Texas has no state license for carpenters. Most learn on the job or in an apprenticeship, such as the Carpenters union's (UBC).
Facts from the official pages, checked October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm on the linked page before you apply.
An apprenticeship is a paid job with training, and your pay goes up as you learn.
Check their site for when applications open
Carpenter
Carpenters Local 2232 · Southern District Training Trust (SDTT), Houston-area training center, 5500 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, 713-641-0275
You'll need: 18 or older with a birth certificate or state ID; official school transcript; physically able to do the work (veterans add a DD-214)
Check their site for when applications open
Carpenter
Carpenters Local 1266 · Southern District Training Trust (SDTT), Austin training center, 1825 S. IH-35, 512-236-9165
You'll need: 18 or older with a birth certificate or state ID; official school transcript; physically able to do the work (veterans add a DD-214)
Check their site for when applications open
Carpenter
Carpenters Local 1421 · Southern District Training Trust (SDTT), Arlington training center, 1901 Susan Dr, 817-640-8825
You'll need: 18 or older with a birth certificate or state ID; official school transcript; physically able to do the work (veterans add a DD-214)
Check their site for when applications open
Carpenter
Carpenters Local 429 · Southern District Training Trust (SDTT), Arlington training center, 1901 Susan Dr, 817-640-8825
You'll need: 18 or older with a birth certificate or state ID; official school transcript; physically able to do the work (veterans add a DD-214)
What carpenters do all day, the training and the pay nationwide, in about 90 seconds.
Video from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Tap CC on the player for captions. On CareerOneStop ↗
Issued by UBC
Paid on-the-job training plus classes each year, through a local carpenters training center.
Issued by UBC
Finish the apprenticeship and the UBC's training fund issues your journeyman certificate.
Issued by UBC
An 18-month program for journeymen moving up to run jobs. Needs an OSHA 30 card.
| Where | Middle half (25th–75th) | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | $22.40 – $28.94 | $23.88 |
| Dallas–Fort Worth | $20.98 – $27.40 | $23.44 |
| San Antonio | $21.91 – $26.49 | $23.51 |
| Austin | $23.05 – $28.01 | $24.16 |
| All of Texas | $21.48 – $27.78 | $23.51 |
An hour, for all workers in the occupation, not by license level. BLS: “Someone new to the field may expect wages near the 10th or 25th percentile, whereas those with more experience and education could expect wages near the 75th or 90th percentile.” BLS
Pay: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (Carpenters). bls.gov/oes
U.S. Department of Labor and the Texas Workforce Commission
An apprenticeship is a paid job with classes. Texas helps pay for the classes, but programs may still charge an application fee, tuition or books.
Texas Workforce Commission
If you qualify, your local Workforce Solutions board can pay a school for an approved training program. Each board sets its own limit, and money depends on its budget.
Next deadlines not announced yet
the mikeroweWORKS Foundation
A scholarship for trade school programs of two years or less. You'll need a tuition bill from your school, a short video and references.
We're not connected with the mikeroweWORKS Foundation. Apply on their site.
Training money in Austin, Houston, DFW and San Antonio →Veteran or still serving? →
Checked Oct 2026 from each program's own site. Amounts and rules can change; their page has the final word.
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Text your trade and city to 424-5TR-ADES (424-587-2337). English or Spanish.
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Nationally recognized certifications that can help you get hired or move up. Optional unless an employer asks for one.
National Center for Construction Education and Research
National Center for Construction Education and Research
National Association of the Remodeling Industry
Carpenters International Certification Council
From CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Listed by schools and certifying organizations; we don't check them.
Schools and programs within 25 miles, nearest first. Ask each one about cost, start dates and help paying.
Carpentry I NCCER Residential Certificate
Houston North Lone Star College System · Houston · 12.6 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · In-person · Prepares for: NCCER (National Center for Construction Education & Research)
Carpentry II NCCER Residential Certificate
Houston North Lone Star College System · Houston · 12.6 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · In-person · Prepares for: NCCER (National Center for Construction Education & Research)
NCCER CORE AND INTRO TO LEVEL I
CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE EDUCATION FOUNDATION · La Porte · 17.4 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · In-person · Prepares for: NCCER CORE NCCER LEVEL ONE AND OSHA
From CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Listed by schools and certifying organizations; we don't check them.