Carpenter Career Guide in Tennessee
Explore carpenter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Tennessee.
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How to Become a Carpenter in Tennessee
Tennessee carpenters commonly complete a Building Construction Technology program, employer training or a registered carpentry apprenticeship involving paid on-the-job training and related technical instruction.
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 Tennessee
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Tennessee 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 Tennessee is approximately $8,480 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Carpenters in Tennessee
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 Tennessee
Tennessee carpenters usually complete technical-college instruction, employer training, or a registered apprenticeship. Training commonly covers:
- Construction math and jobsite layout
- Floor, wall, roof, and stair framing
- Blueprint and specification reading
- Concrete formwork and commercial interior systems
- Exterior finishes, doors, windows, and cabinetry
- OSHA, fall-protection, scaffold, and tool safety
Carpenters who bid or contract directly with customers should review Tennessee contractor and home-improvement licensing thresholds.
Carpenter Training Providers in Tennessee
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville – Building Construction Technology | Nashville | View Program |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville – Building Construction Technology | Knoxville | View Program |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Murfreesboro – Building Construction Technology | Murfreesboro | 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 Tennessee
Nashville Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Southeastern Carpenters Training Trust
Knoxville Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Southeastern Carpenters Training Trust
Memphis Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Southeastern Carpenters Training Trust
Carpentry Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Associated Builders and Contractors – Greater Tennessee
Carpenter Licensing Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee does not require a separate occupational license for employee carpenters. A contractor license is generally required before bidding or contracting when the total project cost is $25,000 or more. Home-improvement licensing may apply to certain residential projects and counties.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSCarpenter Job Outlook in Tennessee
Tennessee carpenter employment is projected to grow 11% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 14,160 to 15,690 jobs, with about 1,220 openings annually. Rapid population growth, residential development, manufacturing construction and commercial expansion 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 Tennessee?
The statewide median wage for carpenters in Tennessee is approximately $50,830 per year, or $24.44 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Tennessee require carpenter licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for carpenter workers in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Tennessee projects carpenter employment to grow by approximately 11% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,220 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
- Tennessee Wages for Carpenter (SOC 47-2031) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Tennessee Carpenter Wages
- Tennessee Carpenter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Tennessee Carpenter Employment Trends
- Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Licensing authority. Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors