Carpenter Apprenticeship in Pennsylvania

Wages, programs & career outlook
PA Median Salary
$59,240/yr
-0% vs. national
National Median
$59,310/yr
PA Employment
29,900
Carpenters employed
PA Sponsors
1844
Registered programs

Pennsylvania Wage Spread

Annual wages for Carpenters in Pennsylvania across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$39,310
25th %ile
$47,480
Median
$59,240
75th %ile
$74,530
90th %ile
$92,160

Carpenter Apprenticeship in Pennsylvania

At $59,240/yr, Pennsylvania Carpenters earn a meaningful premium over the $48,060 national average — 23% more without requiring a bachelor's degree.

The $59,240 median in Pennsylvania is within striking distance of the $59,310 national figure. Average wages, but apprenticeships here may still offer strong local placement.

The 4.5% projected growth rate for Carpenters signals steady demand — not a boom, but reliable. 74,100 openings per year keep the pipeline of opportunities flowing.

At 29,900 employed Carpenters, Pennsylvania holds 3.7% of the national market. Enough critical mass for functional apprenticeship programs, though not as many options as the top-employing states.

At 8,000 hours over 4 years, the Carpenter apprenticeship is comprehensive. You'll spend most of your time working alongside certified professionals, supplemented by classroom training in blueprint reading, building codes, and material estimation. Every hour is paid.

Finding a Carpenter apprenticeship in Pennsylvania starts with a broad search — 1,844 organizations sponsor registered programs. Community colleges, trade unions, and independent employers all participate.

The 10th-to-90th percentile gap for Carpenters in Pennsylvania ($39,310 to $92,160) covers $52,850. Moving up that curve comes from years on the job, foreman promotions, and contractor relationships.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Pennsylvania

1844 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Pennsylvania. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
ABBOTTSTOWN INDUSTRIES INC Abbottstown Adams County
AOR Consulting Inc dba AOR Information Technology Solutions Abington
Abington School District Abington Montgomery County
Proper Sky, Inc Abington
SCI Albion Albion
SHUMAKE ELECTRIC, LLC Albion
Learned Potential LLC. Aldan Delaware County
(PITTS)ASBESTOS WORKERS LU #2 JATC Aliquippa Beaver County
Aliquippa School District Aliquippa
Insulators and Allied Workers Local No. 2 JATC Aliquippa Beaver County
(NE PA ) Elevator Constructors JATC LU84 Allentown Lehigh County
ALLENTOWN ELECTRICIANS JATC LOCAL 375 Allentown Lehigh County
Air Products Allentown
Allentown Fire Fighters JAC Allentown Lehigh County
B. Braun Medical Allentown Lehigh County
CETRONIA AMBULANCE CORP Allentown Lehigh County
CMS NEXTECH Allentown Lehigh County
Dual Temp Company, Inc Allentown Lehigh County
EASTERN PA CHAPTER ABC (EAST NORRITON, PA) Allentown Montgomery County
Elek Plumbing Allentown
FRED J. MOYER PLUMBING INC Allentown Lehigh County
G Technology Allentown
Kyle David Group Allentown
Lehigh Valley Workforce Development Board, Inc. Allentown
Maitz Home Services Allentown
+ 5 more sponsors in Pennsylvania

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Carpenters earn in Pennsylvania?
The median annual wage for Carpenters in Pennsylvania is $59,240 as of May 2024. Wages range from $39,310 at the 10th percentile to $92,160 at the 90th percentile.
How many years does it take to become a Carpenter through apprenticeship?
Most Carpenter apprenticeships run 4 years. Apprentices work under a journeyman while attending classes, typically earning wages from day one with scheduled increases.
Is an apprenticeship better than trade school for Carpenters?
The key difference: apprenticeships pay you during training while trade schools charge tuition. Many employers prefer apprenticeship-trained Carpenters, but trade school can give you a head start on the classroom requirements.
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 Pennsylvania?
Contact one of the 1844 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Pennsylvania, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
How much do Carpenter apprentices earn?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $29,620/yr in Pennsylvania). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Carpenter in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Pennsylvania

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