Carpentry is an incredible career to consider, not only for residents of Minnesota just starting their adult lives but also for people who want to change their career paths.
Naturally, anyone who falls into either category would have a few questions, including how to become a carpenter in Minnesota. What are the steps involved? What are the most important of these steps?
You may ask about training program options, certification and licensing requirements, and earnings potential.
If you’ve ever found yourself in these shoes, you can rest assured that you have come to the right page. Below, we provide in-depth answers to all our questions and many more.
How to Become a Carpenter in Minnesota
Below are the steps all aspiring carpenters in Minnesota are advised to take to launch their careers successfully.
Step 1: Meeting the Basic Requirements
Generally, an aspiring carpenter in Minnesota must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. They will need to confirm these requirements at various points along the way.
Step 2: Enrolling in a Training Program
Training is the most important part of becoming a carpenter. Several institutions offer top-quality carpentry training in Minnesota, including apprenticeship programs, academic programs, and other on-the-job training arrangements.
Academic Training
Trade schools, technical schools, and community colleges offer academic training for future carpenters in Minnesota. They include specialty programs, general carpentry programs offered by workforce departments, and carpentry programs offered as part of a wider construction program.
We will look at some of these programs in an upcoming list below.
On-the-Job Training
On-the-job training arrangements allow candidates to learn in the real world. While some classroom training is usually provided, most of the curriculum is geared toward hands-on training in a real-world environment.
Candidates may combine academic and on-the-job training to get the best of both worlds. Apprenticeship programs offer a nice balance between classroom training and real-world training.
Additionally, some trade schools partner with professional organizations to offer a complete academic and hands-on training experience.
Step 3: Specialization and Marketable Skills
Lastly, candidates may consider specialization to set themselves apart and make it easier to secure employment while taking advantage of career growth opportunities.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
In Minnesota, as in most states, carpenter licensing is not statewide. It is up to local governments to specify their licensing requirements.
Additionally, licensing requirements are often subject to change. For this reason, it is highly important to check in with local authorities for up-to-date information.
As for certification, candidates may consider local options such as the ones offered by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABCs) are other respectable alternatives.
Top Carpentry Schools in Minnesota
The following are examples of some top carpentry schools in Minnesota.
Notable Mentions
Other notable mentions include Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park, Saint Cloud Technical and Community College, North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, South Central College, and Lake Superior College.
Saint Paul College
Saint Paul, MN Online + Campus
At Saint Paul College, aspiring carpenters in Minnesota may earn a diploma and obtain proficiency in crucial theoretical and practical areas of the field.
Tuition
$5,800 - $7,000Contact
admissions@saintpaul.edu
(651) 846-1600
Rochester Community and Technical College
Rochester, MN Online + Campus
Rochester Community and Technical College is a well-respected institution offering several trade and technical programs. Aspiring carpenters will be glad to know that the school boasts a wonderful, high-standard carpentry program.
Tuition
$6,368 - $24,568Contact
onestop@rctc.edu
(507) 285-7557
Notable Mentions
Other notable mentions include Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park, Saint Cloud Technical and Community College, North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, South Central College, and Lake Superior College.
Explore Carpentry Schools by City:
Salary & Career Outlook
Entry-level carpenters in Minnesota often begin with an annual average salary of around$45,946, which is on par with the average salary for other states. Once they work their way up, they may earn a salary on par with the annual state average of $66,638.
The highest-paid carpenters in the state usually earn as much as $96,649. Experience level and location also greatly affect a carpenter’s annual earnings in Minnesota.
Carpenters in Minnesota earn the highest salaries in cities such as Saint Paul, Maple Grove, and Saint Cloud, with annual average salaries of $75,006, $74,081, and $71,287, respectively.
Carpenters in Eagan earn an average annual salary of $71,142, while carpenters in Minneapolis earn an average annual salary of around $69,703.