Carpenter Salary in California
Carpenters in California earn an average of $68,173 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +17.1% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$68,173
per year
Hourly Rate
$32.78
per hour
vs National
+17.1%
$58,210 national
Salary Range
$43,809
to $98,897
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$68,173
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$48,009
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Carpenter's salary of $68,173 has the purchasing power of $48,009 in an average-cost area.
Carpenter Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $82,394 | $39.61/hr | $52,070 | $115,916 | 513 |
| San Francisco, CA | $79,284 | $38.12/hr | $50,293 | $116,654 | 678 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $64,395 | $30.96/hr | $42,607 | $93,366 | 754 |
| San Diego, CA | $63,186 | $30.38/hr | $39,715 | $95,010 | 418 |
| Sacramento, CA | $60,017 | $28.85/hr | $39,747 | $85,787 | 511 |
| Riverside, CA | $59,763 | $28.73/hr | $38,421 | $86,651 | 499 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Carpenter Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 3,373 Carpenters employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Carpenter Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$43,809
Starting salary for new Carpenters
Median (50th Percentile)
$68,173
Mid-career Carpenter salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$98,897
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Carpenter Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Carpenter salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Carpenter salary in California?
The average Carpenter salary in California is $68,173 per year ($32.78/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 17.1% above the national average of $58,210.
What is the highest paying city for Carpenters in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Carpenters in California, with a median salary of $82,394 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $59,763.
What is the salary range for Carpenters in California?
Carpenter salaries in California range from $43,809 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $98,897 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $68,173 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.