Carpenter Career Guide in Missouri
Explore carpenter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Missouri.
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How to Become a Carpenter in Missouri
Missouri carpenters commonly train through technical colleges, employer programs, regional carpenter training centers or registered construction-industry 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 Missouri
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Missouri 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 Missouri is approximately $1,530 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Carpenters in Missouri
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 Missouri
Missouri carpenters generally complete a construction program, employer training, or a registered apprenticeship. Training should include:
- Construction math, measurement, and layout
- Floor, wall, roof, and stair framing
- Blueprint and specification reading
- Concrete forms and commercial interior systems
- Doors, windows, cabinetry, and finish work
- OSHA, scaffold, ladder, and fall-protection safety
Independent contractors should contact the applicable city or county before bidding or performing work because Missouri contractor requirements are primarily local.
Carpenter Training Providers in Missouri
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| State Technical College of Missouri – Building Construction Technology | Linn | View Program |
| Ozarks Technical Community College – Construction Technology | Springfield | View Program |
| Ranken Technical College – Carpentry and Building Construction | St. Louis | View Program |
| Metropolitan Community College – Construction Technology | Kansas City | 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 Missouri
St. Louis Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Program
Springfield Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Carpenters Regional Training Center
Carpentry Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Associated Builders and Contractors – Heart of America
Carpenter Licensing Requirements in Missouri
Missouri does not issue a statewide carpenter or general contractor license. Cities and counties may impose contractor licensing, registration, examination, bonding, insurance and permit requirements.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSCarpenter Job Outlook in Missouri
Missouri carpenter employment is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 17,060 to 18,220 jobs, with about 1,370 annual openings. Residential construction, logistics development, commercial projects and infrastructure rehabilitation 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 Missouri?
The statewide median wage for carpenters in Missouri is approximately $60,840 per year, or $29.25 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Missouri require carpenter licensing?
Missouri 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 Missouri?
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 Missouri?
Missouri projects carpenter employment to grow by approximately 7% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,370 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
- Missouri Wages for Carpenter (SOC 47-2031) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Missouri Carpenter Wages
- Missouri Carpenter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Missouri Carpenter Employment Trends
- Local City or County Contractor Licensing Authority — Licensing authority. Local City or County Contractor Licensing Authority