Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IL Board of Trades
Carpenter Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for carpenter in Illinois, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Carpenter in Illinois
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$76,410 median (29% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#2 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for Carpenter licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of $76,410, Carpenters in Illinois earn 29% above the national median of $59,310. Illinois ranks #2 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,451Median annual salary
$76,410Hourly estimate
$36.7429% above national median
Difference: +$17,100
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCarpenter Salary Ranking
#2 of 50 statesfor Carpenter median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | $85,970 |
| #2 | Illinois | $76,410 |
| #3 | California | $74,820 |
| #4 | Washington | $73,260 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $71,110 |
Nearby States Comparison
Carpenter licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $76,410 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $60,390 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $54,080 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $61,150 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $50,860 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $60,510 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Wisconsin | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Iowa | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Missouri | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kentucky | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Indiana | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington, Springfield, IL, 62786
Phone: 2177828556
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $79,700 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $50,450 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $73,050 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Crane Operator | $53,240 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Carpenter in Illinois?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Carpenters in Illinois?
Illinois lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Carpenters.
What education do you need to become a Carpenter in Illinois?
The board typically expects Degree required for Carpenter licensure in Illinois.
What is the typical Carpenter salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Carpenters in Illinois is $76,410. Salaries range from $41,090 (10th percentile) to $118,810 (90th percentile).
How does the Carpenter salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
Carpenters in Illinois earn 29% above the national median of $59,310, with a state median of $76,410.
How many Carpenters work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 24,930 Carpenters according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Carpenter license to Illinois from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Carpenters in Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Review agency details at https://www.idfpr.com/.
How often do you renew a Carpenter license in Illinois?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.