Carpentry Schools in Iowa

The most common path to becoming a carpenter in Iowa is immersive, practical training. Candidates can achieve this in several ways, including formal and non-formal environments.

In the guide below, interested individuals will find out everything they need to know not only regarding their possible training destinations as future carpenters in Iowa, but also their career prospects and projected earnings. The guide also covers licensing and certification requirements, along with continuing education steps that can help candidates improve their chances of rapid advancement.

We also include a detailed list that shows some of the most prominent and notable training destinations for prospective carpenters in Iowa.

How to Become a Carpenter in Iowa

The following steps are necessary to become a carpenter in Iowa.

Technical Training

Future carpenters in Iowa need to be technically sound, which is why many pursue a fundamental education at an academic institution. The majority of training programs allow candidates to graduate in just a few months and earn a certificate in carpentry.

Others will offer a two-year associate degree program in carpentry or construction technology.

One of the upcoming sections explores the top carpentry programs to attend in Iowa.

Apprenticeship & Practical Experience

Carpenters usually need a great deal of practical experience before they can work independently. This is why even those who attended a technical academic program may still complement their education with an apprenticeship.

Of course, it is also possible to enter directly into an apprenticeship and receive both classroom and practical education in an actual work environment.

Trade unions and professional organizations organize the majority of carpentry apprenticeships. Some may also be organized in partnership with community colleges and technical schools.

Specialization & Employment

Carpenters may specialize in a particular area of the profession to stand out and focus on a skill where they can rapidly improve. These professionals may work in renovation, cabinetry, roofing, or infrastructure.

It is also possible for a fresh candidate to secure employment before they specialize.

Explore other trades with similar paths:

• How to become a masonry worker in Iowa

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Individuals who have been properly trained can start a carpentry career in Iowa without having to worry about state-level licensing. They only have to worry about a license if they are going to be working as contractors and taking on projects that bring in more than $2,000 annually.

In this case, they will have to register with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing. The registration process requires submitting an application form, paying relevant fees, and securing a contractor’s Bond.

Additionally, candidates seeking contractor registration may also be expected to have general liability coverage.

Some local municipalities may have additional licensing/permit requirements for construction projects.

Top Carpentry Schools in Iowa

Iowa residents may attend any of the training programs below to start their carpentry careers on an excellent footing.

Explore carpentry schools in Iowa by city:

• Carpentry schools in Des Moines

Salary & Career Outlook

Data shows that the most favorable places to work as a carpenter in Iowa, when it comes to annual average salary, are as follows:

• Iowa City, with an annual average salary of $97,383;
• Cedar Rapids, with an annual average salary of $86,378;
• Davenport, with an annual average salary of $83,559; and
• Burlington, with an annual average salary of $62,148.

Of course, location is not the only criterion worth considering. Experience, work environment, specialty areas, and credentials are also critical.

These factors together separate carpenters in Iowa into three main categories when it comes to annual returns. In the first category are the top 10% earners with an annual average salary of $148,877, while in the second category are the bottom 10% earners with an annual average salary of $26,970.

Those who make an annual average salary of $63,365 are in the median category and are the most common.