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Carpenter Licensing in Pennsylvania

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for carpenter in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Carpenter in Pennsylvania

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Nursing Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $59,240 median (0% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #23 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Carpenter licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Nursing Board and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Pennsylvania

With a median salary of $59,240, Carpenters in Pennsylvania earn 0% below the national median of $59,310. Pennsylvania ranks #23 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.7%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,364

Median annual salary

$59,240

Hourly estimate

$28.48
0% above national median

Difference: -$70

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$39,310
  • P2525th percentile$47,480
  • P50Median$59,240
  • P7575th percentile$74,530
  • P9090th percentile$92,160

State vs National Median

State: $59,240
National: $59,310

Total employment: 29,900 | Annual openings: N/A

Carpenter Salary Ranking

#23 of 50 statesfor Carpenter median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Hawaii$85,970
#2Illinois$76,410
#3California$74,820
#4Washington$73,260
#5Massachusetts$71,110

Nearby States Comparison

Carpenter licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Pennsylvania$59,240Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New York$63,660Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New Jersey$61,880Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Delaware$61,100Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Maryland$60,130Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
West Virginia$47,320Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$58,310Degree requiredState-approved examVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Pennsylvania68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New York68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New Jersey68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Delaware68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Maryland68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
West Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Nursing Board

P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649

Phone: 8333672762

Related Careers in Pennsylvania

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$72,240Varies by state boardVaries by board
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$49,790Varies by state boardVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$63,180Specific course requiredVaries by board
Crane Operator$57,760No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Carpenter in Pennsylvania?

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 Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Carpenters.

What education do you need to become a Carpenter in Pennsylvania?

The board typically expects Degree required for Carpenter licensure in Pennsylvania.

What is the typical Carpenter salary in Pennsylvania?

The median annual salary for Carpenters in Pennsylvania is $59,240. Salaries range from $39,310 (10th percentile) to $92,160 (90th percentile).

How does the Carpenter salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?

Carpenters in Pennsylvania earn 0% below the national median of $59,310, with a state median of $59,240.

How many Carpenters work in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania employs approximately 29,900 Carpenters according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Carpenter license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Nursing Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/default.aspx.

How often do you renew a Carpenter license in Pennsylvania?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.