Carpentry Schools in Tennessee

Carpenters are professionals who can combine their artistic nature and technical expertise to fabricate highly functional objects that we’ve all come to depend on. For anyone looking to channel their creativity this way, pursuing a career as a carpenter is one of the most obvious decisions.

The state of Tennessee remains one of the most favorable for carpenters, both in terms of the ease of job placement and the subsequent yearly earnings one can expect.

To help aspiring carpenters begin their careers with the utmost confidence, we have highlighted below the major requirements for becoming a carpenter in Tennessee. We don’t just stop there; we also touch upon other important factors.

These include the licensure guidelines, certification requirements, top training programs, and salary projections.

How to Become a Carpenter in Tennessee

The following are the required steps for aspiring carpenters in Tennessee.

Basic Preparation

A high school diploma or GED is recommended for aspiring carpenters in Tennessee to prepare for training and employment. A strong foundation in mathematics is also important.

Completing an Apprenticeship Program

Aspiring carpenters in Tennessee must complete a training program to acquire the necessary skills to carry out their duties on the job. The major appeal of attending an apprenticeship program is the extensive real-world experience that individuals receive even before they secure actual job placement.

A lot of programs also help students find valuable placements upon graduation.

Carpentry schooling

Candidates should consider additional carpentry schooling and apprenticeship programs to consolidate their hands-on training with strong theoretical knowledge. Community colleges and technical schools across Tennessee offer such programs.

The section below will look at some of the most notable alternatives.

Developing Marketable Skills

Along with their technical skills, carpenters in Tennessee will also benefit from improving themselves personally by developing marketable skills. One way to do this is to specialize in renovation or infrastructure.

Consider trade with similar paths:

• Learn to become a masonry worker in Tennessee

Licensure & Certification Requirements

In some counties, carpenters in Tennessee are expected to obtain a license for specific jobs. For instance, those specializing in remodeling existing residential houses in Rutherford and Shelby counties must have a home improvement license.

However, along with the type of carpentry work, the scale of the work also influences whether or not a license is needed. For instance, home improvement contracts under $3,000 do not require a license, but those between $3,000 and $25,000 do.

Candidates need a contractor license across the state for contracts worth more than $25,000. This is valid for both residential and commercial carpentry jobs.

Those who do not want an all-out contractor license but still want to carry out significant residential carpentry projects may opt for the Restricted Residential License.

Top Carpentry Schools in Tennessee

Below are some top-class carpentry programs for interested individuals in Tennessee to consider.

Explore carpentry schools in Tennessee by city:

• Carpentry schools in Nashville

Salary & Career Outlook

In Tennessee, carpenters who have enough to be among the highest-paid in the state may earn an annual average salary of around $88,489. Those who are just starting may earn less. They usually start with an annual average salary of around $40,535.

The most common type of Carpenter is in the middle range. Those in this range earn an annual average salary of $59,891.

As one would expect, the factors determining where carpenters in Tennessee fall in the salary range include experience, location, credentials, and specialty areas.

Smyrna, for instance, is the highest-paying city to work as a carpenter in Tennessee. Those who work here take home an annual average salary of around $66,881.

Franklin and Oak Ridge are two other notable cities, with annual average salaries of $64,257 and $63,713, respectively. Nashville and Memphis round out the top five, with annual average salaries of $62,549 and $61,767, respectively.