Carpentry: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Carpentry is a hands-on technical discipline focused on the precise construction, installation, and maintenance of wooden structures and architectural elements in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. This program equips learners with the practical and theoretical expertise needed to transform design plans into durable, code-compliant built environments using a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern tools.
- Technical Mathematics: Applies arithmetic, geometry, and algebra to solve real-world construction problems, including measurements, angles, and material calculations.
- Framing Techniques: Covers the structural assembly of walls, floors, and roofs using dimensional lumber and engineered wood products to ensure stability and load distribution.
- Construction Materials and Selection: Involves evaluating wood species, composites, and fasteners based on durability, environmental conditions, and project requirements.
- Job Estimating: Teaches methods for calculating labor, material, and equipment costs to produce accurate project bids and budgets.
- Blueprint Reading: Develops the ability to interpret architectural drawings, specifications, and construction diagrams to guide accurate on-site execution.
- Foundations and Roughing-In: Focuses on preparing structural supports and installing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems before final finishes.
- Finish Carpentry Techniques: Emphasizes precision work on moldings, trim, cabinetry, and other decorative elements that enhance aesthetic and functional quality.
- Applicable Codes and Standards: Ensures compliance with local, state, and national building regulations, safety protocols, and industry best practices.
Carpentry Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Carpentry Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Carpentry degrees, including First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers and Carpenters. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,503,820 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers 47-1011 | $78,690 | $51,290 - $126,690 | 806,080 | $37.83 |
| Carpenters 47-2031 | $59,310 | $38,760 - $98,370 | 697,740 | $28.51 |
Carpentry Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $54,260 in Arkansas to $93,875 in Hawaii—a 73% difference. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, Illinois, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,503,820 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Carpentry by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 99 institutions offering Carpentry programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Carpentry is found at American River College (ARC) (491 graduates), Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (440 graduates), Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) (137 graduates), Columbus Technical College (Columbus Tech) (119 graduates), and Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC) (112 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 4,608 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American River College (ARC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
491 | Sacramento, California | Public | arc.losrios.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
440 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
137 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | ccac.edu |
| Columbus Technical College (Columbus Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Residency
Other Award
|
119 | Columbus, Georgia | Public | columbustech.edu |
| Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Residency
Other Award
|
112 | Hazard, Kentucky | Public | hazard.kctcs.edu |
| Madison Area Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Residency
Other Award
|
107 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | madisoncollege.edu |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) |
Other Award
|
102 | Green Bay, Wisconsin | Public | nwtc.edu |
| Atlanta Technical College (Atlanta Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
86 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | atlantatech.edu |
| Hennepin Technical College (HTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
85 | Brooklyn Park, Minnesota | Public | hennepintech.edu |
| Emily Griffith Technical College |
Other Award
|
84 | Denver, Colorado | Public | emilygriffith.edu |
| Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
73 | Thomasville, Georgia | Public | southernregional.edu |
| Central Arizona College (CAC) |
Other Award
|
69 | Coolidge, Arizona | Public | centralaz.edu |
| Uintah Basin Technical College (UBTech) |
Residency
Other Award
|
67 | Roosevelt, Utah | Public | ubtech.edu |
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
65 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | bluegrass.kctcs.edu |
| City Colleges of Chicago (KKC) |
Other Award
|
63 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | ccc.edu |
| Somerset Community College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
63 | Somerset, Kentucky | Public | somerset.kctcs.edu |
| Renton Technical College (RTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
62 | Renton, Washington | Public | rtc.edu |
| Tulsa Technology Center (Tulsa Tech) |
Other Award
|
61 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Public | tulsatech.edu |
| Gwinnett Technical College (Gwinnett Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
59 | Lawrenceville, Georgia | Public | gwinnetttech.edu |
| Honolulu Community College (HCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
57 | Honolulu, Hawaii | Public | honolulu.hawaii.edu |
| Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
53 | Louisville, Kentucky | Public | jefferson.kctcs.edu |
| Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Residency
Other Award
|
53 | Owensboro, Kentucky | Public | owensboro.kctcs.edu |
| West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
52 | Paducah, Kentucky | Public | westkentucky.kctcs.edu |
| Maysville Community and Technical College (MCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
44 | Maysville, Kentucky | Public | maysville.kctcs.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
42 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wsutech.edu |
| San Juan College (SJC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
39 | Farmington, New Mexico | Public | sanjuancollege.edu |
| Lake Superior College (LSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
38 | Duluth, Minnesota | Public | lsc.edu |
| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology (TSCT) |
Associate's
|
38 | Lancaster, Pennsylvania | Public | stevenscollege.edu |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
37 | Los Angeles, California | Public | lattc.edu |
| Aims Community College |
Residency
|
36 | Greeley, Colorado | Public | aims.edu |
| Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College (SKCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
36 | Cumberland, Kentucky | Public | southeast.kctcs.edu |
| Southern Oklahoma Technology Center (SouthernTech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
36 | Ardmore, Oklahoma | Public | sotech.edu |
| Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech) |
Other Award
|
35 | Topeka, Kansas | Public | washburntech.edu |
| Ogden-Weber Technical College |
Residency
|
35 | Ogden, Utah | Public | otech.edu |
| Yavapai College |
Other Award
|
34 | Prescott, Arizona | Public | yc.edu |
| Ranken Technical College |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
33 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | ranken.edu |
| Northwood Technical College (Northwood Tech) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
33 | Rice Lake, Wisconsin | Public | northwoodtech.edu |
| Erwin Technical College (ETC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
32 | Tampa, Florida | Public | hillsboroughschools.org |
| Francis Tuttle Technology Center |
Other Award
|
31 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Public | francistuttle.edu |
| Southwestern Community College (SWCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
30 | Creston, Iowa | Public | swcciowa.edu |
| Centura College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
30 | Norfolk, Virginia | Private | centuracollege.edu |
| SOWELA Technical Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
29 | Lake Charles, Louisiana | Public | sowela.edu |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
29 | Fayetteville, North Carolina | Public | faytechcc.edu |
| Philadelphia Technician Training (PTTI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
29 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | ptt.edu |
| Hopkinsville Community College (HCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
28 | Hopkinsville, Kentucky | Public | hopkinsville.kctcs.edu |
| Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
27 | Ankeny, Iowa | Public | dmacc.edu |
| Manhattan Area Technical College (MATC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
27 | Manhattan, Kansas | Public | manhattantech.edu |
| Coastal Pines Technical College (CPTC) |
Other Award
|
27 | Waycross, Georgia | Public | coastalpines.edu |
| Indian Capital Technology Center (ICTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
26 | Muskogee, Oklahoma | Public | ictech.edu |
| Albany Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
25 | Albany, Georgia | Public | albanytech.edu |
| Triangle Tech Inc |
Associate's
|
25 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | triangle-tech.edu |
| SUNY College of Technology (SUNY Delhi) |
Associate's
|
24 | Delhi, New York | Public | delhi.edu |
| Gadsden State Community College (GSCC) |
Other Award
|
23 | Gadsden, Alabama | Public | gadsdenstate.edu |
| Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
23 | Griffin, Georgia | Public | sctech.edu |
| Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
23 | Prestonsburg, Kentucky | Public | bigsandy.kctcs.edu |
| Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
22 | Muscle Shoals, Alabama | Public | nwscc.edu |
| High Plains Technology Center (HPTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
22 | Woodward, Oklahoma | Public | hptc.edu |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
22 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | matc.edu |
| Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Residency
Other Award
|
21 | Sioux City, Iowa | Public | witcc.edu |
| Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
21 | Kansas City, Kansas | Public | kckcc.edu |
| Coahoma Community College (CCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
21 | Clarksdale, Mississippi | Public | coahomacc.edu |
| Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
21 | Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Public | wctc.edu |
| Meridian Technology Center (Meridian Tech) |
Other Award
|
21 | Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | meridiantech.edu |
| Kiamichi Technology Center (KTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
21 | McAlester, Oklahoma | Public | ktc.edu |
| Green Country Technology Center (GCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
21 | Okmulgee, Oklahoma | Public | gctcok.edu |
| Ocean County Vocational-Technical School (OCVTS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
21 | Toms River, New Jersey | Public | ocvts.org |
| Triangle Tech Inc |
Associate's
|
21 | Bethlehem, Pennsylvania | Private | triangle-tech.edu |
| Rio Hondo College (RHC) |
Other Award
|
20 | Whittier, California | Public | riohondo.edu |
| Kaskaskia College (KC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
20 | Centralia, Illinois | Public | kaskaskia.edu |
| North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
20 | Mason City, Iowa | Public | niacc.edu |
| North Central Kansas Technical College (NCK Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
20 | Beloit, Kansas | Public | ncktc.edu |
| Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
20 | Alexandria, Minnesota | Public | alextech.edu |
| Bates Technical College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
20 | Tacoma, Washington | Public | batestech.edu |
| Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
20 | Warner Robins, Georgia | Public | centralgatech.edu |
| Hinds Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
19 | Raymond, Mississippi | Public | hindscc.edu |
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (Southwest Tech) |
Other Award
|
19 | Fennimore, Wisconsin | Public | swtc.edu |
| Eastern Arizona College (EAC) |
Other Award
|
18 | Thatcher, Arizona | Public | eac.edu |
| Garden City Community College (GCCC) |
Other Award
|
18 | Garden City, Kansas | Public | gcccks.edu |
| South Mountain Community College (SMCC) |
Other Award
|
17 | Phoenix, Arizona | Public | southmountaincc.edu |
| Southeastern Community College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
17 | West Burlington, Iowa | Public | scciowa.edu |
| Williamson College of the Trades |
Associate's
|
17 | Media, Pennsylvania | Private | williamson.edu |
| Spokane Community College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
17 | Spokane, Washington | Public | scc.spokane.edu |
| Northwest Kansas Technical College (NWKTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
16 | Goodland, Kansas | Public | nwktc.edu |
| Minnesota West Community and Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
16 | Granite Falls, Minnesota | Public | mnwest.edu |
| Saint Paul College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
16 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Public | saintpaul.edu |
| Green River College (GRC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
16 | Auburn, Washington | Public | greenriver.edu |
| Hutchinson Community College (HutchCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
15 | Hutchinson, Kansas | Public | hutchcc.edu |
| Chattahoochee Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
14 | Marietta, Georgia | Public | chattahoocheetech.edu |
| Neosho County Community College (NCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
14 | Chanute, Kansas | Public | neosho.edu |
| Highlands College of Montana Tech |
Associate's
|
14 | Butte, Montana | Public | mtech.edu |
| Metropolitan Community College Area (MCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | mccneb.edu |
| Mayland Community College (MCC) |
Other Award
|
14 | Spruce Pine, North Carolina | Public | mayland.edu |
| Bismarck State College (BSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
14 | Bismarck, North Dakota | Public | bismarckstate.edu |
| Delaware County Community College (DCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
14 | Media, Pennsylvania | Public | dccc.edu |
| Davis Technical College (DATC) |
Other Award
|
14 | Kaysville, Utah | Public | davistech.edu |
| Laney College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
13 | Oakland, California | Public | laney.edu |
| Suncoast Technical College (STC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
13 | Sarasota, Florida | Public | sarasotacountyschools.net |
| Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) |
Other Award
|
13 | Fort Scott, Kansas | Public | fortscott.edu |
| Riverland Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
13 | Austin, Minnesota | Public | riverland.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Carpentry programs
How much can I earn with a Carpentry degree?
Salaries for Carpentry graduates vary by role and location. First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers earn a median of $78,690 annually, while Carpenters earn around $59,310. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Hawaii average $93,875 compared to $54,260 in Arkansas. Approximately 1,503,820 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Carpentry programs?
Currently 215 accredited institutions offer Carpentry degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include American River College (ARC) (491 graduates), Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (440 graduates), and Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) (137 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Carpentry growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 4,564 in 2010 to 5,356 in 2023-24. This represents a 17% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Carpentry degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers, Carpenters, . Related occupations employ approximately 1,503,820 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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