programs in Carpentry build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations carpentry graduates commonly enter.
Successful carpenters must possess several critical skills. For example, a large part of your day will be spent measuring, cutting and reading blueprints. For this reason, you will need to have a strong attention to detail. Even simple mistakes can lead to project delays or lost revenue. Another important skill is your ability to problem-solve. Dealing with pre-existing structures, you will likely run into scenarios you haven't seen before - you will need to be able to think creatively and find solutions.
You will also need to be physically fit as strength, stamina and dexterity will play a large role in your career. If you wish to start your own business, you may want to take some business courses to ensure you can properly bid projects and track inventory.
The skill set emphasized by a carpentry program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a carpentry major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several carpentry degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 2,195 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 530 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 2,379 |
People currently working in careers related to carpentry tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 41.2% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 19.5% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 18.7% |
| Some college courses | 8.6% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 6.7% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 5.4% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in carpentry careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Carpenters with years of experience can advance to supervisors or strike out independently and be a general contractor. If you wish to advance to supervisor or start your own business, you should strongly consider attending some business courses at your trade school.
Majoring in carpentry opens doors to many career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to carpentry.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to carpentry.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Carpenters | 696,226 | 4.2% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | 646,091 | 3.6% |
| Solar Energy Installation Managers | 484,877 | 9.2% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of carpentry graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $34,838 |
| 4 years | $37,146 |
| 5 years | $38,914 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for carpentry graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers carpentry grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | $83,555 |
| Solar Energy Installation Managers | $57,985 |
| Carpenters | $42,458 |
With 215 different carpentry programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased carpentry school rankings to help you.
Those considering carpentry, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Carpentry/Carpenter | 5,356 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers | 35,577 |
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection | 6,978 |
| Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services | 3,471 |
| CONSTRUCTION TRADES | 2,761 |
| Mason/Masonry | 378 |
| Construction Trades, Other | 281 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
