Washington median pay
$74,190 a year
National median
$60,580
Carpenters in Washington
About 43,810
Openings per year
About 3,280
Carpenters frame buildings, build concrete forms, install doors, windows and cabinets, and finish interiors. Washington employs nearly 44,000 of them and pays about $13,600 more than the national median. The first year is the hardest, and not for the reason most people expect.
Looking for an apprenticeship? Search every registered apprenticeship program in Washington by trade, region and union or non-union, with starting and journey-level pay, in our free Washington Apprenticeship Finder.
The hardest part of the first year
From the dean’s desk
It’s the physicality that comes alongside the learning. You have a really physically demanding job and a job that is very technical, so if you’re not in good shape it will be demanding on your body and mind at the same time.
— Lester Burkes, Dean of Trades, Transportation & Apprenticeship
New apprentices are learning to read plans, measure precisely, lay out walls and stairs, and work safely, all while lifting, climbing, kneeling and carrying material all day, indoors and out. Job sites change several times a year, and you may need to travel to where the work is.
- Get in shape before you start: strength, endurance and flexibility make the learning easier because you aren’t fighting exhaustion.
- Take care of your body: sleep, eat well, stretch and use proper lifting technique from day one.
- Keep studying: the math and plan reading build on themselves, so ask questions and review what you learned on the job.
- Show up every day: reliability is what keeps apprentices working through slow seasons.
Where to train in Washington
- Union apprenticeship: the Northwest Carpenters Institute of Washington (NWCI) runs the union carpentry apprenticeship. Applicants must be at least 18, physically able to do the work and pass a drug test. Enrollment is open year-round, and accepted applicants go on a ranked waiting list.
- Non-union apprenticeship: the Construction Industry Training Council of Washington (CITC) sponsors a registered carpentry apprenticeship with non-union contractors.
- College programs: carpentry and construction programs at schools such as Bates Technical College, Green River College and Clover Park Technical College teach the basics before you apply to an apprenticeship.
In a registered apprenticeship, you earn wages on the job and attend classes, and your pay rises as you progress. Washington doesn’t require an individual license for carpenters, but contractors who work on their own must register with L&I.
What carpenters earn in Washington
Washington carpenters earned a median of $74,190 in May 2025, compared with $60,580 nationally. The Seattle–Tacoma area pays the most.
| Area | Median pay (May 2025) | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue | $76,410 | $36.74 |
| Portland–Vancouver–Hillsboro | $73,710 | $35.44 |
| Bellingham | $73,260 | $35.22 |
| Mount Vernon–Anacortes | $69,710 | $33.51 |
| Longview–Kelso | $68,550 | $32.96 |
| Bremerton–Silverdale–Port Orchard | $65,000 | $31.25 |
| Kennewick–Richland | $64,320 | $30.92 |
| Olympia–Lacey–Tumwater | $63,260 | $30.41 |
| Spokane–Spokane Valley | $61,900 | $29.76 |
| Washington overall | $74,190 | $35.67 |
| United States | $60,580 | $29.12 |
Washington expects about 3,280 carpentry openings a year through 2034, mostly from carpenters retiring or changing careers.
Steps to become a carpenter in Washington
1
Finish high school or a GED
Math, shop and drafting help.
2
Get in shape
Build the strength and endurance the job demands.
3
Train or apply to an apprenticeship
Start with a college program or apply directly to NWCI or CITC.
4
Work and attend classes
Earn wages on the job while you learn the technical side.
5
Complete your apprenticeship
Graduate as a journey-level carpenter with a credential that opens more work and higher pay.
Frequently asked questions
Do carpenters need a license in Washington?
No individual license is required. Contractors who work for themselves must register with L&I.
How much do carpenters make in Washington?
The median was $74,190 a year in May 2025, and $76,410 in the Seattle–Tacoma area.
What is the hardest part of becoming a carpenter?
For many apprentices, it’s the first year, when you’re learning a technical trade while doing physically demanding work every day.
Sources
- Renton Technical College: Northwest Carpenters Institute of Washington
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Carpenters
- O*NET OnLine: Carpenter wages and outlook in Washington (BLS OEWS May 2025)
Related: Carpenter in California · Washington Construction Unions · All Washington guides
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