Carpenter Career Guide in Mississippi
Explore carpenter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Mississippi.
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How to Become a Carpenter in Mississippi
Carpenters commonly complete technical-school instruction, a registered apprenticeship, or supervised employer training. Training covers framing, concrete forms, interior systems, blueprint reading, building codes, measurements, power tools, and construction safety.
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 Mississippi
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Mississippi 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 Mississippi is approximately $10,710 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Carpenters in Mississippi
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 Mississippi
Carpenters in Mississippi generally qualify through technical education, apprenticeship, or supervised construction employment.
- Learn framing, layout, concrete formwork, roofing, interior finishing, blueprint reading, and construction mathematics.
- Complete hands-on training with hand tools, portable power tools, stationary equipment, scaffolds, and fall-protection systems.
- Complete OSHA construction safety training and employer-required jobsite instruction.
- Accumulate supervised work experience through an apprenticeship or construction employer.
- Obtain the appropriate contractor license before independently bidding or contracting for covered projects.
Carpenter Training Providers in Mississippi
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Hinds Community College | Raymond | View Program |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College | Perkinston | View Program |
| East Mississippi Community College | Scooba | View Program |
| Northwest Mississippi Community College | Senatobia | 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 Mississippi
Construction Apprenticeship Preparation
Organization: Mississippi Construction Education Foundation
Mississippi Registered Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Mississippi Apprenticeship Program
Carpenter Licensing Requirements in Mississippi
Mississippi does not license carpenters working as employees. A contractor license is generally required when a person or business contracts for commercial construction exceeding the state threshold or residential construction covered by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSCarpenter Job Outlook in Mississippi
Mississippi projects carpenter employment to increase from approximately 3,670 jobs in 2022 to 4,060 jobs in 2032. This represents 11% growth and approximately 360 annual openings.
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 Mississippi?
The statewide median wage for carpenters in Mississippi is approximately $48,600 per year, or $23.37 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Mississippi require carpenter licensing?
Licensing requirements for carpenter workers in Mississippi vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with Mississippi State Board of Contractors before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a carpenter in Mississippi?
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 Mississippi?
Mississippi projects carpenter employment to grow by approximately 11% from 2022 to 2032, with about 360 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
- Mississippi Wages for Carpenter (SOC 47-2031) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Mississippi Carpenter Wages
- Mississippi Carpenter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Mississippi Carpenter Employment Trends
- Mississippi State Board of Contractors — Licensing authority. Mississippi State Board of Contractors