Every carpenter is different. Some are more interested in the creativity and design of carpentry projects, while others are drawn to the raw physicality of construction. No matter what your interests are, there are many ways you can get started as a carpenter in Maryland.
You can do one of these ways: get an apprenticeship with someone who is already in the profession, attend vocational school and learn carpentry skills and earn a degree or certificate, apply for a job as a carpenter helper in a construction site and climb the ladder to develop more skills.
But among those means, being an apprenticeship is the popular way to enter this profession. While others want to take first a training course offered by a school, they end up becoming an apprentice later on.
For those of you looking to start a career in this field, whatever path you want to follow, it's important to take the proper steps. In this blog post, we will cover how to become a carpenter from the basics such as education and certifications to what skills are necessary for success in this profession.
Carpenter Training Schools in Maryland
- Montgomery College
20200 Observation Drive, Germantown, MD 20876
51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, MD 20850
7600 Takoma Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912
240-567-5000 - Prince George's Community College
301 Largo Road, Largo, MD 20774
Westphalia Training Center
Phone: (301) 546-0964 - North American Trade Schools
6901 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21244,
(410) 298-4844 - Frederick Community College
7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702
301.846.2400 - Community College of Baltimore County
2101 East Biddle Street, Suite 5000, Baltimore, MD 21213
443.840.CCBC - Montgomery County Public Schools
850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850
Call: 240-740-3000 | Spanish Hotline: 240-740-2845 - Career & Technology Education (CTE)
200 West Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21201 - Carroll County Public Schools
125 North Court Street, Westminster Maryland 21157
410.751.3000
If you want to apply for an apprenticeship program, here are contractors and organizations that can sponsor you:
- MidAtlantic Carpenters Training Centers
8510 Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Phone 301-736-1696, Fax 301-736-9789
327 North Centre Street, Cumberland, MD, 21502, US
Phone: (301) 722-2255, Fax: (301) 722-7122 - Associated Builders and Contractors / ABC Craft Masters Academy
6901 Muirkirk Meadows Drive, Suite F, Beltsville, MD 20705
301-853-4668, FAX: 301-595-9718 - MBIA Residential Carpenter Apprenticeship Program
11825 West Market Place | Fulton, MD 20759
301-776-6242 - Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
Maryland, Phone #: (732) 417-5777
Cost Involved in Taking the Carpenter Training Program
There are many reasons why you should attend a carpentry program. The benefits of learning carpentry as a career are numerous. A higher income, more flexibility in your schedule and the ability to make an impact on people's lives by building their homes or remodeling their spaces is just the beginning.
If you're interested in becoming a carpenter, then you need to know how much the carpentry program costs. The cost of the training course varies depending on which school or organization offers it.
Do expect to spend $5,000 - $10,000 to complete a training program offered by a trade school or community college. Finishing a program will earn you a certificate or a degree.
However, if you want to become an apprentice, there’s no tuition, you just have to apply and be qualified. Although there’s some cost involved in the application of apprenticeship programs such as indenture fee, cost of PPEs, and dues, they tend to be very minimal and won’t hurt your pocket.
Why Becoming an Apprentice is Great Way to Enter This Field
Carpentry is a trade you can learn through a carpenter apprenticeship, which consists of long hours and patience. But once you're done, there are many opportunities for career growth, increased earning capacity and high levels of respect.
Do you have what it takes to be a carpenter? If so, this 3-4 year apprenticeship program teaches students all the skills they can use in their everyday tasks. The course is split into both on and off-the-job training that will teach students various techniques for cutting wood, installing windows, pressure washing floors, and more.
With hands-on experience in the carpentry industry as well as classroom time with professional mentors, apprentices develop many different skills not limited to trade.
In order to become an apprentice, you must have good math and literacy skills as well as be physically fit enough to climb ladders all day long. You will also need to pass a background check before starting your apprenticeship program. At the end of your apprenticeship, there will be either a final exam or work performance assessment that will earn you the journeyman level.
Why Join a Carpenters’ Union
The construction industry is booming, but it’s also a dangerous one. Many workers are not trained properly and end up getting hurt or killed on the job.
Unions have fought for decades to protect workers' rights, but they aren’t around anymore in most states. This has resulted in lower pay and higher risk of injury or death on the job site today than before unions were formed.
When you join a union, you will receive training that will help you be more productive at work, earn better wages and increase safety throughout your career as a contractor. You can even save money on healthcare costs with affordable union health plans.
Get an NCCER Certification to be More Marketable
NCCER certification is a key to earning higher pay and being more competitive in the carpenter field.
NCCER certifications are nationally recognized credentials that provide benchmarks for quality workmanship in a variety of trades including carpentry. The NCCER credentialing program was developed by industry leaders to help ensure safe working practices on construction sites across America.
In order to earn an NCCER certification, candidates must pass two tests: a written test (knowledge) and one hands-on performance (skill). Candidates can take these tests at any authorized testing center which includes colleges or universities as well as various vocational schools nationwide. To know more about NCCER, see this.
Do You Need a License to Work as a Carpenter in Maryland
You may have heard that it takes years of training to be a good carpenter, but do you really need a license? The answer depends on where you live in the U.S., so let us help by providing information about Maryland’s regulations for construction contractors and tradespeople.
If you will be working in this state, you don’t need a license. However, if you want to put up your own contracting firm, you definitely need a contractor’s license.
To know more about the application for the contractor’s license, contact the Maryland Home Improvement Commission at 410-230-6309 or email them at this
Salary of Carpenters in Maryland
Carpenters are skilled professionals that specialize in building structures, repairs, and other construction projects. In Maryland, the average carpenter's salary is $63,647 per year but the range typically falls between $55,001 and $73,697. These numbers are according to the latest July 25, 2023 report of Salary.com. In the neighboring state of Delaware, the salary is almost the same.
However, there can be a large difference in earnings depending on location and experience. For example, the median hourly wage for carpenters ranges from $17 to $32 per hour while the median annual income ranges from $25k-$87k annually.
It's important to note that these numbers do not include bonuses or benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans which may vary by company among other factors. Given this information about the salary of carpenters, what might you want to know next?
Contacting the Authorities
Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning
Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program
1100 N. Eutaw Street, Room 209, Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-2246, Fax: 410-333-5162