In Wyoming, where rugged landscapes and a strong work ethic define the culture, carpentry remains a reliable and rewarding profession. Whether you’re based in Cheyenne, Casper, or a smaller rural community, there are ample opportunities to begin a career in the skilled trades.
This guide aims to provide aspiring carpenters in Wyoming with the insights and tools needed to succeed from day one.
We’ll start by mapping out the educational journey: what aspiring carpenters should study, where to get hands-on experience, and which schools or apprenticeship programs are best suited to provide a well-rounded foundation.
From there, we’ll move into the details of licensing, including state or local requirements and optional certifications that can increase employability or pave the way toward independent contracting.
How to Become a Carpenter in Wyoming
Carpenters in Wyoming typically start their careers by following the outline below.
Academic Education
Wyoming may not be the most populous state, but it offers several solid training options through community colleges and technical institutes. Programs in carpentry or construction technology are typically offered through schools such as Casper College, Laramie County Community College, or other local vocational centers.
Students can expect to earn either a certificate in under a year or pursue a more in-depth Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, which can lead to opportunities in leadership roles or advanced specialties.
Hands-On Experience Through Apprenticeship
Affluent carpenters in Wyoming can benefit from apprenticeship programs, either after or sometimes instead of formal classroom education. These programs are typically offered through unions, construction companies, or trade associations and last between 3 and 5 years.
Apprenticeships combine structured instruction with paid, on-the-job experience, allowing participants to earn while they learn. This route is especially valuable in a hands-on trade like carpentry, where mastery often comes from doing the work repeatedly in real-life conditions.
Skills Development & Niche Identification
Carpenters in Wyoming who want to stand out should consider specializing in a particular area, such as residential framing, roofing, cabinetmaking, or remodeling. These niches help sharpen their expertise and make them more marketable to employers or clients if they decide to start their own business.
Explore trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Wyoming is one of the states across the country where licensing for trade professionals is typically left to local cities and municipalities, rather than being regulated at the state level. This means that carpenters in the state will need to check with their city regulators to determine which licenses and permits to obtain.
For example, candidates working in the city of Cheyenne require a contractor’s license to undertake projects of significant value. To obtain this license, they must register with the city and provide proof of relevant construction experience.
Generally, operating as a business still requires a local business license.
Top Carpentry Schools in Wyoming
All of the entries below are regarded as being among the best places to study as a future carpenter in Wyoming.
Sheridan College
Sheridan, WY Campus + Online
Sheridan College – part of the Northern Wyoming College District – delivers a Carpentry Certificate and an AAS degree within its Construction Technology program.
Tuition
$4,830 per YearContact
(307) 675-0505
jmichelena@sheridan.edu
Casper College
Casper, WY Campus Only
Casper College features a Construction Technology Program enabling students to specialize in carpentry while acquiring broader skills in plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems through practical lab work and real-world construction simulations.
Tuition
$147 - $357 per CreditContact
(307) 268-2117
andee.stewart@caspercollege.edu
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY Campus Only
University of Wyoming offers a woodworking program for prospective carpenters. The program teaches the basics of the profession, from using a tape measure and hammer to operating routers and table saws.
Tuition
$180 - $734 per CreditContact
(307) 766-5170
4h@uwyo.edu
Explore carpentry schools in Wyoming by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary of carpenters in Wyoming can be divided into three broad categories: the top 10%, the bottom 10%, and the average earners.
In the bottom 10%, carpenters in Wyoming make an annual average salary of $47,017. In the top 10%, professionals in this field end the year with a salary of around $86,452.
Unsurprisingly, the most popular category of carpenters in the state is those who are among the median/average earning bracket. Those who are here make around $63,755 at the end of the year.
Location and experience are factors that can help carpenters improve their early returns. For prominent locations in Wyoming with high annual average salaries for carpenters, candidates may consider Jackson and Laramie, with annual average salaries of $69,761 and $68,513, respectively.
Buffalo is also worth mentioning, with an annual average salary of $68,302.