CARPENTER
Builds the frame, hangs the doors, runs the trim, sets the cabinets. The broadest trade — five carpenters can do five different jobs. Missouri is not a right-to-work state — union density is higher than average and prevailing wage rules cover most public projects.
The License.
Check with Missouri directly — licensing for carpentervaries by municipality in this state. There is no single state board that we can point to with confidence for this trade. Contact your local city or county building department, or check the state labor department's website.
The Money.
Pay data for this trade in Missouri. 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 |
Missouri is NOT a right-to-work state. Union scale in Missouri's major metros typically runs 20–40% above the national median. Prevailing wage laws apply to most public-sector projects.
The Path.
In Missouri, apprenticeships are administered through the federal RAPIDS system via the U.S. Department of Labor. To find registered programs, go to apprenticeship.gov and filter by state. Most joint apprenticeship training committees (JATCs) also accept direct applications.
- · 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. Missouri may have this structure. Pass rates are not published uniformly — ask the licensing board directly for current data. Prevailing wage requirements in Missouri 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 Many licensing boards do not publish them.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.