Carpenter Career Guide in Minnesota
Explore carpenter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Minnesota.
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How to Become a Carpenter in Minnesota
Minnesota carpenters train through technical colleges and registered apprenticeships covering residential, commercial, industrial and interior-systems carpentry.
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 Minnesota
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Minnesota 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 Minnesota is approximately $5,620 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Carpenters in Minnesota
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 Minnesota
Minnesota carpenters generally complete technical-college education, employer training, or a registered apprenticeship. Recommended instruction includes:
- Construction math, layout, and material estimating
- Wood and metal framing
- Blueprints, specifications, and building codes
- Concrete forms, scaffolding, and interior systems
- Exterior envelopes and finish carpentry
- Cold-weather construction and OSHA safety practices
Businesses contracting directly for residential building or remodeling should review Minnesota contractor licensing, continuing-education, insurance, and qualifying-person requirements.
Carpenter Training Providers in Minnesota
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Hennepin Technical College – Carpentry | Brooklyn Park | View Program |
| Saint Paul College – Carpentry | Saint Paul | View Program |
| Minnesota State College Southeast – Construction Technology | Winona | View Program |
| Ridgewater College – Construction Technology | Willmar | 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 Minnesota
Twin Cities Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters
Rochester Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters
Duluth Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters
Carpentry Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Associated Builders and Contractors of Minnesota/North Dakota
Carpenter Licensing Requirements in Minnesota
Minnesota does not require employee carpenters to hold an individual occupational license. Businesses contracting for residential building or remodeling generally need a Residential Building Contractor or Residential Remodeler license unless a statutory exemption applies.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSCarpenter Job Outlook in Minnesota
Minnesota carpenter employment is projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 22,430 to 23,370 jobs, with about 1,720 openings annually. Housing, remodeling, public construction, healthcare and commercial development 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 Minnesota?
The statewide median wage for carpenters in Minnesota is approximately $64,930 per year, or $31.22 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Minnesota require carpenter licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for carpenter workers in Minnesota. 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 Minnesota?
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 Minnesota?
Minnesota projects carpenter employment to grow by approximately 4% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,720 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
- Minnesota Wages for Carpenter (SOC 47-2031) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Minnesota Carpenter Wages
- Minnesota Carpenter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Minnesota Carpenter Employment Trends
- Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry – Construction Codes and Licensing — Licensing authority. Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry – Construction Codes and Licensing