Texas Carpenter License: Requirements, Cost & Timeline
No state license is required for this trade in Texas. Here is what you actually need, and where the local rules still apply.
Do you need a license?
Texas does not license this trade at the state level. That does not mean no rules apply — counties and cities may require a local business licence or registration, and employers may require certifications that are not government-issued. If you plan to contract directly with the public, check the local requirements for the city or county you will work in.
Steps to get licensed
- No state application, exam, or license fee applies.
- Check the local building department for permit and inspection requirements on the specific job.
- Employers commonly require OSHA safety training; voluntary certifications (e.g. NCCER) are private credentials.
What it costs
The figures below are what the state charges. Training is separate and quotes vary by provider — a community-college programme and a private trade school can differ by thousands for the same licence.
Fee amounts for Texas were not published in a form we could verify. Use the official page below for the current schedule.
Full cost breakdown for Texas →
What it pays in Texas
Median annual wage for Carpenter in Texas: $48,760 ($23.44/hour), across 34,970 jobs. That is the midpoint — half of people in this trade earn more, half less.
Pay detail for Texas, and how it compares →
Other states
| State | State fees | Time | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | — | — | $73,370 |
| Florida | — | — | $48,570 |
Common questions
Do you need a license to be a Carpenter in Texas?
No state license is required.
How much does a Carpenter license cost in Texas?
The state does not publish a fee schedule we could verify.
How long does it take to get a Carpenter license in Texas?
The board does not publish a fixed hour requirement.
What does a Carpenter make in Texas?
The median is $48,760 a year ($23.44 an hour) statewide, per BLS OEWS May 2024.
Sources
- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/“Regulated Industries Menu Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors Elimination of Architectural Barriers Athletic Trainers Auctioneers Barbering and Cosmetology Behavior Analysts Boiler Safety Charitable Bingo Code Enforcement Officers Combative Sports Court-Ordered Education Programs Dietitians Driver Education and Safety Dyslexia Therapy Electricians Electric Vehicle Ch”