Carpenter Career Guide in New Hampshire
Explore carpenter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in New Hampshire.
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How to Become a Carpenter in New Hampshire
Carpenters commonly train through community-college programs, union apprenticeships, nonunion contractor training, or paid employment. Independent contractors must comply with local permits and business-registration requirements.
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 New Hampshire
The salary figure shown on this page represents the New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire is approximately $1,920 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Carpenters in New Hampshire
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 New Hampshire
Carpenters in New Hampshire generally enter through apprenticeship, technical education, or supervised construction employment.
- Complete instruction in framing, formwork, roofing, interior systems, finish carpentry, blueprint reading, and layout.
- Gain practical experience with hand tools, power equipment, scaffolds, ladders, lifts, and fall-protection systems.
- Study state building codes, construction mathematics, estimating, materials, and energy-efficient construction.
- Complete OSHA construction safety training and employer-specific equipment instruction.
- Verify municipal contractor-registration and permit requirements before independently performing construction work.
Carpenter Training Providers in New Hampshire
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester Community College | Manchester | View Program |
| Lakes Region Community College | Laconia | View Program |
| White Mountains Community College | Berlin | View Program |
| New Hampshire Job Corps Center | Manchester | 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 New Hampshire
Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
Carpenter Licensing Requirements in New Hampshire
New Hampshire does not issue a statewide carpenter or general-contractor license. Municipalities administer building permits and may require local contractor registration. State licensing applies to separately regulated trades rather than general carpentry.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSCarpenter Job Outlook in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s latest long-term projection indicates approximately 8% carpenter employment growth and about 450 annual openings during the 2022–2032 period.
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 New Hampshire?
The statewide median wage for carpenters in New Hampshire is approximately $61,230 per year, or $29.44 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does New Hampshire require carpenter licensing?
New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?
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 New Hampshire?
New Hampshire projects carpenter employment to grow by approximately 8% from 2022 to 2032, with about 450 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
- New Hampshire Wages for Carpenter (SOC 47-2031) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Hampshire Carpenter Wages
- New Hampshire Carpenter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Hampshire Carpenter Employment Trends
- New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification — Licensing authority. New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification