Carpenter Career Guide in Virginia
Explore carpenter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Virginia.
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How to Become a Carpenter in Virginia
Virginia carpenters train through community-college construction programs, employer instruction and registered apprenticeships operated by carpenter organizations and construction-industry associations.
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 Virginia
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Virginia 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 Virginia is approximately $3,620 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Carpenters in Virginia
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 Virginia
Virginia carpenters generally learn through a registered apprenticeship, construction program, or supervised employer training. Core instruction should include:
- Construction math, measurement, and layout
- Wood and metal framing
- Blueprints, specifications, and building plans
- Concrete formwork and interior systems
- Doors, windows, cabinetry, and finish carpentry
- OSHA fall-protection, scaffold, and power-tool safety
Independent contractors should determine the required Virginia contractor class and specialty classification before bidding or contracting for work.
Carpenter Training Providers in Virginia
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Tidewater Community College – Building Construction | Norfolk | View Program |
| Virginia Western Community College – Construction Technology | Roanoke | View Program |
| Mountain Empire Community College – Building Construction | Big Stone Gap | View Program |
| New River Community College – Construction Technology | Dublin | 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 Virginia
Richmond Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Mid-Atlantic Carpenters Training Centers
Northern Virginia Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Mid-Atlantic Carpenters Training Centers
Hampton Roads Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Mid-Atlantic Carpenters Training Centers
Carpentry Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Associated Builders and Contractors – Virginia Chapter
Carpenter Licensing Requirements in Virginia
Virginia does not license carpenters solely because they work as employees. Businesses contracting directly with clients may need a Class A, B, or C contractor license and the applicable building, residential building, home-improvement, or commercial-improvement specialty classification.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSCarpenter Job Outlook in Virginia
Virginia carpenter employment is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 25,060 to 26,680 jobs, with about 2,280 annual openings. Population growth, federal construction, data centers, military facilities, housing and infrastructure projects 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 Virginia?
The statewide median wage for carpenters in Virginia is approximately $55,690 per year, or $26.77 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Virginia require carpenter licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for carpenter workers in Virginia. 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 Virginia?
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 Virginia?
Virginia projects carpenter employment to grow by approximately 7% from 2022 to 2032, with about 2,280 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
- Virginia Wages for Carpenter (SOC 47-2031) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Virginia Carpenter Wages
- Virginia Carpenter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Virginia Carpenter Employment Trends
- Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation – Board for Contractors — Licensing authority. Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation – Board for Contractors