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. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 352,779 carpenters nationwide, with an average salary of $41,748 annually, or about $802 per week. In Watertown, NY, the average wage for carpenters is around $964 per week, with experienced professionals often exceeding $1,000 weekly. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like Guild offer pathways to apprenticeships, leading to a career with strong earning potential and projected job growth of 8% from 2020 to 2030.
