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Carpentry careers in San Francisco, CA offer stable opportunities with competitive earnings, particularly for professionals specializing in custom millwork, cabinetry, and structural framing. In 2025, licensed carpenters in California can expect average annual salaries ranging from $61,426 to $84,295, depending on specialization and experience123. California mandates state licensure for contractors working on projects valued at $500 or more, with strict penalties for unlicensed activity45; learn more about this at the CSLB website. The licensing process involves demonstrating four years of journeyman-level experience, passing dual examinations, and securing a $25,000 contractor bond674. While initial licensing costs average $1,000–$1,500, apprenticeships through programs like the Carpenters Training Institute provide paid on-the-job training with zero tuition fees89. With a projected 2% national job growth for carpenters through 2028 and strong demand in San Francisco's construction sector, the field remains a viable long-term career path101112. Explore more job trends at Zippia.
Carpenters are skilled professionals who design, install, and maintain wooden structures and components in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. This includes working on frameworks, cabinetry, trim, and specialized woodwork. Carpenters in San Francisco may focus on rough carpentry involving structural elements or finish carpentry that includes detailed interior work.
The role requires physical stamina, manual dexterity, and the ability to interpret blueprints and technical drawings. Carpenters use various tools and equipment, from hand tools like chisels and planes to power tools such as saws, drills, and sanders; for more on trends influencing this, check Labor Notes. They must also understand building codes and safety regulations.
Yes! In California, a contractor's license is required for any project exceeding $500 in combined labor and material costs45; visit the CSLB for detailed requirements. The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) offers two primary classifications relevant to carpenters:
This license authorizes structural work such as roof framing, deck installation, and wooden framework construction. It is ideal for carpenters involved in early-stage building projects413.
Specializing in detailed interior work, the C-6 license covers custom cabinetry, trim molding, furniture fabrication, and decorative millwork. This classification requires advanced skills in precision woodworking674.
Many carpenters begin their careers through apprenticeships, which provide a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. The Carpenters Training Institute offers programs that combine paid work with education over four years, with participants earning $16.36–$43.15/hour8143.
To find an apprenticeship:
To become a carpenter in San Francisco, you must meet specific basic requirements:
While not always mandatory, completing an apprenticeship can give you a solid foundation in the trade. Apprenticeships typically last four years and involve both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
The CSLB mandates two examinations:
Before license issuance, applicants must file a $25,000 contractor bond and provide proof of general liability insurance413. Bond premiums vary based on credit history but generally range from $250–$750 annually4.
Submit the Application for Original Contractor's License with fees ranging from $450 for the application plus $200–$350 for the license fee depending on business structure615.
| Expense | Cost Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $450 | 615 |
| License Fee | $200–$350 | 615 |
| Examination Fees | $190 ($95 each) | 413 |
| Fingerprinting | $50–$75 | 4 |
| Contractor Bond Premium | $250–$750/year | 4 |
Total upfront costs average $1,000–$1,500, excluding bond premiums. Apprenticeships significantly reduce expenses, as programs like the Carpenters Training Institute offer free training while paying participants $16.36–$43.15/hour8143.
Los Angeles carpenters earn 10–15% above the national average, with specialized finish carpenters commanding premium rates for custom millwork123. Union-affiliated professionals benefit from higher wages, with foremen earning $72,485 and superintendents exceeding $98,1008; for salary benchmarks, refer to Zippia trends.
For carpenters seeking jobs in San Francisco in 2025, the most in-demand skills include:
By 2025, several trends and technological advancements are expected to influence the carpenters trade in San Francisco:
There are indeed ongoing debates and controversies affecting carpenters' careers in San Francisco, particularly related to union involvement and labor standards. One significant recent controversy involved the cancellation of Stephen Curry's Thirty Ink headquarters project in San Francisco due to a dispute with the Nor Cal Carpenters Union. Despite Thirty Ink's offer to use a partially unionized workforce, the union's director of organizing rejected the proposal, which Curry's company said made building infeasible; for more on such issues, visit EAS Carpenters.
Starting a career as a carpentry apprentice in San Francisco is an exciting opportunity to enter a field that is essential and well-paid. Whether you're just finishing high school or considering a career change, following these steps will set you on the path to success in this critical industry. As you gain experience and build your credentials, the opportunities in carpentry will only continue to grow. Good luck on your journey and be sure to check out Gild for apprenticeship opportunities near you!
Carpenter Salaries & Top Paying Companies in Los Angeles, CA ↩ ↩2 ↩3
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http://www.contractorsischool.com/learning-resources/how-to-get-a-c6-cabinet-millwork-finish-carpentry-license-in-ca ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
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https://www.indeed.com/career/carpenter/salaries/Los-Angeles--CA ↩
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https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Carpenter/Hourly_Rate/e1d7aa20/Los-Angeles-CA ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
https://www.procore.com/library/california-contractors-license ↩ ↩2 ↩3
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