The guide on this page provides an in-depth analysis of everything that interested individuals must go through to start a successful carpentry career in the state of North Dakota. Among the major areas of emphasis are outlining the educational requirements and preparatory steps to take before entering a training program, highlighting valuable destinations for both classroom and practical education, and discussing the licensing requirements.
The guide also includes a few words on continuing education and career opportunities, along with the steps that candidates can take to acquire more credibility and set themselves up for entrepreneurial success.
To conclude, we provide a detailed analysis of the annual average salary expectations for carpenters in North Dakota and examine a few factors that candidates can influence to increase their yearly returns.
How to Become a Carpenter in North Dakota
All of the following steps are needed to become a successful carpenter in North Dakota.
Choosing a Training Destination
Carpenters in North Dakota need to find a way to combine classroom and real-world education. The following are the top ways to acquire both.
Academic Destinations
Community colleges offer carpentry and construction technology programs that candidates in North Dakota can use to earn valuable awards and enhance their appeal to potential employers. They also get a chance to learn from qualified instructors.
Programs that last for around 6 months typically lead to a certificate. Those who take more than a year to complete can obtain an Associate of Applied Science degree.
Real-World Education
Real-world education is the next step to becoming a successful carpenter in North Dakota after academic training. It may also substitute it entirely.
Whether union-sponsored or company-based, apprenticeship programs are designed to blend theoretical knowledge with rigorous on-the-job training, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to thrive in their chosen fields.
They are also perfect for those who would like to learn over a long period (usually 4 - 7 years) and make money while they’re still in training.
Skills & Specialization
Carpenters may specialize in specific areas, such as interior and exterior finishing, roofing, or cabinetry, to give themselves a better chance of career opportunities. Developing skills like effective communication and marketing can also help them throughout their professional careers.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Carpenters in North Dakota don’t need a license to start working professionally, so long as they are under the supervision of a licensed contractor. Ultimately, professionals may choose to start taking on large contracts of their own (more than $4,000), in which case they have to register as contractors with the state board.
To be registered as a contractor, business registration is sometimes required with the Secretary of State.
Then, applicants may submit their official contractor license application.
As for certification, the National Center for Construction Education and Research offers several prominent and well-respected credentials for carpenters in North Dakota to consider.
Top Carpentry Schools in North Dakota
The schools below offer impressive carpentry training programs for prospective carpenters in North Dakota.
North Dakota State College of Science
Wahpeton, ND Campus Only
North Dakota State College of Science provides a Building Construction Technology program that prepares students for the construction industry by blending leadership development, technical instruction, and practical project experience.
Tuition
$204 - $326 per CreditContact
(701) 671-2140
Jeremy.Hoesel@ndscs.edu
Bismarck State College
Bismarck, ND Campus Only
Bismarck State College offers a focused nine-month Carpentry program. Students gain hands-on experience by participating in the construction of a single-family home, giving them comprehensive exposure to residential carpentry.
Tuition
$184 - $322 per CreditContact
(701) 224-2429
bsc.cet@bismarckstate.edu
Cankdeska Cikana Community College
Fort Totten, ND Campus Only
Cankdeska Cikana Community College features a dedicated Carpentry Certificate program that offers a structured learning pathway for individuals seeking entry-level carpentry careers.
Tuition
$1,800 per SemesterContact
(701) 766-4415
frank.gourd@littlehoop.edu
Explore carpentry schools in North Dakota by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Carpenters in North Dakota can earn an annual average salary of around $47,992 - $65,161 when starting. Those who earn the annual average salary of $47,992 start their careers among the bottom 10%. In contrast, those who manage an annual average salary of $65,161 are considered to be among the median earners.
The majority of carpenters in North Dakota will indeed be in the median category, but that is not to say that they can’t scale their yearly returns with factors like experience, credentials, specialty area, and work environment. Those who manage to be among the top 10% will be able to earn an annual average salary of $88,471.
Based on yearly returns alone, New Town and West Fargo are considered to be the best locations to work as a carpenter in North Dakota. The annual average salaries for professionals here are $76,646 and $71,673.
Carpenters in Fargo make an annual average salary of $67,525.