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, translating to approximately $803 per week. In Columbus, Nebraska, carpenters earn an average of $800 per week, with an experienced professional potentially earning over $1000 per week. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like Guild offer pathways to apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential and projected job growth of 8% from 2020 to 2030.
