Carpenter Career Guide in Louisiana
Explore carpenter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Louisiana.
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How to Become a Carpenter in Louisiana
Louisiana carpenters train through technical and community colleges, contractor training providers, industrial employers and registered carpenter 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 Louisiana
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Louisiana 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 Louisiana is approximately $9,390 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Carpenters in Louisiana
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 Louisiana
Louisiana carpenters generally complete technical-school instruction, employer training, or a registered apprenticeship. Recommended training includes:
- Construction math, layout, and estimating
- Residential, commercial, and industrial framing
- Blueprint and specification reading
- Concrete formwork and scaffold construction
- Interior systems, doors, windows, and finish work
- OSHA, heat-stress, fall-protection, and hurricane-recovery safety
Independent contractors should determine whether a Commercial license, Residential license, or Home Improvement Registration is required for the project.
Carpenter Training Providers in Louisiana
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Delgado Community College – Building Construction | New Orleans | View Program |
| Northshore Technical Community College – Building Technology | Hammond | View Program |
| Central Louisiana Technical Community College – Building Technology | Alexandria | View Program |
| Baton Rouge Community College – Construction and Skilled Trades | Baton Rouge | 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 Louisiana
New Orleans Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Central South Carpenters Regional Council
Baton Rouge Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Central South Carpenters Regional Council
Lake Charles Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Central South Carpenters Regional Council
Shreveport Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Central South Carpenters Regional Council
Carpenter Licensing Requirements in Louisiana
Louisiana does not require a separate license for employee carpenters. Contractors may need a Commercial or Residential license or Home Improvement Registration depending on the project’s value and scope.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSCarpenter Job Outlook in Louisiana
Louisiana carpenter employment is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, increasing from approximately 12,300 to 12,960 jobs, with about 960 openings annually. Industrial construction, hurricane recovery, port facilities, housing and commercial renovations 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 Louisiana?
The statewide median wage for carpenters in Louisiana is approximately $49,920 per year, or $24.00 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Louisiana require carpenter licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for carpenter workers in Louisiana. 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 Louisiana?
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 Louisiana?
Louisiana projects carpenter employment to grow by approximately 5% from 2022 to 2032, with about 960 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
- Louisiana Wages for Carpenter (SOC 47-2031) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Louisiana Carpenter Wages
- Louisiana Carpenter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Louisiana Carpenter Employment Trends
- Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors — Licensing authority. Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors