Carpenter Career Guide in Arkansas
Explore carpenter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Arkansas.
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How to Become a Carpenter in Arkansas
Arkansas carpenters train through community-college construction programs, employer training and registered union or contractor-sponsored apprenticeships.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Carpenter Salary in Arkansas
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Arkansas median wage for carpenter workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $59,310, the median wage in Arkansas is approximately $11,550 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Carpenters in Arkansas
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONCarpenter Training Requirements in Arkansas
Arkansas carpenters commonly complete technical-college instruction, employer training, or a registered apprenticeship. Core preparation includes:
- Construction math, measurement, layout, and estimating
- Residential and commercial framing
- Blueprints, specifications, and building-code fundamentals
- Concrete forms, scaffolding, and interior systems
- Doors, windows, cabinetry, and finish carpentry
- OSHA fall-protection, heat, and power-tool safety
Independent contractors should determine whether an Arkansas Commercial Contractor, Residential Builder, Residential Remodeler, Home Improvement, or specialty credential is required.
Carpenter Training Providers in Arkansas
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College – Construction Technology | North Little Rock | View Program |
| NorthWest Arkansas Community College – Construction Technology | Bentonville | View Program |
| Arkansas State University Three Rivers – Construction Technology | Malvern | View Program |
| University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville – Construction Technology | Batesville | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESCarpenter Apprenticeship Programs in Arkansas
Little Rock Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Central South Carpenters Regional Council
Carpentry Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Associated Builders and Contractors of Arkansas
Carpentry Craft Apprenticeship
Organization: Arkansas Construction Education Foundation
Carpenter Licensing Requirements in Arkansas
Arkansas does not require a separate occupational license for employee carpenters. Independent contractors may need a Commercial Contractor, Residential Builder, Residential Remodeler, Home Improvement or specialty license depending on project type, scope and value.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSCarpenter Job Outlook in Arkansas
Arkansas carpenter employment is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, increasing from approximately 5,260 to 5,620 jobs, with about 420 openings annually. Manufacturing facilities, housing, logistics projects, commercial development and infrastructure work support demand.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the carpenter salary in Arkansas?
The statewide median wage for carpenters in Arkansas is approximately $47,760 per year, or $22.96 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Arkansas require carpenter licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for carpenter workers in Arkansas. Local jurisdictions, employers, or specific work scopes may still impose requirements, so applicants should verify current rules before beginning work.
How long does it take to become a carpenter in Arkansas?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately Varies by Program, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are carpenters in demand in Arkansas?
Arkansas projects carpenter employment to grow by approximately 7% from 2022 to 2032, with about 420 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Arkansas Wages for Carpenter (SOC 47-2031) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Arkansas Carpenter Wages
- Arkansas Carpenter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Arkansas Carpenter Employment Trends
- Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board — Licensing authority. Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board