Carpenter Apprenticeship in North Dakota

Wages, programs & career outlook
ND Median Salary
$58,390/yr
-2% vs. national
National Median
$59,310/yr
ND Employment
2,830
Carpenters employed
ND Sponsors
149
Registered programs

North Dakota Wage Spread

Annual wages for Carpenters in North Dakota across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$41,830
25th %ile
$48,920
Median
$58,390
75th %ile
$65,450
90th %ile
$77,080

Carpenter Apprenticeship in North Dakota

At $58,390/yr, North Dakota Carpenters earn a meaningful premium over the $48,060 national average — 21% more without requiring a bachelor's degree.

The $58,390 median in North Dakota is within striking distance of the $59,310 national figure. Average wages, but apprenticeships here may still offer strong local placement.

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.

With 2,830 Carpenters employed (0.4% of the U.S. total), North Dakota is a smaller market for this trade. Apprenticeship seekers may find limited local options and should explore neighboring states.

The Carpenter apprenticeship path spans 4 years in a time-based format. During those 8,000 hours, apprentices rotate between jobsite work under a journeyman and formal instruction in blueprint reading, building codes, and material estimation.

Program availability in North Dakota is moderate: 149 registered sponsors across the state. Apprenticeship applicants in major cities will find multiple options; those in smaller markets may need to commute or relocate within the state.

Carpenter compensation in North Dakota runs from $41,830 to $77,080 — a compressed $35,250 range. Less wage variation typically means more predictable career economics but fewer breakout earning opportunities.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in North Dakota

149 registered apprenticeship sponsors in North Dakota. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Turtle Mountain Community College Belcourt Rolette County
MAP MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS INC Beulah
APPLE CREEK ELECTRIC, INC. Bismarck Burleigh County
All Nations Oilfield Services, LLC Bismarck Burleigh County
BISMARCK-MANDAN AREA CARPENTERS JATC Bismarck Burleigh County
BISMARCK-MINOT SHEET METAL JATC Bismarck Burleigh County
BT Mills, Inc. Bismarck Burleigh County
Bismarck Aero Center ND Bismarck Burleigh County
Bismarck State College (Polytechnic Institute) Bismarck Burleigh County
ELECTRIC SYSTEMS, INC. Bismarck Burleigh County
FARGO/GRAND FORKS SHEET METAL JATC Bismarck Burleigh County
GREAT PLAINS NATURAL GAS Bismarck Burleigh County
HFIAW 133 - ND STATEWIDE ASBESTOS WORKERS Bismarck Burleigh County
Job Service North Dakota - Bismarck Workforce Center Bismarck
MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES JATC Bismarck Burleigh County
Midwest Lash Supply Bismarck
Miller Insulation Company, Inc. Bismarck
North Dakota Apprenticeship Office Bismarck
North Dakota Department of Corrections Bismarck Burleigh County
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction Bismarck Burleigh County
North Dakota Information Technology Bismarck
North Dakota Rural Water Systems Association Bismarck Burleigh County
North Dakota Workforce Development Council Bismarck
One Massage Float Clinic & School Bismarck Burleigh County
Pye-Barker Fire & Safety Bismarck Burleigh County
+ 5 more sponsors in North Dakota

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Carpenters make in North Dakota?
The median annual wage for Carpenters in North Dakota is $58,390 as of May 2024. Wages range from $41,830 at the 10th percentile to $77,080 at the 90th percentile.
How many years does it take to become a Carpenter through apprenticeship?
A typical Carpenter apprenticeship lasts approximately 4 years (8,000 hours of on-the-job training). The program combines paid work experience with related classroom instruction.
Should I do a Carpenter apprenticeship or go to trade school?
An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn over 4 years with no tuition cost. Trade school is faster (6-24 months) but costs money upfront. Both can lead to the same journeyman credential.
What is the job outlook 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 North Dakota?
Contact one of the 149 registered apprenticeship sponsors in North Dakota, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
Do Carpenter apprentices get paid during training?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $29,195/yr in North Dakota). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Carpenter in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in North Dakota

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