1

Carpentry Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Carpentry Instructor

Livermore, CA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

ABC will provide NCCER Instruction for certification to Carpentry Laborer Instructor. Computer Skills : proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Publisher, Adobe programs ...

Be Seen First

Carpentry Instructor

Livermore, CA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

ABC will provide NCCER Instruction for certification to Carpentry Laborer Instructor. Computer Skills : proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Publisher, Adobe programs ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Carpentry Instructor information

See California salary details

$39.5K

$51.3K

$63.2K

How much do carpentry instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for carpentry instructor in California is $51,250.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $55,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a carpentry instructor do?

A Carpentry Instructor teaches students the skills and knowledge needed for a career in carpentry. This includes instructing on the use of tools, safety procedures, reading blueprints, and building structures such as frames and cabinets. They often work in vocational schools, community colleges, or apprenticeship programs, combining classroom instruction with hands-on training. Carpentry Instructors also assess student progress and prepare them for certification or entry into the workforce.

What does a carpentry instructor do?

Carpentry instructors teach students the basics on how to shape and prepare wood products for use. As a carpentry instructor, your lesson plans include how to prep materials, using a variety of tools safely and efficiently, such as skill saws, drills, and sanders, and collaborating with a building team to ensure the product meets specifications. You typically find carpentry instructors at vocational schools, community colleges, and job placement organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a carpentry instructor, and why are they important?

A Carpentry Instructor should possess advanced carpentry skills, teaching experience, and typically a relevant certification or journeyman status. Familiarity with woodworking tools, safety equipment, and instructional technologies like CAD software is often required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to motivate and mentor students are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure that students learn safely, master practical techniques, and are well-prepared for careers in the carpentry trade.

What are some common challenges faced by carpentry instructors when teaching hands-on skills to students with varying experience levels?

Carpentry Instructors often encounter the challenge of balancing the needs of students with diverse skill levels, from beginners needing foundational instruction to advanced learners seeking more complex techniques. Managing safety in a workshop environment while ensuring each student receives adequate attention can also be demanding. Effective instructors use differentiated instruction methods and foster a collaborative learning atmosphere where students can support each other. Regularly assessing progress and adapting lesson plans helps ensure all students build confidence and competence.

What is the difference between Carpentry Instructor vs Carpentry Teacher?

AspectCarpentry InstructorCarpentry Teacher
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or GED, carpentry certifications, and teaching credentialsUsually needs a high school diploma, carpentry experience, and teaching certification or credentials
Work EnvironmentVocational schools, community colleges, training centersHigh schools, adult education programs, technical institutes
Employer & Industry UsageTraining individuals for careers in carpentry, skilled trades educationTeaching carpentry skills to students in educational settings

Both roles focus on teaching carpentry skills but may differ in setting and certification requirements. Carpentry Instructors often work in specialized training centers, while Carpentry Teachers are more common in high school or general education environments. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or educational focus.

What are popular job titles related to Carpentry Instructor jobs in California?

For Carpentry Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Carpentry Instructor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Carpentry Instructor job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Carpentry Instructor jobs in CA?

For Carpentry Instructor jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Carpentry Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 42% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,250 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Carpentry Instructor

Associated Builders and Contractors NorCal Chapter

Livermore, CA • On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.


Job description

Provide classroom instructions in the Carpentry and Laborer trade, maintain classroom conduct, information, material, equipment, tools and labs. This position is a hybrid role primary location for this role is in Livermore, CA.

Essential Functions:

  • Instruct and supervise apprentices safely in required classroom and hands-on training.
  • Oversee apprentices conduct in the classroom to ensure that apprentices are following established classroom guidelines.
  • Print, secure, administer, grade, and turn in apprentice exams and performance profiles.
  • Conduct apprentice evaluation for classroom performance.
  • Assess apprentices’ knowledge to ensure they have met minimum requirements to pass the performance profiles per NCCER’s regulations.
  • Administer and process all required classroom documentation.
  • Conduct training within guidelines utilizing NCCER standardized curriculum
  • Develop and maintain labs for specific trade including:
    • Responsible for tracking and maintaining supplies and preparing material orders/requests for approval
    • Responsible for notifying the Facilities Director of all classroom tools, equipment, and materials that are damaged
    • Develop hands-on classroom training exercises and step-by-step procedures for all apprentices
  • Identify supplemental instruction for courses
  • Develop hands-on fieldtrips for apprentices
  • Identify and schedule special guest speakers/industry professionals for classes
  • Ensure that safety is adhered to and that apprentices wear appropriate attire and have personal protective equipment donned at all times when necessary
  • Attend career fairs and assist in the recruiting of new apprentices
  • Mentor and teach future craft professionals
  • Valid California Driver’s License, valid vehicle car insurance, and ability to be covered under company vehicle insurance plan is required.
  • Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skill and Experience: Professional Skills: Ability to set a professional and positive image for the Association, assume the position of role model for the students and have strong leadership skills. Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion with student issues and matters of personal student privacy is required. Must be a self-motivated team player and be able to work under minimal supervision. Must have the ability and creativity to prepare classroom instruction, create labs and invent new projects. National Center Construction Education Research (NCCER) certification is a plus. ABC will provide NCCER Instruction for certification to Carpentry Laborer Instructor.

Computer Skills: proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Publisher, Adobe programs, and Estimating/Scheduling programs.

Equipment Operation: knowledge of common office equipment operation including copiers, mail machines, fax machines, etc.

Trade Knowledge: proficient in general construction operations with emphasis at a journey level for the trade being taught.

Must have high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Company Description

How we got our start
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) was founded in 1950 when seven contractors gathered in Baltimore, MD to create an association based on the shared belief that construction projects should be awarded on merit to the most qualified and responsible low bidders. The courage and dedication of those seven contractors – Charles Mullan, C.K. Wells, Jr., Philip Cloves, Ernest Shultz, Edward Colwill, Charles Knott and Edward Dickinson – helped quickly spread the merit shop philosophy and ABC became the fastest growing association in the United States.

Where we are now
Today, ABC is a national trade association with 68 Chapters and 22,000 members representing more than 19,000 construction and industry-related firms. We are the VOICE OF THE MERIT SHOP® and the only organization to serve contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and associates of all trades who want to conduct business in an unrestricted market regardless of labor affiliation. Our services include federal, state and local government representation, legal advocacy, education, workforce development, communications, technology, recognition through national and chapter awards programs, employee benefits and information on best practices and business development.

Our mission: To promote free enterprise by advancing the merit shop philosophy in the construction industry through education, advocacy and business services.

ABC Northern California’s history
ABC Northern California (ABC NorCal) was founded in 1976 in Concord, CA. In summer 2008, we expanded our office and training space and moved to our current 26,000 square-foot home in Livermore, CA. Today we represent close to 500 large and small companies across Northern California and train 300+ apprentices per year.