There has never been a better time to enter the construction industry. The field continues to grow, and the demand for qualified personnel is incredibly high.
Luckily, for aspiring carpenters in North Carolina, the state boasts numerous destinations to acquire top-level training and take advantage of all the industry’s benefits. Additionally, it is highly convenient to start a carpentry career in the state and grow up until the point of creating a proper business.
Regardless of how far you want to scale, the journey to begin a career as a carpenter in North Carolina starts with meeting the basic requirements. We take a look at all of these below.
How to Become a Carpenter in North Carolina
Below are the critical requirements involved in becoming a carpenter in North Carolina.
Step 1: Graduate from High School
Carpenters in North Carolina with a high school diploma or a GED equivalent usually easily secure admission into training programs and apprenticeships.
Step 2: Enroll into a Training Program
Aspiring carpenters in North Carolina may enroll in formal academic programs for their actual training. Community colleges and vocational schools usually offer these. In one of the upcoming sections, we will look at some of the most prominent training programs to enroll in as an aspiring carpenter in North Carolina.
Step 3: Acquire Training on The Job
Aspiring carpenters in North Carolina may acquire on-the-job training as an alternative to academic programs. They may also do so to complement the training received during training programs. Typically, apprenticeship programs require three to four years of training. However, those who have already completed an academic training program will not have to spend as long.
Step 4: Apply for Certification (Optional)
While certification is optional for carpenters in North Carolina, applying for one anyway can offer several benefits, including better career opportunities. Carpenters in the state may go for the Certified Lead Carpenter credential and OSHA, EPA, and Red Cross certifications.
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Licensure and Certification Requirements
North Carolina is one of the few states requiring a carpenter license. However, this provision only applies to those taking on contracts worth more than $30,000.
Carpenters in the state will fall under the category of “general contractors” if they work on residential units and “special contractors” if they work on flooring and finishing, door installation, and cabinets.
To obtain their license, North Carolina carpenters must apply to the North Carolina Licensing Board for general contractors. They must then pass an examination organized by the board before a license can be issued.
A carpenter in North Carolina is expected to have worked for three years before applying for a license.
Top Carpentry Schools in North Carolina
The following are some of the most prominent carpentry schools in North Carolina for interested individuals to consider.
Cape Fear Community College
Cape Fear Community College is one of the top destinations for liberal arts and trade programs in North Carolina. The school has lovely carpentry training on topics ranging from beginners to advanced levels. Students learn critical issues in carpentry and cabinet making and may leverage the school’s partnerships to secure employment in various establishments once they graduate.
Blue Ridge Community College
Blue Ridge Community College offers another excellent carpentry training program for aspiring carpenters in North Carolina.
Students get to receive hands-on training and even put their knowledge to work through actual projects. One of these projects involves building a 500 sq ft replica of the Chatham cottage. Before they graduate, they will also receive foundational training in OSHA regulation for safety principles.
Fayetteville Technical College
One of the highlights of the carpentry training program at Fayetteville Technical College is that it provides an easy pathway to employment. The school has connections with several carpentry companies and associations in the state, making it easier for students to work for those establishments once they complete their program.
Explore Carpentry Schools By City
Salary and Career Outlook
Carpenters in North Carolina earn an annual salary of $52,700, which aligns with the national average. This figure tends to vary depending on factors ranging from experience and location to credentials and the type of employment establishment where a carpenter finds employment.
Those who fall on the higher end of the salary spectrum can earn as much as $72,709 a year, while those who fall on the lower back still earn an average annual salary of $38,198.
As for the highest paying cities for carpenters in North Carolina, they include Asheville, with an annual average salary of $57,222, Salisbury with an average yearly salary of $57,123, and Raleigh with an average annual wage of $56,745.
Charlotte and Atlantic Beach complete the top five with annual average salaries of $56,300 and $52,289, respectively.
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