Carpentry Schools in Wisconsin

If you’re looking to start a career as a carpenter in Wisconsin, the right way to start would be to familiarize yourself with the scope of the entire process. This way, you know exactly what to expect at each step before getting there.

Among the benefits of this is that you’re adequately prepared and thus less likely to get overwhelmed as you go along. Thankfully, we provide such a comprehensive overview in the upcoming sections below.

Among other things, candidates will discover the key steps required to become a carpenter in Wisconsin, the certification and licensing requirements, and the top programs in the state to enroll in for quality training.

How to Become a Carpenter in Wisconsin

Below are the considerations necessary for launching a successful career as a carpenter in Wisconsin.

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED.

While a high school diploma or GED is not mandated by law for aspiring carpenters in Wisconsin, having one is usually very valuable. Training programs and apprenticeships require it, which is also a valuable resource when seeking employment.

Complete an Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship program is a popular route to becoming a carpenter in Wisconsin. Apprenticeship programs usually incorporate hands-on training from the start.

Moreover, they also tend to have enough classroom training sessions to ensure students are sound in theoretical concepts.

Consolidate with Academic Training

Even though apprenticeship programs are enough to launch a successful carpentry career in Wisconsin, it is common to see people attend academic programs as well. This is because academic programs and the degrees/certificates they offer greatly help career growth.

Specialization & Employment

Lastly, having completed the above steps, candidates in Wisconsin may go on to secure employment or choose a specialty area for better career opportunities.

Explore Trades with Similar Paths:

• Become an electrician in Wisconsin

Licensure & Certification Requirements

As of this article, carpenters in Wisconsin are not mandated to seek certification or licensing from the government. Some still choose to get certified by professional organizations. However, thanks to the extra credibility and appeal the step offers.

Thanks to the available options, picking a certification alternative may be difficult. However, choosing one of these options is usually enough in conjunction with a safety certification.

For industry-specific certifications, some notable options are the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s Certified Lead Carpenter credential, the US Green Building Council’s Green Building and Sustainable Technology certification, and the National Wood Flooring Association’s Certified Installer and Sand & Finisher certification.

As for safety credentials, OSHA’s certification for adherence to safety standards and the Red Cross’s CPR/first aid certificates are valuable choices.

Top Carpentry Schools in Wisconsin

Aspiring carpenters in Wisconsin may consider any of the options below for comprehensive training.

Notable Mentions

Other notable training destinations for aspiring carpenters in Wisconsin include Nicolet College, Wisconsin Technical College in Madison, and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.

Explore Carpentry Schools by City:

• Carpentry Schools in Milwaukee

Salary & Career Outlook

As a regular carpenter in Wisconsin, you can earn an average annual salary of around $63,966. Entry-level professionals just starting may earn lower (around $44,223), while those in the top 10% of earners get home as high as $92,523.

Key factors determining how much you earn as a carpenter in Wisconsin include experience level, establishment, and the city where you secure employment.

Along with the base salary, Wisconsin carpenters may earn more, with a potential overtime of $7,015 annually.

Neenah is the state’s highest-paying city for carpenters, with an annual average salary of $74,342. Waukesha follows it with an annual average salary of $67,508; Madison with an annual average salary of $67,033; Menasha with an annual average salary of $66,314; and Milwaukee with an annual average salary of $64,979.