South Carolina's Carpentry pathway develops skilled tradespeople for the state's robust construction industry. With significant residential and commercial development, particularly in Charleston, Columbia, and the Upstate, carpenter demand remains strong.
Students master framing techniques, finish carpentry, blueprint reading, and building code compliance. They gain hands-on experience in school workshops and job sites, learning both traditional and modern construction methods.
Graduates work as residential framers, finish carpenters, job supervisors, or start independent contracting businesses. Employment opportunities exist with general contractors, home builders, remodeling companies, and architectural firms throughout South Carolina. Many pursue master carpenter certifications.
Carpentry at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina carpentry standards align with national building codes and industry best practices. Standards cover framing, finish work, safety protocols, and business management for independent contractors.
Students complete competency assessments in blueprint interpretation, building code compliance, and practical carpentry skills. State standards require knowledge of both traditional and sustainable building techniques.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Carpentry 1 |
| Carpentry 2 |
| Carpentry 3 |
| Carpentry 4 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - AutoCAD
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - Revit
- ✓NOCTI Building and Construction Occupations
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓NCCER Core
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour Construction
- ✓OSHA 30-Hour Construction
- ✓NCCER Carpentry Level 1
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Carpenter Apprentice
Entry LevelSalary range: $39,620 - $59,780
Adjusted for cost of living: $42,520
Finish Carpenter
ExperiencedSalary range: $39,620 - $59,780
Adjusted for cost of living: $52,490
Job Supervisor
ExperiencedSalary range: $66,730 - $148,690
Adjusted for cost of living: $106,611
Independent Contractor
ExperiencedAdjusted for cost of living: $59,026
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students work on job sites with general contractors, home builders, and remodeling companies throughout South Carolina.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
South Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in South Carolina
Architecture and Construction
South Carolina's Architecture and Construction pathway prepares students for careers in the state's thriving construction industry. This comprehensive program covers residential and commercial construction, carpentry, masonry, electrical systems, plumbing, and construction management. With South Carolina experiencing significant population growth and ongoing infrastructure development, the construction industry provides abundant career opportunities throughout the state. The pathway emphasizes both traditional construction crafts and modern building technologies including green building practices, building information modeling (BIM), and sustainable construction methods. Students gain hands-on experience through construction laboratory projects, actual building construction, and partnerships with local construction companies and contractors. The curriculum integrates safety training, blueprint reading, building codes, and construction mathematics essential for success in the trades. South Carolina's Construction Technology programs often involve students in community service projects, building real structures such as sheds, playhouses, or tiny homes that demonstrate mastery of construction skills while serving community needs. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment as apprentice tradespeople, continuation to construction management programs, or establishment of their own contracting businesses.
ConstructionElectrical Technology
South Carolina's Electrical Technology pathway prepares students for careers as electricians and electrical technicians. The state's growth in manufacturing, commercial development, and infrastructure creates strong demand for skilled electrical professionals. Students study circuit theory, wiring systems, safety protocols, and electrical code compliance. They develop practical skills in school laboratories and job sites, learning both residential and commercial electrical systems. Graduates work as electricians, electrical technicians, solar installers, or building automation specialists. Many pursue apprenticeships leading to journeyman and master electrician licenses. Employment opportunities exist with electrical contractors, utilities, manufacturing facilities, and new construction projects across the state.
Architecture & ConstructionHVAC Technology
South Carolina's HVAC Technology pathway develops skilled technicians for the state's heating, cooling, and ventilation industry. South Carolina's climate demands efficient HVAC systems year-round, creating consistent employment opportunities. Students study thermodynamics, refrigeration systems, ductwork design, and building code compliance. They gain hands-on experience in training labs and working on real systems in commercial and residential buildings. Graduates work as HVAC technicians, system designers, building maintenance specialists, or start service businesses. Opportunities exist with HVAC contractors, property management companies, manufacturing facilities, and hospitality operations throughout the state. Many pursue EPA refrigerant certifications and advanced technical credentials.
Architecture & ConstructionReady to Build Carpentry Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Carpentry in South Carolina.