Becoming a carpenter typically starts with an apprenticeship or vocational training, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about four to five years, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 352,779 carpenters nationwide, with an average annual wage of $41,748 in 2024, translating to approximately $803 per week. In Bradenton, FL, carpenters earn an average of $1,080 per week, with experienced professionals often exceeding $1,136 per week. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like Gild help aspiring carpenters find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential and a projected job growth of 8% from 2020 to 2030.
