Interior Systems Carpenter
UBC Local 68
Install drywall, acoustical ceilings, metal framing, and floor coverings in commercial buildings.
Starting Pay
$25.00/hr
1st year apprentice
Journeyman Pay
$50.00/hr
~$100k/year
Apprenticeship
4 years
earn while you learn
Total Package
$135,000+
wages + benefits
Overview
The Work
Interior systems carpenters from UBC Local 68 handle the interior finish work in commercial buildings across Minnesota. The scope is broad — metal stud framing, drywall hanging and finishing, acoustical ceiling installation, lathing, insulation, fireproofing, and floor covering including carpet, resilient flooring, and hardwood. With over 2,500 members, Local 68 is one of the largest specialty locals in the state. You'll work in office buildings, hospitals, schools, retail spaces, and apartment complexes, turning bare concrete and steel structures into finished, functional spaces. The work is almost entirely indoors, which means steady year-round employment regardless of Minnesota's weather. Heights are involved — ceiling work on scaffolding and lifts is routine.
Day One as an Apprentice
Your first day you'll report to a commercial construction site and meet your journeyman. Expect to start with safety orientation and basic material handling — carrying drywall sheets, stocking materials on floors, and learning to lay out metal stud walls from blueprints. You'll spend time learning to measure, cut, and screw metal studs before moving on to hanging drywall and other finish work.
This trade is
Pay Scale
Pay increases each year of the apprenticeship as a percentage of the journeyman rate. All rates are hourly; estimated annual at 2,000 hrs/year.
| Year | Stage | Hourly | Annual Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1st Year Apprentice | $25.00/hr | ~$50k |
| 2 | 2nd Year Apprentice | $30.00/hr | ~$60k |
| 3 | 3rd Year Apprentice | $37.50/hr | ~$75k |
| 4 | 4th Year Apprentice | $42.50/hr | ~$85k |
| 5 | Journeyman Interior Systems Carpenter | $50.00/hr | ~$100k |
Benefits Package
Full family health insurance, defined-benefit pension through the UBC, annuity fund, and paid vacation. Benefits are portable across UBC locals nationwide.
Apprenticeship Program
4 years
Program Length
720 hrs
Classroom Hours
7,000 hrs
On-the-Job Hours
How to Apply
Apply through the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters or contact Local 68 directly. You'll need a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license.
Application Windows
Check local68mn.net or call the hall for current application dates.
Requirements
General Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license
- At least 18 years old
- Drug-free workplace — pre-employment drug test required
- Basic math skills for layout and measuring
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry drywall sheets (approximately 60 lbs each)
- Comfortable working overhead and on scaffolding
- Good stamina — standing, bending, and reaching all day
- Ability to work with fine detail for finishing and flooring work
Tools You'll Need
- Basic hand tools: screw gun, tape measure, utility knife, drywall square
- Work boots (steel-toed required)
- Hard hat and safety glasses (often provided by employer)
Physical Demand
3/5
Technical Level
3/5
Union Hall
Market Outlook
Steady Demand
Interior systems carpenters are not tracked separately by BLS; they fall under SOC 47-2031 (Carpenters), projected at 5% national growth 2024–2034 (faster than average) and 4% MN growth 2022–2032.
Next Steps
Ready to learn more or apply? Here's what to do right now.
Wage source: Journeyman base hourly rate is sourced from the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry Commercial Prevailing Wage Schedule (effective 2025-12-22), which is derived from the prevailing collective bargaining agreement for Statewide. Total package (with fringe benefits) is higher than the base rate shown. Apprentice progression rates are calculated as standard percentages of journeyman scale and may differ slightly from the actual CBA. This page is not affiliated with UBC Local 68 or any union. Verify all information — including current pay rates, application windows, and requirements — directly with UBC Local 68.