How to Become a Journeyman Carpenter: A Guide for Aspiring Woodworkers

a carpenter working sawing wood plank

Carpentry is a skilled trade that involves working with wood and other materials to create and repair structures for various purposes. Consider becoming a journeyman carpenter if you like using your hands, have a keen eye for detail, and want to learn a useful trade. A journeyman carpenter is an expert who has finished an apprenticeship program and can work on their own or with a master carpenter's guidance. 

What does a journeyman carpenter do?

Depending on the nature and size of the project they are working on, a journeyman carpenter is responsible for a variety of tasks. Among the regular duties of a journeyman carpenter are the following:

  • Measuring, cutting, joining, and shaping wood and other materials using hand and power tools
  • Installing cabinets, flooring, doors, windows, closets, and other fixtures
  • Reading and following blueprints, plans, and specifications for carpentry work
  • Building and repairing structures such as walls, roofs, frames, stairs, decks, fences, and furniture
  • Following safety rules and regulations and using protective equipment
  • Supervising and mentoring carpenter apprentices and laborers

What kind of work environment does a journeyman carpenter have?

Depending on the job, a journeyman carpenter can operate in a variety of environments. Typical locations where a journeyman carpenter can find work include:

  • Residential construction sites where they build or remodel houses, apartments, condos, etc.
  • Commercial construction sites where they work on offices, hotels, restaurants, schools, hospitals, etc.
  • Industrial construction sites where they work on factories, warehouses, bridges, tunnels, etc.
  • Woodworking shops where they make custom furniture, cabinets, or other products
  • Self-employment, where they run their own business or work as contractors

A journeyman carpenter may work indoors or outdoors, depending on the project. They might do their duties in a variety of weather conditions, at heights, in small places, or in noisy, dusty environments. Additionally, they might have to travel for employment to various regions. The hours a journeyman carpenter works can change based on the needs and deadlines of the project. They could need to put in full- or part-time hours during the week or on the weekends. When necessary, they could also have to put in extra time or work odd hours.

How much does it cost, and how long does it take to become a journeyman carpenter?

The type and quality of the training program you select, the state in which you reside, as well as your individual objectives and preferences, all affect the price and time required to become a journeyman carpenter.

To become a journeyman carpenter, one of the most popular paths is to finish an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program, which typically lasts three to four years, combines classroom education and on-the-job training. You will receive instruction from a seasoned or master carpenter during this time in order to gain the abilities and understanding needed for carpentry work. Along with learning, you will also be paid, which will help you pay for some of your expenses.

Depending on the program provider, the region, and the accessibility of financial aid or scholarships, the price of an apprenticeship program can change. While some programs may require tuition, others might be funded by unions, businesses, or governmental organizations. An apprenticeship program typically costs between $0 and $1,500 per year in the United States.

Another way to become a journeyman carpenter is to attend a trade school or community college that offers a certificate or diploma program in carpentry. These programs typically last one to two years and provide classroom instruction and hands-on training in carpentry. You will also have the opportunity to gain some practical experience through internships or projects.

Depending on the institution, the course of study, the location, and the accessibility of financial help or scholarships, the cost of attending a community college or trade school can change. In the US, the average cost of attending a community college or trade school is between $3,000 and $15,000.

How to get a license as a journeyman carpenter?

You might or might not need a license to operate as a journeyman carpenter, depending on your state. While some states mandate licenses for all carpenters, others only apply to certain projects or types of contractors. You can contact your local or state licensing board or agency to learn more about the requirements for licenses in your state.

The process of getting a license as a journeyman carpenter usually involves meeting some minimum qualifications, such as:

  • Completing an approved training program or having a certain amount of work experience in carpentry
  • Passing a written and/or practical exam that tests your knowledge and skills in carpentry
  • Paying a fee and submitting an application and supporting documents
  • Renewing your license periodically and completing continuing education courses

The price and time required to obtain a journeyman carpenter license might change based on the state you reside in, the kind of license you require, and how difficult the application and exam processes are. The typical cost of obtaining a journeyman carpenter license in the US is between $50 and $300.

What kind of job opportunities are available for journeyman carpenters?

Before talking about the job opportunities, let us discuss first the salary. The U.S.  Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) have stated that the median yearly salary for carpenters in 2020 was $49,520. Yes, the bottom 10% of carpenters earned less than $30,170. But did you know that the top 10% made more than $86,210? The salaries of carpenters will vary based on their job type, their place of employment, how much demand there is for their services, and other factors.

Furthermore, the BLS predicts that job opportunities for carpenters will increase by 3% between 2020 and 2030. Apparently, the employment growth of carpenters is about as fast as the average for all occupations. The employment of carpenters is going to increase as a result of several factors, such as: 

  • The need for establishing new residential and commercial buildings and renovating of existing ones
  • The demand for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly buildings
  • The upgrading of outdated infrastructure, such as bridges and roads
  • The need for qualified replacements due to the retirement of older workers

The following industries employ the most carpenters: 

  • Construction of buildings
  • Specialty trade contractors
  • Self-employed workers
  • Manufacturing
  • Government

The following states have the highest pay rates for carpenters: 

  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Alaska
  • New Jersey
  • New York

The following states have the highest concentration of carpenters: 

  • Montana
  • Maine
  • Wyoming
  • Vermont
  • Idaho

As a journeyman carpenter, you can also advance your career by pursuing further education or certification in specialized areas of carpentry, such as:

  • Cabinetmaking
  • Framing
  • Roofing
  • Flooring
  • Green building

You can also seek higher-level positions such as:

  • Master carpenter
  • Lead Carpenter
  • Project manager
  • Construction Supervisor
  • Contractor

Becoming a journeyman carpenter can be a rewarding career choice for anyone who enjoys working with wood and other materials to create and repair structures.  You must finish an apprenticeship program or enroll in a trade school or community college that provides a certificate or diploma degree in carpentry if you want to become a journeyman carpenter. If your state mandates one, you will also need to obtain a license. The median yearly salary for a journeyman carpenter is $49,520, and there are numerous career options in various fields and places. Additionally, you can enhance your career by specializing in a particular area of carpentry or looking for opportunities at higher levels.

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