Carpenter Salary in Portland, OR: $61,170 (2024)

The median carpenter salary in Portland, OR is $61,170 per year ($29.41/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $38,797 for entry-level positions to $88,859 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.

Entry-level carpenters in Portland, OR typically start at around $38,797 per year ($18.65/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $61,170 within 3-5 years.

Carpenters in Portland, OR earn a median hourly wage of $29.41 per hour. Hourly rates range from $18.65/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $42.72/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $38,797 and $88,859.

The median carpenter salary of $61,170 in Portland, OR is above the national median of $58,210 (5.1% higher). The cost of living is 19% above average. This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of carpenters in the area earn more and half earn less.

Carpenters in Portland, OR earn above the national average. The local median salary of $61,170 is 5.1% higher than the national median of $58,210. The cost of living is 19% above average. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $51,490.

The top 10% of carpenters in Portland, OR earn $88,859 or more per year ($42.72/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $73,439, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.

Key skills that can boost carpenter salary in Portland, OR 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. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $61,170, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($73,439) or higher. Specialization (finish carpentry, framing, cabinetry)

Portland, OR has a specialized job market for carpenters, with approximately 455 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $61,170 is above the national average. The cost of living is 19% above average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.

Compare your carpenter salary to these Portland, OR benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $38,797, 25th percentile: $49,389, 50th percentile (median): $61,170, 75th percentile: $73,439, 90th percentile (top earners): $88,859. If you earn more than $61,170, you're above average for the area.

Beyond the $61,170 median base salary, carpenters in Portland, OR typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.

Experienced carpenters with 5-10 years in Portland, OR typically earn $73,439 (75th percentile) to $88,859 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $88,859. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $61,170.

Carpenters in Portland, OR can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($38,797) to median ($61,170) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($88,859) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $50,062 over a career.