Carpenter Salary: $58,649 Average (2026)
2026 DataCompare carpenter salaries across 50 US cities. Pay ranges from $49,597 to $82,394.
Highest Paying Cities for Carpenters
Average Salary
$58,649
across all locations
Highest Paying
$82,394
San Jose, CA
Locations Covered
50
metro areas
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Carpenters
See which cities pay Carpenters the most, from $82,394 down to the #10 spot.
Carpenter Salary Comparison by Metro
Top 10 highest paying metro areas compared to national average ($58,210)
| Rank | Metro Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | San Jose, CA | $82,394 |
| #2 | San Francisco, CA | $79,284 |
| #3 | Seattle, WA | $72,019 |
| #4 | New York, NY | $70,180 |
| #5 | Boston, MA | $69,729 |
| #6 | Washington, DC | $65,105 |
| #7 | Los Angeles, CA | $64,395 |
| #8 | Denver, CO | $63,939 |
| #9 | San Diego, CA | $63,186 |
| #10 | Hartford, CT | $61,547 |
COL Adjusted = Salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher values indicate better purchasing power.
Carpenter Salary by Experience Level
Average salary ranges across all 50 metro areas based on experience
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $38,105 | $18.32/hr |
Mid-Career 50th (Median) | $58,649 | $28.20/hr |
Senior / Experienced 90th Percentile | $85,568 | $41.14/hr |
Entry to Mid Growth
+$20,544
+54%
Mid to Senior Growth
+$26,919
+46%
Total Career Growth
+$47,463
+125%
Carpenter Salary by Location
| Location | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $82,394 | $39.61 | 513 |
| San Francisco, CA | $79,284 | $38.12 | 678 |
| Seattle, WA | $72,019 | $34.62 | 561 |
| New York, NY | $70,180 | $33.74 | 841 |
| Boston, MA | $69,729 | $33.52 | 569 |
| Washington, DC | $65,105 | $31.30 | 631 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $64,395 | $30.96 | 754 |
| Denver, CO | $63,939 | $30.74 | 420 |
| San Diego, CA | $63,186 | $30.38 | 418 |
| Hartford, CT | $61,547 | $29.59 | 399 |
| Portland, OR | $61,170 | $29.41 | 455 |
| Chicago, IL | $61,125 | $29.39 | 597 |
| Baltimore, MD | $60,562 | $29.12 | 411 |
| Austin, TX | $60,056 | $28.87 | 409 |
| Sacramento, CA | $60,017 | $28.85 | 511 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $59,788 | $28.74 | 429 |
| Riverside, CA | $59,763 | $28.73 | 499 |
| Dallas, TX | $59,466 | $28.59 | 587 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $59,138 | $28.43 | 422 |
| Miami, FL | $58,784 | $28.26 | 544 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $58,297 | $28.03 | 483 |
| Raleigh, NC | $57,949 | $27.86 | 487 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $57,552 | $27.67 | 426 |
| Detroit, MI | $57,423 | $27.61 | 411 |
| Providence, RI | $57,399 | $27.60 | 389 |
| Tampa, FL | $56,536 | $27.18 | 394 |
| Houston, TX | $56,532 | $27.18 | 537 |
| Atlanta, GA | $56,484 | $27.16 | 518 |
| Richmond, VA | $56,351 | $27.09 | 424 |
| Columbus, OH | $56,293 | $27.06 | 466 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $55,902 | $26.88 | 484 |
| Charlotte, NC | $55,891 | $26.87 | 514 |
| Nashville, TN | $55,816 | $26.83 | 490 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $55,554 | $26.71 | 406 |
| Cleveland, OH | $54,614 | $26.26 | 388 |
| Orlando, FL | $54,306 | $26.11 | 384 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $54,074 | $26.00 | 416 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $53,905 | $25.92 | 423 |
| St. Louis, MO | $53,884 | $25.91 | 458 |
| New Orleans, LA | $53,595 | $25.77 | 438 |
| Kansas City, MO | $53,585 | $25.76 | 389 |
| Louisville, KY | $53,115 | $25.54 | 383 |
| San Antonio, TX | $53,098 | $25.53 | 424 |
| Tucson, AZ | $53,087 | $25.52 | 459 |
| Memphis, TN | $52,759 | $25.36 | 418 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $52,654 | $25.31 | 466 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $52,534 | $25.26 | 503 |
| Birmingham, AL | $51,904 | $24.95 | 403 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $50,102 | $24.09 | 487 |
| El Paso, TX | $49,597 | $23.84 | 416 |
About Carpenter Careers
Carpenters construct, install, and repair building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. They work on a wide variety of projects, from building homes and commercial structures to installing cabinets and framing walls. Carpentry is one of the oldest and most versatile building trades, requiring both precision craftsmanship and practical problem-solving skills.
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average carpenter salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $58,649 per year. Salaries range from $49,597 in El Paso, TX to $82,394 in San Jose, CA, reflecting significant variation based on location, cost of living, and local demand. There are approximately 23,932 professionals employed as carpenters across the metro areas we track.
What Does a Carpenter Do?
Carpenters perform a variety of essential duties in their daily work:
- Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and building plans
- Measure, cut, and shape wood, plastic, and other materials
- Construct building frameworks including walls, floors, and doorframes
- Install structures and fixtures such as windows, cabinets, and molding
- Inspect and replace damaged framework or other structures
- Ensure projects meet building codes and safety regulations
- Operate hand tools, power tools, and specialized carpentry equipment
Education Requirements
Carpenters typically learn their trade through apprenticeship programs lasting 3-4 years, which combine on-the-job training with technical instruction. Some carpenters attend vocational schools or community colleges before or during their apprenticeship. High school courses in mathematics, mechanical drawing, and shop are helpful preparation.
Key Skills for Carpenters
Factors That Affect Carpenter Salary
Several factors influence how much a carpenter earns:
Career Path & Advancement
Carpenters typically begin as helpers or apprentices and advance to journey-level carpenters after completing their training. Experienced carpenters can become lead carpenters, supervisors, or project managers. Many carpenters start their own contracting businesses, while others specialize in high-end finish work or historic restoration.
Job Outlook
Employment of carpenters is projected to grow as construction activity increases with population growth and infrastructure development. Carpenters with diverse skills who can work on various types of construction projects will have the best job opportunities. Those experienced in green building and renovation work are particularly in demand.
Work Environment
Carpenters work indoors and outdoors on construction sites, which can be noisy and dirty. The job is physically demanding, requiring prolonged standing, climbing, and lifting heavy materials. Work schedules may vary with weather conditions and project deadlines, and some carpenters travel to different job sites frequently.
Career Prospects for Carpenters
The job market for carpenters continues to evolve with changing economic conditions and technological advancements. Professionals entering this field should be prepared for a dynamic career landscape that rewards adaptability and continuous skill development.
With approximately 23,932 carpenters employed across the metropolitan areas we track, the profession offers substantial employment opportunities. Industry projections suggest steady demand driven by factors including technological innovation, demographic shifts, and evolving business needs.
Professionals who invest in specialized certifications, stay current with industry trends, and develop complementary skills in emerging technologies tend to command higher salaries and have better job security. Networking and maintaining strong professional relationships also play crucial roles in career advancement within this field.
Geographic Salary Variations for Carpenters
Salary for carpenters varies significantly by geographic location. The highest-paying metropolitan area, San Jose, CA, offers a median salary of $82,394, while the lowest in our data, El Paso, TX, pays approximately $49,597. This represents a salary difference of $32,797 (66% higher).
Cost of living is a critical factor when evaluating salaries across locations. Higher-paying metropolitan areas like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle typically have significantly higher housing costs, taxes, and general expenses. When considering relocation, calculate your potential take-home pay after accounting for local cost of living differences.
Regional demand also affects compensation. Areas with strong industries that heavily employ carpenters often pay premium salaries to attract and retain talent. Conversely, regions with surplus labor or fewer industry concentrations may offer lower compensation. Remote work opportunities have begun to change these dynamics, allowing some professionals to earn higher salaries while living in lower-cost areas.
Advancement Opportunities for Carpenters
Career advancement for carpenters typically follows several paths. Technical advancement involves deepening expertise and specializing in high-demand niches, while management tracks offer opportunities to lead teams and oversee larger projects. Both paths can lead to significant salary increases over time.
Entry-level carpenters can expect to progress from starting salaries around $31,757to the median salary of $58,649 within 3-5 years with solid performance and skill development. Top performers who reach senior levels can earn $115,916 or more, representing the top 10% of earners in this profession.
Professional development investments that typically yield the highest returns include industry certifications, advanced degrees, leadership training, and expertise in emerging technologies or methodologies. Professionals who consistently deliver results and build strong professional networks tend to advance more quickly and negotiate better compensation packages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carpenter Salaries
The average carpenter salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $58,649 per year as of 2026. This is based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics data covering 50 metro areas. Salaries range from $49,597 in El Paso, TX to $82,394 in San Jose, CA.
The average hourly rate for carpenters is $28.20 per hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by location, ranging from $23.84/hour in lower-paying areas to $39.61/hour in top-paying cities like San Jose.
San Jose, CA is the highest paying metro area for carpenters, with a median salary of $82,394 per year. This is 40% above the national average of $58,649. Other high-paying areas typically include major tech hubs and cities with high costs of living.
Entry-level carpenters (10th percentile) typically earn around $38,105 per year nationally. Starting salaries depend on education, certifications, location, and industry. Most entry-level professionals can expect to reach the median salary of $58,649 within 3-5 years of career growth.
The average carpenter salary of $58,649 is 1% lower than the typical U.S. worker salary of approximately $59,228. Top earners in this profession (90th percentile) can make $85,568 or more annually.
El Paso, TX has the lowest carpenter salary at $49,597 per year. However, lower salaries often correlate with lower costs of living, which can result in similar purchasing power. The salary difference between the highest and lowest paying areas is $32,797.
There are approximately 23,932 carpenters employed across the 50 metropolitan areas tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This represents a moderate-sized job market with opportunities in construction & trades industries nationwide.
The biggest factors affecting carpenter salary include: geographic location (salaries vary by up to $32,797 across cities), years of experience, industry sector, Specialization (finish carpentry, framing, cabinetry), Union membership and collective bargaining agreements. Metropolitan areas with high industry demand and cost of living typically pay more.
In-demand skills that boost carpenter salaries include: Strong mathematical skills for measuring and calculating materials, Physical strength and stamina for demanding labor, Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination, Knowledge of building codes and safety practices, Problem-solving abilities for on-site challenges. Specialization (finish carpentry, framing, cabinetry) Developing specialized expertise can help you reach the top 25% of earners ($72,733).
Carpenter salaries have generally kept pace with inflation, with the current average of $58,649 reflecting 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The job outlook is positive, which typically supports continued salary growth. Professionals who develop in-demand skills and pursue certifications tend to see above-average salary increases.
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Data Freshness & Source
Current DataLast Updated
March 2027
Data Source
BLS 2026 OEWS
Next Update Expected
March 2027
Salary data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. This is the most comprehensive source of occupation-specific wage data in the United States.
About Our Salary Data
This salary data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2026 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The BLS collects wage data from employers each May and publishes results the following spring. Our data reflects the most recent official government statistics available. The next BLS data release is expected in March 2027.
Carpenter Salary by State
Compare carpenter salaries across 31 states. Click a state for detailed city-by-city salary data.