Carpenter Career Guide in Washington
Explore carpenter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Washington.
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How to Become a Carpenter in Washington
Washington carpenters train through technical colleges, construction programs and registered apprenticeships offering paid jobsite training in framing, concrete forms, interior systems and finish carpentry.
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 Washington
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Washington 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 Washington is approximately $14,880 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Carpenters in Washington
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 Washington
Washington carpenters commonly enter through a registered apprenticeship, technical-college program, or supervised employer training. Core instruction includes:
- Construction math, surveying, measurement, and layout
- Wood and metal framing
- Blueprints, specifications, and building codes
- Concrete forms, scaffolds, and commercial interiors
- Exterior envelopes and finish carpentry
- Washington safety rules, fall protection, and silica awareness
Independent construction businesses must review Washington contractor registration, bonding, insurance, workers’ compensation, and local permit requirements.
Carpenter Training Providers in Washington
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle Central College Wood Technology Center – Carpentry | Seattle | View Program |
| Bates Technical College – Carpentry | Tacoma | View Program |
| Clover Park Technical College – Construction Technology | Lakewood | View Program |
| Renton Technical College – Construction and Building Technology | Renton | 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 Washington
Western Washington Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Northwest Carpenters Institute
Southwest Washington Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Northwest Carpenters Institute
Inland Northwest Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Northwest Carpenters Institute
Pile Driver and Marine Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Pile Drivers Local 196 / Northwest Carpenters Institute
Carpenter Licensing Requirements in Washington
Washington does not require an occupational license for employee carpenters. Businesses advertising, bidding or performing construction work must generally register as contractors with the Washington Department of Labor & Industries and maintain required bonding and liability insurance.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSCarpenter Job Outlook in Washington
Washington carpenter employment is projected to grow 2% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 43,810 to 44,670 jobs, with about 3,280 annual openings. Housing, technology facilities, public infrastructure and commercial construction support substantial replacement 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 Washington?
The statewide median wage for carpenters in Washington is approximately $74,190 per year, or $35.67 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Washington require carpenter licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for carpenter workers in Washington. 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 Washington?
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 Washington?
Washington projects carpenter employment to grow by approximately 2% from 2022 to 2032, with about 3,280 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
- Washington Wages for Carpenter (SOC 47-2031) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Washington Carpenter Wages
- Washington Carpenter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Washington Carpenter Employment Trends
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries – Contractor Registration — Licensing authority. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries – Contractor Registration