Carpenter Career Guide in Kansas
Explore carpenter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Kansas.
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How to Become a Carpenter in Kansas
Kansas carpenters train through technical colleges, construction employers and registered apprenticeships serving residential, commercial and industrial construction.
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 Kansas
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Kansas 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 Kansas is approximately $2,350 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Carpenters in Kansas
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 Kansas
Kansas carpenters generally complete technical-school instruction, employer training, or a registered apprenticeship. Recommended preparation includes:
- Construction math, layout, measurement, and estimating
- Residential and commercial framing
- Blueprint and specification interpretation
- Concrete forms, scaffolding, and interior systems
- Doors, windows, cabinetry, and finish carpentry
- OSHA fall-protection and power-tool safety
Independent contractors should verify licensing and permit requirements with every Kansas city or county where they intend to perform work.
Carpenter Training Providers in Kansas
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| WSU Tech – Construction Science | Wichita | View Program |
| Johnson County Community College – Construction Management Technology | Overland Park | View Program |
| Manhattan Area Technical College – Construction Technology | Manhattan | 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 Kansas
Kansas City Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council
Wichita Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council
Topeka Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council
Carpentry Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Associated Builders and Contractors – Heart of America
Carpenter Licensing Requirements in Kansas
Kansas does not issue a statewide occupational license for carpenters or a single statewide general-contractor license. Cities and counties establish contractor licensing, examination, registration, insurance and permit requirements.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSCarpenter Job Outlook in Kansas
Kansas carpenter employment is projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 7,140 to 7,430 jobs, with about 550 openings annually. Housing, aviation facilities, manufacturing construction, agricultural development and infrastructure maintenance 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 Kansas?
The statewide median wage for carpenters in Kansas is approximately $56,960 per year, or $27.39 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Kansas require carpenter licensing?
Kansas does not use one uniform statewide licensing rule for all carpenter work. Local requirements may apply, and applicants should verify the rules in the city or county where they plan to work.
How long does it take to become a carpenter in Kansas?
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 Kansas?
Kansas projects carpenter employment to grow by approximately 4% from 2022 to 2032, with about 550 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
- Kansas Wages for Carpenter (SOC 47-2031) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Kansas Carpenter Wages
- Kansas Carpenter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Kansas Carpenter Employment Trends
- Local City or County Contractor Licensing Authority — Licensing authority. Local City or County Contractor Licensing Authority