Carpenter Apprenticeships in Tennessee
Tennessee has 25 registered apprenticeship sponsors training carpenters — 4 of them union or joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one and finish without tuition debt.
Registered sponsors
25
Union / joint programs
4
Median carpenter wage
$49,520
Tennessee, all experience levels
Job growth 2022–2032
+18.7%
1,420 openings/yr
Largest Registered Sponsors
Union and joint labor-management programs are listed first — they typically pay the best apprentice rates and charge no tuition.
| Sponsor | City | Program type |
|---|---|---|
| Arconic Union / joint | ALCOA | Single Employer |
| Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC Union / joint | Oak Ridge | Single Employer |
| Mid-South Carpenters Regional Council Training Trust Fund w/ N AL Carpenters (Florence) LU 1209 JATC Union / joint | Chattanooga | Multiple Employer |
| TENNESSEE CARPENTERS REGIONAL COUNCIL J.A.T.C. Union / joint | CHATTANOOGA | Multiple Employer |
| Bauen Solutions Inc. | Sparta | Single Employer |
| CHATTANOOGA HOUSING AUTHORITY | CHATTANOOGA | Single Employer |
| Establishing Futures, LLC | Memphis | Single Employer |
| G.I. APPRENTICE INC | Cordova | Multiple Employer |
| Messer Construction Co. | Nashville | Single Employer |
| Messer Construction Co. | Knoxville | Single Employer |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov).
What Carpenters Earn in Tennessee
Wages
- Median annual wage: $49,520
- Average annual wage: $50,900
- Carpenters employed statewide: 8,680
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. Apprentices typically start at 40–50% of the journeyman rate and get scheduled raises.
10-year outlook
- Projected growth 2022–2032: +18.7%
- Average openings per year: 1,420
- Employment: 13,080 → 15,520
Source: Projections Central / state workforce agencies.