Carpenter Career Guide in Maryland
Explore carpenter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Maryland.
Career Guide Navigation
How to Become a Carpenter in Maryland
Carpenters commonly qualify through union apprenticeship, technical education, Job Corps, registered apprenticeship, or supervised residential and commercial construction employment.
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 Maryland
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Maryland 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 Maryland is approximately $3,090 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Carpenters in Maryland
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 Maryland
Maryland carpenters generally enter the occupation through apprenticeship, technical education, Job Corps, or supervised construction employment.
- Study framing, concrete forms, roofing, interior systems, finish carpentry, blueprint reading, construction mathematics, and layout.
- Complete hands-on training with carpentry tools, power equipment, scaffolds, lifts, ladders, and fall protection.
- Learn Maryland building codes, estimating, contracts, material requirements, and energy-efficient construction practices.
- Complete OSHA construction safety and employer-specific jobsite training.
- Meet examination, experience, insurance, and financial requirements before performing covered home-improvement contracting.
Carpenter Training Providers in Maryland
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Community College of Baltimore County | Baltimore | View Program |
| Montgomery College | Rockville | View Program |
| Anne Arundel Community College | Arnold | View Program |
| College of Southern Maryland | La Plata | 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 Maryland
Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Centers
Carpenter Licensing Requirements in Maryland
Maryland does not license employee carpenters. Contractors performing remodeling, repair, alteration, or improvement of residential property generally need a Maryland Home Improvement Commission contractor license. New-home construction and commercial work are governed by separate registration, permit, and local requirements.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSCarpenter Job Outlook in Maryland
Maryland projects approximately 5% carpenter employment growth from 2024 to 2034 and about 1,400 annual openings from growth and worker replacement.
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 Maryland?
The statewide median wage for carpenters in Maryland is approximately $62,400 per year, or $30.00 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Maryland require carpenter licensing?
Yes. Maryland requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt carpenter work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Maryland Home Improvement Commission.
How long does it take to become a carpenter in Maryland?
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 Maryland?
Maryland projects carpenter employment to grow by approximately 5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,400 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
- Maryland Wages for Carpenter (SOC 47-2031) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Maryland Carpenter Wages
- Maryland Carpenter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Maryland Carpenter Employment Trends
- Maryland Home Improvement Commission — Licensing authority. Maryland Home Improvement Commission