Carpenter Career Guide in Wisconsin
Explore carpenter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Wisconsin.
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How to Become a Carpenter in Wisconsin
Wisconsin provides extensive apprenticeship-based carpenter training through technical colleges, construction employers, contractor associations and regional carpenter training centers.
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 Wisconsin
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin is approximately $2,350 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Carpenters in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin
Wisconsin carpenters commonly complete a registered apprenticeship supported by a technical college or industry training center. Instruction generally includes:
- Construction mathematics and layout
- Residential and commercial framing
- Blueprints, specifications, and code fundamentals
- Concrete formwork and interior systems
- Exterior construction and finish carpentry
- OSHA, scaffold, fall-protection, and tool safety
Individuals responsible for obtaining permits for regulated dwelling construction should review Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor and Dwelling Contractor Qualifier requirements.
Carpenter Training Providers in Wisconsin
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Area Technical College – Carpentry Apprenticeship | Milwaukee | View Program |
| Madison Area Technical College – Construction and Remodeling | Madison | View Program |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College – Carpentry Apprenticeship | Green Bay | View Program |
| Mid-State Technical College – Construction Trades | Wisconsin Rapids | 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 Wisconsin
Pewaukee Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters
Madison Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters
Kaukauna Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters
Carpentry Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin
Carpenter Licensing Requirements in Wisconsin
Wisconsin does not require ordinary employee carpenters to hold an occupational license. Businesses obtaining permits for one- and two-family dwelling work may need a Dwelling Contractor credential and an associated Dwelling Contractor Qualifier.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSCarpenter Job Outlook in Wisconsin
Wisconsin carpenter employment is projected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 20,030 to 21,630 jobs, with about 1,640 annual openings. Manufacturing construction, housing, remodeling, healthcare facilities and infrastructure work 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 Wisconsin?
The statewide median wage for carpenters in Wisconsin is approximately $61,660 per year, or $29.65 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Wisconsin require carpenter licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for carpenter workers in Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin?
Wisconsin projects carpenter employment to grow by approximately 8% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,640 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
- Wisconsin Wages for Carpenter (SOC 47-2031) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Wisconsin Carpenter Wages
- Wisconsin Carpenter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Wisconsin Carpenter Employment Trends
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services — Licensing authority. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services