Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
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Financial aid (may be available)
If you're looking for a direct path to a hands-on skilled trade with high demand in Orlando, becoming a Carpenter is a solid career choice that lets you build the city's future. The Orlando metro area employs over 16,000 of these essential professionals who earn a median salary of $54,500 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This guide breaks down the local training programs, apprenticeships, and certifications you need to launch your career.
A Carpenter is the craftsperson who shapes our built environment. They are the experts who take architectural blueprints and turn them into tangible reality, from the frame of a house to the intricate details of a custom cabinet. Using a wide array of hand and power tools, they cut, shape, and join wood, steel, and other materials to build, install, and repair the structures we live and work in every day.
To start a career as a professional Carpenter in Orlando's booming construction market, you'll need to meet these standard requirements.
The fastest way to become a Carpenter in Orlando is by enrolling in a full-time career certificate program at a local technical college. These intensive, hands-on programs are designed to be completed in just 10 to 12 months, giving you the foundational skills and safety training needed to get hired as an apprentice or carpenter's helper immediately after graduation.
Orlando offers a variety of carpentry classes and programs to suit the needs of aspiring carpenters. Here are a few examples:
In addition to the in-person carpentry classes available in Orlando, there are also online and free options for those interested in learning the trade.
Online Carpentry Classes: While there are no fully online carpentry programs in Orlando, some schools, such as Valencia College, offer hybrid programs that combine online coursework with hands-on training at the college's workshop. These programs allow students to complete some of the theoretical components of the curriculum online, while still gaining practical experience in a hands-on setting.
Free Carpentry Classes: There are a few free carpentry classes and workshops available in Orlando, primarily offered by local home improvement stores. For example, Home Depot and Lowe's both offer free DIY workshops on various carpentry-related topics, such as building birdhouses, constructing shelves, and installing crown molding. These workshops are open to the public and can be a great way for individuals to gain some basic carpentry skills without the cost of a formal training program.
In Florida, carpenters are not required to obtain a state-issued license to practice their trade. However, many employers prefer to hire carpenters who have completed a formal training program and earned a certification, such as the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Carpentry Certification.
The job market for carpenters in Orlando is strong, with a growing demand for skilled professionals in the construction and real estate industries. Some of the largest potential employers for carpenters in the city include major construction firms, residential and commercial developers, and local home improvement stores. As the city continues to expand, the need for skilled carpenters is expected to remain high, making it an attractive career path for those interested in the trade.
You do not need a license to work as a carpenter for a licensed contractor. However, if you want to run your own carpentry business and take on projects yourself, you will need to become a state-licensed Residential or General Contractor.
Yes, it's an excellent career with very strong and consistent demand due to Central Florida's rapid population growth and construction boom. It offers a solid, stable income without the need for a four-year college degree.
Apprentices start at a percentage of a journeyman's wage (typically 50-60%) and receive regular pay raises as they progress through the program. An entry-level apprentice in Orlando can expect to make between $17 and $20 per hour.
The median hourly wage for a Carpenter in the Orlando metro area is approximately $26.20 per hour.
Carpentry is a versatile and in-demand profession in Orlando, with a variety of training options available to aspiring carpenters. Whether you're looking to enroll in a formal carpentry program, participate in an apprenticeship, or simply gain some basic carpentry skills through free workshops, the opportunities are plentiful in this thriving city. With the right training and dedication, you can embark on a rewarding career as a carpenter in Orlando's booming job market.
Dreambound offers a window into various career paths, so if you're considering a shift in your career, browse through these articles:
Dreambound's platform allows prospective students to find the right educational program for them through searching, filtering, and connecting with our extensive selection of career & technical education partners.
Dreambound has over 70 programs across healthcare, technology, business, and industrial trades. This includes programs such as Medical Billing, Cybersecurity, and welding.
Some of our schools offer financial aid for those who qualify. Many others offer payment plans, where you can pay the cost of class over time.
Yes, Dreambound offers many online programs. On Dreambound's search, you can filter by online, in-person, and hybrid (part online, part in-person).
Dreambound is completely free for you to use! We are supported by schools and organizations who pay to advertise on our website, so we can offer all of our career resources for free.
