Carpentry Schools in Arizona

The field of carpentry offers creative individuals the opportunity to use their artistry and make a living simultaneously. Moreover, getting started in this profession is as direct as possible.

Of course, just because it is direct doesn’t negate the need for strong preparation before starting the process. Candidates well prepared from the beginning have the best chances of maximizing their careers and job placement for the best outcome and career growth.

To that end, we have provided the guide below to act as a preparatory resource for candidates who would like to become carpenters in Arizona. By the time they’re done reading, they will have understood all the requirements they have to meet and the best places to receive their training, among other useful bits of information.

How to Become a Carpenter in Arizona

Below are the steps aspiring carpenters in Arizona must go through to begin their careers the right way.

Obtaining a High School Diploma

Securing a job as a carpenter in Arizona typically requires candidates to attend a training program. However, most training programs require candidates to have at least a high school diploma or a GED before they can secure admission.

Students are also encouraged to take classes in mathematics, drafting, and carpentry in high school to help them prepare.

Apprenticeship Training

Many carpenters in Arizona begin their careers by studying in an apprenticeship program. These programs typically focus on teaching students basic job knowledge, including sketching, safety, and mathematics.

Further down the line, students learn about carpentry techniques, including rough framing, interior and exterior finishing, and form building.

Such programs last between 2 - 5 years.

Academic Training

Carpenters may attend academic and apprenticeship programs to gain career opportunities. Some academic programs also partner with apprenticeships to ensure that students get a complete education.

We take a look at notable carpentry programs in an upcoming section.

Employment & Specialization

Lastly, after completing their training, fresh carpenters in Arizona may proceed to secure employment or even start their businesses.

They may also choose to specialize in a particular sub-discipline, such as home improvement, to improve their career prospects and set themselves apart.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Become a home and building inspector in Arizona

Licensure & Certification Requirements

As a fresh carpenter in Arizona, you do not need a license to work under a registered contractor. However, if you are working as a contractor and taking on significant contracts, you may need to obtain a contractor license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC).

The ROC offers various classifications for carpentry licenses, including R7 Carpentry, R60 Finish Carpentry, and R61 Carpentry, Remodeling, and Repairs.

The first category, the R7 Carpentry License, applies to residential projects, including rough carpentry, finish carpentry, hardware, and windows. The R60 Finish Carpentry license applies to specialty finish carpentry, including cabinets, countertops, and wood flooring.

Lastly, the R61 Carpentry, Remodeling, and Repairs license covers general remodeling, replacements, and upgrades such as new doors and windows.

Top Carpentry Schools in Arizona

The following are some top-class carpentry training programs in Arizona.

Explore carpentry schools in Arizona by city:

• Carpentry schools in Phoenix

Salary & Career Outlook

A survey revealed that the average annual salary for a carpenter in Arizona is around $63,814. This figure is more relevant to the midpoint of earners, leaving room for a higher salary after some factors have been optimized.

Those who have successfully optimized their earnings may find themselves among the top 10%, earning an average salary of $86,929 annually. Those among the bottom 10% still manage an annual average salary of $46,846.

Sorting strictly by location, Mesa is Arizona’s highest-paying city for carpenters, with an annual average salary of $ 71,610. Following it are Chandler, with an annual average salary of $68,144; Peoria, with an annual average salary of $67,762; Goodyear, with an annual average salary of $67,699; and Gilbert, with an annual average salary of $65,382.