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How to become a carpenter

Interested in a carpentry job? Here's what you should know:

Hard-working commercial carpenters are in high demand right now. Based on 2025 data, expected job growth over the next 10 years is expected to be over 4.5% with an estimated 74,100 openings annually.

Carpentry wages keep pace. In Michigan specifically, carpenters earn anywhere from $40,750 to $99,000+, with a median wage of $61,680.

 Here’s how to become a carpenter:

Table of Contents

A West Michigan Construction Institute student learns a carpentry framing skill in WMCI's Carpentry 1 course.

The carpentry career path

A look at the typical carpentry pay and job title growth based on industry experience. 

NOTE: In the commercial carpentry industry your total compensation package extends well beyond an hourly wage. Every employer we talked to offers additional benefits like 401K retirement packages, comprehensive healthcare, generous PTO, company apparel and overtime pay. As you progress higher in the ranks, you’ll frequently gain additional benefits like access to a company truck. 

Apprentice/Laborer
0-3 Years experience
Base: $37K - $47K; Additional: $5,500 - $9,500
Journeyman
3-6 Years Experience
Base: $47K - $58K; Additional: $6,400 - $9,800
Master Carpenter
5-7+ Years Experience
Base: $70K - $80K; Additional: $11,100 - $18,700
Foreman/Field Supervisor
8-15+ Years Experience
Base: $75K - $85K; Additional: $24,100 - $38,500
Superintendent/Division Manager
15-20+ Years Experience
Base: $100,000+; Additional: $35,000 – $61,500

Do you need official training to be a carpenter?

The short answer: No, but it changes everything.

Unlike fields in healthcare, law, or education, official training isn’t legally required to start working in construction. You could technically walk on site tomorrow (don’t forget PPE!) as an entry-level laborer with zero formal training.

But here’s what West Michigan construction leaders who actually hire carpentry crews told us: candidates with recognized credentials and hands-on lab experience get hired first, earn more from day one, and advance faster.

When a candidate comes in to apply and they have formal training, they immediately have a leg up on the competition. Having not only the foundational carpentry skills, but also understanding things like construction math, attention to detail, and how to work as a team is very attractive for an employer."
- Brian White, Director of Field Management at EV Construction

Path 1: Applying "Right Off the Street"

(i.e. Zero Formal Training)

PROS:

Immediate paycheck

Start earning an entry-level wage right away.

Save Time

Have more free-time in the short-term and no additional transportation needs.

Real-world immersion

Jump directly into on-site culture and complex job-sites. Immediately become part of a team. 

CONS:

Lost in the resume stack

Without credentials, your application starts in ‘the general pile.’

Steeper learning curve

Stepping onto a multi-million-dollar active job site with little knowledge of crew terminology, construction math, or safety can be overwhelming. 

Lower starting pay

Employers typically offer $20–21/hour to candidates who show up unprepared.

Slower progression

At the start of their career, entry-level laborers spend more time on basic tasks, slowing career growth to master and/or management levels

Path 2: Completing Skilled Trades Training

(Including graduation with a recognized carpentry certification)

PROS:

Immediate employer priority

"WMCI and/or NCCER credentials will for sure catapult you to the top of the list. We are well aware of the training and skill set that come from that crop."

Higher starting pay

More Prepared = More Pay. Credentialed hires often secure offers that are $1 to $3+ per hour higher than untrained entry-level hires.

Ready on day-one

You already understand construction math, how to read blueprints, power tool safety, and collaborative framing before you step on a live site.

Built-in employer network

Programs include job-site tours, trade shadowing, and direct introductions to hiring managers at leading West Michigan firms like [Ritsema Associates, Sobie Company, EV Construction, Erhardt Construction, and Lakewood Construction].

Faster career advancement

Understanding site safety, quality expectations, and teamwork lets you transition from general labor to apprentice, crew leader, or foreman significantly faster.

Sense of community

You're learning, having fun, and working alongside the future leaders of West Michigan construction. 

CONS:

Upfront time commitment

Weeks of lectures, hands-on performance profiles, and lab projects.

Scheduling Conflicts

Courses, networking opportunities, and job site tours have set times - often early in the morning and later in the afternoon.

Upfront cost

Tuition and lab fees, though many West Michigan employers offer sponsorship or tuition reimbursement for strong candidates

For Reference:

What skills are needed for a carpentry job

  • Safety & OSHA standards: Understanding why we work safe and how to protect oneself against accidents.
  • Trade math: Fractions, decimals, geometry, and measurements essential to precise construction
  • Hand & power tool operation: Safe, professional use of everything from tape measures to cordless drills
  • Blueprint reading: Translating drawings into three-dimensional structures
  • Basic rigging & material handling: Moving heavy materials safely and efficiently
  • Teamwork & communication: Working effectively across different personalities and job-site conditions
A student in WMCI's Carpentry 1 course learns framing from the instructor.
Two WMCI students in the Carpentry 1 and CORE course work on the framing of a structure.

Based on our conversations with local construction companies and NCCER Core, the widely recognized standard for carpentry skills, the following are carpentry skills in high-demand:

How to get a carpentry job in West Michigan

Step 1: Earn Your Credentials 

(if you choose the second path listed above)

Complete your NCCER CORE and WMCI Carpentry 1 certifications. You’ll walk out with:

  • NCCER credentials on your resume
  • Hands-on experience with real tools and materials
  • A network of instructors who know regional employers personally
  • Introductions to hiring managers at leading construction firms
Group of carpentry graduates in front of the WMCI hard hat wall
Carpentry 2 instructor congratulates recent graduate and provides certification.
Two Carpentry students celebrate after graduating.
Step 2: Leverage your Network 

Reaching out to people you know in the field is one of the best ways to get a boot in the door. However, not everyone has these types of connections. 

This is why a big part of WMCI training is helping students build relationships with people and companies already in the industry. WMCI hosts job-site field trips and employer panels where students meet hiring managers from Michigan commercial construction companies. These aren’t awkward networking events—they’re chances to see real projects, ask real questions, and introduce yourself to people who are actively hiring.

Step 3: Polish Your Application & Interview Prep

When it comes to the actual interview, important tips include:

  • Bring a printed resume and a notebook to interviews (these details matter to hiring managers!)
  • Show up early, professionally dressed, and fully present
  • Ask thoughtful questions about the company’s projects, safety culture, and training opportunities
  • Demonstrate character: Respect for the receptionist, attention during the interview, genuine interest in the work
Headshot of Brian White field manager at ev construction

Brian White, Director of Field Management at EV Construction, says:
"Those small things—showing up on time, sitting upright and engaged, treating people with respect—can make a $1 or $2 difference in your starting offer."

What it's actually like: real projects and real impact

One thing every construction professional mentioned: the sense of accomplishment. You can’t get this in retail or food service. A close second is the sense of community and teamwork.

“One of my favorite things about working on large construction projects is working together with members of other skilled trades on the jobsite.” – Clark Causley, Superintendent at Lakewood Construction & WMCI Instructor

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Acrisure Amphitheater
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A 225,000 sq ft facility currently under construction on Fulton Avenue near I-96. Three-story construction, highly visible from the highway. Complex project requiring coordination across multiple teams and multiple phases.
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Amway Corporation - The Commons
The Amway Commons project required complex framing, multiple Fry Reglet profiles, radius walls, integrated lighting, and level five finishes demanded exact tolerances and flawless trade coordination. Ritsema Associates delivered a refined, visually seamless interior that was an Excellence in Construction project nominee.
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Carpentry career FAQs

What if I've never worked in construction before?

This is actually common. WMCI trains people with zero experience in every class. You'll be in classes with people from all backgrounds—some have trade experience, many don't. The experienced students help teach the newcomers; everyone brings something to the table.

Do I need a high school diploma or GED to enroll?

A High School diploma or GED is not required in order to enroll at the West Michigan Construction Institute. 

However, students must be at least 16 years of age and be able to provide their own transportation. 

More information on how to enroll can be found here. 

How much do carpentry training classes cost?

The West Michigan Construction Institute offers two levels of carpentry training:

Carpentry 1

Intro carpentry course that includes 'CORE: Introduction to the Construction Trades.'

  • Total Cost: $4,569 

Carpentry 2

A higher-level course focusing on the advanced carpentry skills used in commercial construction. 

  • Total Cost: $4,544 
How long are carpentry training courses?

While training length can vary greatly based on the program and certification level, here are the two options WMCI offers for reference:

The standard option starts with CORE in the Fall Semester and then Carpentry 1 in the Spring. 

  •  Approx: 5 hours/week
  • Late August - Early May

The accelerated option teaches CORE and General Carpentry concurrently

  • Approx: 9 hours/week
  • Mid-January - Mid-May

WMCI also provides an Advanced Carpentry 2 course that lasts from mid August through mid May with an average time commitment of 4-5 hours/week.

What skills from WMCI will I actually use on day one?

Everyone’s day one is different, but you’ll likely experience: 

  • Blueprint reading (even basic familiarity helps)
  • Power tool safety and operation
  • Construction terminology (so you understand what people are talking about)
  • Measurement and construction math
  • Safety awareness and OSHA standards
Are there women carpenters in West Michigan?

There are. More and more each year. 

The construction industry is actively recruiting women into trade careers to address the skilled worker shortage. In fact, in the last several years there have been new scholarships, training, and career advancement opportunities available for women in the industry.

From WMCI President Jen Schottke:

"At WMCI, we see more women choose carpentry than any other trade program we offer. Carpentry also ranks third among trades with the highest number of women working in the field, and the credential can open doors to other opportunities, including laborer positions, the number one trade for women in the field. But carpentry is about much more than employment. It is a pathway to independence and empowerment. Learning how to build, repair, and create gives people the confidence to take ownership of their spaces, solve problems, and turn ideas into reality. Those skills last a lifetime and extend far beyond the jobsite."

How much overtime is typical?

Varies significantly by season and project phase. 

In our conversations with carpentry employers, overtime can run around 10 hours over during the busier Michigan summer seasons while winters are much more consistent.

What's the difference between working for a small vs. large contractor?

Smaller companies (10–30 people):

  • Often more direct relationship with owner
  • Faster advancement possible
  • Less formality, more flexibility
  • Smaller benefit packages sometimes
  • More variety in project types

Larger contractors (100+ people):

  • More structured career paths
  • Consistent benefit packages
  • More stability and larger projects
  • Clearer advancement opportunities
  • Potential for relocation to other regions

Note: Neither option is inherently better. You should choose based on what you prefer.

If you’re ready to become a carpenter…

Here’s what you can do next:

  1. In-person opinion: Know a carpenter? Ask them about their job! 
  2. Call up a local carpentry company and ask them about their business
  3. Take a tour of a carpentry school
  4. Take the first step
A group of carpentry students work to build a structure in the WMCI lab.

In Summary:

The construction industry is hiring because the construction industry is booming. If you’re willing to show up on time, treat people with respect, ask good questions, and do hard work, you can launch a career you’ll be proud of.

“Do hard things,” said one master carpenter looking back on his career. “Nothing in life comes easy. If it was that easy, everybody would be exactly where they’re supposed to be. I don’t love every day, but I find this work very rewarding. At the end of a project, you turn around and look at what you built—a facility that’s going to last beyond everyone’s lifespan. I don’t know how many other industries give you that feeling of accomplishment.”