Carpenter Apprenticeship in Massachusetts

Wages, programs & career outlook
MA Median Salary
$71,110/yr
+20% vs. national
National Median
$59,310/yr
MA Employment
19,100
Carpenters employed
MA Sponsors
849
Registered programs

Massachusetts Wage Spread

Annual wages for Carpenters in Massachusetts across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$46,650
25th %ile
$58,380
Median
$71,110
75th %ile
$95,530
90th %ile
$121,110

Carpenter Apprenticeship in Massachusetts

At $71,110/yr, Massachusetts Carpenters earn a meaningful premium over the $48,060 national average — 48% more without requiring a bachelor's degree.

The $71,110 median edges out the national average of $59,310 by 20%. Massachusetts is an above-average but not exceptional market for Carpenter apprenticeships.

Looking ahead to 2034, Carpenter employment should expand by 4.5%. That translates to roughly 74,100 openings annually when you factor in retirements — enough to absorb most apprenticeship completers.

At 19,100 employed Carpenters, Massachusetts holds 2.4% of the national market. Enough critical mass for functional apprenticeship programs, though not as many options as the top-employing states.

Expect a 4-year commitment for a Carpenter apprenticeship: 8,000 hours of supervised field work alongside coursework in blueprint reading, building codes, and material estimation. Pay starts lower but scales up — most programs bump wages every six months.

Finding a Carpenter apprenticeship in Massachusetts starts with a broad search — 849 organizations sponsor registered programs. Community colleges, trade unions, and independent employers all participate.

Wages for Carpenters in Massachusetts range from $46,650 at the entry level to $121,110 for veterans — a $74,460 spread that maps directly to experience, certifications, and willingness to take on complex jobs.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Massachusetts

849 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Massachusetts. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Amped Dynamics LLC Abington
Walmart - Abington Abington
ARAUJO BROTHERS PLUMBING & HEATING, INC. Acushnet
M-V ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, INC. Acushnet
South Coast Alternative Power Solutions llc Acushnet
Adams Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Adams
"Wheeler Electrical" Agawam
"ZIELINSKI BROTHERS, INC." Agawam
Action Air Inc Agawam
DAVID R. NORTHUP ELECTRICAL CONTR, INC. Agawam
David R. Northup Electrical Contractors, Inc. Agawam
JMC Electrical Solutions, Inc Agawam
Kirby Electrical(canceled) Agawam
W.F. JOHNSON & SON ELECTRICAL CO., INC. Agawam
Trustees of Boston University Allston
G & B ELECTRICAL SERVICES, INC. Amesbury
Community Works Amherst
"Sodexo d/b/a Pfizer Corp." Andover
Mechanical Air of N.E., Inc. Andover
HOMER CONTRACTING, INC. Arlington
Jamie Oil Company, Inc. Ashland
Beaupre Electric, Inc. Assonet
PROFESSIONAL FIRE & SECURITY, INC. Assonet
Raposo Electric, Inc. Assonet
ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS, INC. Attleboro
+ 5 more sponsors in Massachusetts

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Carpenters earn in Massachusetts?
The BLS reports a median wage of $71,110/yr for Carpenters in Massachusetts (May 2024 data). Experience, union membership, and specialization all affect where you fall in the range.
How long is a Carpenter apprenticeship?
The standard Carpenter apprenticeship is 4 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom education. Some programs offer accelerated paths for candidates with prior experience.
Should I do a Carpenter apprenticeship or go to trade school?
Apprenticeships offer paid training with no tuition, while trade school requires upfront costs but may be shorter. Many Carpenters combine both — starting with trade school basics before entering an apprenticeship.
Is there demand for Carpenters?
Demand for Carpenters is steady, with 4.5% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
Where can I apply for a Carpenter apprenticeship in Massachusetts?
There are 849 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Massachusetts. Start with your local IBEW, UA, or trade union office. You can also check apprenticeship.gov for listings and contact sponsors directly.
Do Carpenter apprentices get paid during training?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $35,555/yr in Massachusetts). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Carpenter in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Massachusetts

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.