CARPENTER
Builds the frame, hangs the doors, runs the trim, sets the cabinets. The broadest trade — five carpenters can do five different jobs. California is not a right-to-work state — union density is higher than average and prevailing wage rules cover most public projects.
The License.
Most states issue a journeyman license (allows you to work under a licensed contractor) and a separate master or contractor license (allows you to pull permits and run your own business). The journeyman license typically requires completing your apprenticeship and passing a written exam; the master/contractor license requires additional field hours — usually 2 years as a journeyman — and a separate exam.
Requirements in California: confirm current hour and exam requirements directly with California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Rules update frequently and our data reflects published standards as of early 2025.
The Money.
Pay data for this trade in California. BLS metro-level data was not available for this combination. National medians shown below.
| Stage | Hourly range | Approx. annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 apprentice | $16–$24/hr | $32,000 – $48,000 |
| Journeyman scale | $28–$52/hr | $56,000 – $104,000 |
| BLS national median | — | $56,350 |
| BLS top 10% | — | $89,970 |
California is NOT a right-to-work state. Union scale in California's major metros typically runs 20–40% above the national median. Prevailing wage laws apply to most public-sector projects.
The Path.
California does NOT use the federal RAPIDS system. The state's Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) administers all registered apprenticeship programs independently. A RAPIDS-registered apprenticeship from another state may not transfer. Find California programs at dir.ca.gov/das.
- · United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC)
The Exam.
Most construction trade licenses at the contractor level require a business and law exam in addition to the trade exam. California may have this structure. Pass rates are not published uniformly — ask the licensing board directly for current data. Prevailing wage requirements in California apply to most public-sector projects, which ties exam and licensure to wage scale compliance for contractors.
Be honest about pass rates. Many licensing boards do not publish them. When they do, first-time pass rates for journeyman exams in the trades typically run 50–75%. Preparation time varies — most serious candidates spend 60–120 hours on exam prep. Use code books from the correct edition, not what's currently in print.
What recruiters won't tell you.
- 01Most exposed to housing-market downturns of any trade. 2008–2012 was carnage.
- 02Tool cost adds up fast — finish carpenters routinely own $5K+ in tools.
- 03Many non-union 'apprenticeships' are unstructured helper jobs. Confirm registered status.
- 04Back and knee injuries are common career-enders. Stretch, lift right, retire whole.
- 05California has its own apprenticeship agency (DAS) and does NOT use the federal RAPIDS system. A RAPIDS-registered apprenticeship from another state may not transfer directly.
- 06California CSLB licensing is required for any job over $500 in labor and materials. Working unlicensed is a misdemeanor and can result in fines up to $15,000.