The field of carpentry can be a veritable outlet for individuals in Nebraska who want to turn their passion and creativity into a successful job. Carpenters are so valuable to any construction process that the demand for professionals in this field is expected to continue improving every year over the next decades.
For residents of Nebraska who would like to enter this profession, the guide below analyzes everything they need to keep in mind to achieve this objective. It includes sections covering basic educational requirements, license and specification, and career growth.
It also touches upon the top training programs to attend and the average annual salaries based on some determining criteria.
How to Become a Carpenter in Nebraska
Individuals in Nebraska may become successful carpenters by following the framework below.
Step 1: Meet the Basic requirements
Anyone who wants to start a carpentry career in Nebraska must meet the basic requirements to enroll in a training program. While some programs may require candidates to be at least 16 to 18 years old, the most common requirement is a high school diploma or GED.
Step 2: Complete a Program
Prospective carpenters usually have to complete a training program, but they have some flexibility in choosing their exact training destination and arrangement. The following are the most common options:
Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeship programs are the most common option for future carpenters in Nebraska because they allow for interactive learning on the job. Trade unions and professional organizations offer most.
Another reason why some choose apprenticeship programs is the fact that it is often possible to start getting paid even while training is still ongoing.
Academic Environments
Community colleges and technical schools across Nebraska offer carpentry and construction technology programs, which candidates can use to obtain valuable credentials and increase their earning potential.
Some programs are fast-tracked and can be completed in just a few weeks. Others are more robust with program lengths of about 2 years.
Step 3: Professional Skills & Employment
Developing professional skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and communication helps carpenters set themselves apart from their peers. Well-trained carpenters can go on to secure employment before ultimately becoming contractors, taking on significant contracts, and hiring workers.
Explore other trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
In Nebraska, anyone who is properly trained can work as a carpenter as long as they can secure employment. There is no need to register at the state level or receive a license to do this.
After working for a while under a licensed contract, individuals who wish to branch out and start taking on large contracts of their own must receive a contractor license before they can do so. The state agency responsible for registering contractors is the Nebraska Department of Labor.
Candidates who wish to register successfully with the department must have proof of general liability insurance. Certain local jurisdictions and counties may also have additional permits/licensing requirements for carpentry contractors.
Top Carpentry Schools in Nebraska
The entries below are notable for providing comprehensive carpentry education for candidates in Nebraska.
Southeast Community College
Beatrice, NE Campus + Online
Southeast Community College offers a hands-on Building Construction Technology program focused on carpentry and cabinet making.
Tuition
$3,908 per ProgramContact
(402) 761-8209
jadams@southeast.edu
Nebraska Indian Community College
Macy, NE Campus Only
Nebraska Indian Community College in Macy delivers a Carpentry program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree, emphasizing both general and specialized carpentry skills.
Tuition
$170 per CreditContact
(844) 440-6422
admissions@thenicc.edu
Metropolitan Community College
Manhattan, NE Campus Only
Metropolitan Community College in Manhattan provides a comprehensive Construction and Building Science program with associate degrees and multiple certificate options.
Tuition
$70 - $106 per CreditContact
(531) 622-2400
tsecora@mccneb.edu
Explore carpentry schools in Nebraska by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Carpenters in Nebraska tend to improve their annual average salary as they spend more time on the job and become more experienced. However, candidates can also optimize their specialty skills, work environment, and location to achieve the same result faster.
Data obtained from Indeed showed that Papillion and Lincoln have the highest annual average salaries for carpenters in Nebraska, with $73,370 and $69,613 in yearly returns, respectively. Those who work in Wakefield earn an annual average salary of $68,661.
On a more general level, carpenters in Nebraska can earn a salary of around $63,379 every year if they are among the average earners, and an annual average salary of $27,624 if they are among the bottom 10%.
Those who have managed to reach the top 10% range will be able to make an annual average salary of $145,413.