Carpenter salary
BLS occupation: Carpenters · Construction · data for May 2025
Median salary $60,580 a year, US
Median hourly pay $29.12 an hour
Middle half earn $48,510–$76,830 25th to 75th percentile
Carpenters employed 670,090 +3.9% projected by 2035
How much does a carpenter make?
- The median carpenter salary in the US is $60,580 a year ($29.12 an hour): half of the 670,090 carpenters BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $65,630.
- The middle half earn between $48,510 and $76,830. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $40,410 and the top 10% more than $99,910.
- That is 19% more than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- Hawaii pays carpenters the most (median $85,280), followed by Illinois ($79,000) and California ($75,920). Oklahoma pays the least ($46,910).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in Illinois, where the median is worth $79,033 in typical US prices, then Hawaii and Alaska. Hawaii's higher pay is offset by its prices (110.0 vs a US average of 100).
- In 120 of the 380 metro areas with data, the median carpenter salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of carpenters to grow 3.9% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 62,800 openings a year. The typical entry education is a high school diploma or equivalent.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what carpenters are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Carpenter salary range
Half of carpenters earn between $48,510 and $76,830 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $40,410
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $48,510
Median Yearly pay: $60,580
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $76,830
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $99,910
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $40,410 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $48,510 |
| Median | $60,580 |
| Top 25% earn over | $76,830 |
| Top 10% earn over | $99,910 |
Carpenter salary by state
Hawaii pays carpenters the most; Oklahoma the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($60,580), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $85,280 median |
| Illinois | $79,000 median |
| California | $75,920 median |
| Massachusetts | $75,200 median |
| Washington | $74,190 median |
| Alaska | $73,860 median |
| New York | $72,330 median |
| Minnesota | $64,930 median |
| Connecticut | $64,060 median |
| New Jersey | $64,010 median |
| Maryland | $62,960 median |
| Indiana | $62,870 median |
| Oregon | $62,870 median |
| Colorado | $62,830 median |
| Vermont | $62,400 median |
| Nevada | $62,380 median |
| Maine | $62,160 median |
| District of Columbia | $61,710 median |
| Michigan | $61,680 median |
| Wisconsin | $61,660 median |
| New Hampshire | $61,200 median |
| Missouri | $60,840 median |
| Rhode Island | $60,840 median |
| Ohio | $60,810 median |
| New Mexico | $59,720 median |
| Pennsylvania | $59,370 median |
| Delaware | $59,200 median |
| Montana | $58,820 median |
| Arizona | $58,580 median |
| North Dakota | $57,890 median |
| Iowa | $57,710 median |
| Kansas | $56,960 median |
| Wyoming | $56,850 median |
| Virginia | $55,690 median |
| Kentucky | $52,680 median |
| Utah | $52,360 median |
| Idaho | $52,000 median |
| Tennessee | $50,830 median |
| South Carolina | $50,670 median |
| Nebraska | $50,320 median |
| Louisiana | $49,920 median |
| Florida | $49,870 median |
| Georgia | $49,350 median |
| North Carolina | $49,100 median |
| Texas | $48,900 median |
| West Virginia | $48,710 median |
| Mississippi | $48,650 median |
| Alabama | $48,220 median |
| South Dakota | $48,140 median |
| Arkansas | $47,760 median |
| Oklahoma | $46,910 median |
Where carpenter pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Carpenters' pay goes furthest in Illinois once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| Illinois | $79,033 |
| Hawaii | $77,562 |
| Alaska | $72,158 |
| Massachusetts | $71,106 |
| Washington | $69,328 |
| California | $68,569 |
| Indiana | $67,364 |
| New York | $67,021 |
| Missouri | $66,992 |
| Minnesota | $65,838 |
Carpenter pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $85,280 | $41.00 | $52,760 | $115,900 | 4,810 | $77,562 |
| Illinois | $79,000 | $37.98 | $39,890 | $117,660 | 19,570 | $79,033 |
| California | $75,920 | $36.50 | $47,490 | $119,950 | 100,750 | $68,569 |
| Massachusetts | $75,200 | $36.15 | $48,230 | $122,880 | 18,540 | $71,106 |
| Washington | $74,190 | $35.67 | $52,330 | $119,920 | 26,960 | $69,328 |
| Alaska | $73,860 | $35.51 | $49,060 | $151,530 | 2,560 | $72,158 |
| New York | $72,330 | $34.77 | $46,860 | $122,400 | 40,630 | $67,021 |
| Minnesota | $64,930 | $31.22 | $46,590 | $99,130 | 14,930 | $65,838 |
| Connecticut | $64,060 | $30.80 | $49,140 | $88,000 | 5,160 | $61,828 |
| New Jersey | $64,010 | $30.77 | $43,680 | $121,490 | 14,230 | $58,830 |
| Maryland | $62,960 | $30.27 | $43,930 | $94,970 | 9,770 | $59,985 |
| Indiana | $62,870 | $30.23 | $45,510 | $90,700 | 15,240 | $67,364 |
| Oregon | $62,870 | $30.23 | $43,800 | $106,360 | 15,110 | $60,826 |
| Colorado | $62,830 | $30.21 | $47,020 | $90,740 | 12,740 | $60,969 |
| Vermont | $62,400 | $30.00 | $47,840 | $76,850 | 3,080 | $63,701 |
| Nevada | $62,380 | $29.99 | $41,670 | $102,360 | 12,700 | $62,393 |
| Maine | $62,160 | $29.88 | $47,130 | $78,240 | 5,170 | $64,049 |
| District of Columbia | $61,710 | $29.67 | $47,840 | $80,720 | 1,540 | $56,151 |
| Michigan | $61,680 | $29.65 | $44,550 | $81,860 | 18,590 | $64,105 |
| Wisconsin | $61,660 | $29.64 | $45,110 | $93,040 | 13,880 | $65,530 |
| New Hampshire | $61,200 | $29.42 | $45,500 | $92,410 | 3,760 | $58,753 |
| Missouri | $60,840 | $29.25 | $38,700 | $96,310 | 14,410 | $66,992 |
| Rhode Island | $60,840 | $29.25 | $47,840 | $89,670 | 2,580 | $59,484 |
| Ohio | $60,810 | $29.24 | $42,290 | $81,140 | 18,450 | $65,546 |
| New Mexico | $59,720 | $28.71 | $40,100 | $77,790 | 3,630 | $64,764 |
| Pennsylvania | $59,370 | $28.54 | $42,970 | $92,110 | 30,630 | $60,847 |
| Delaware | $59,200 | $28.46 | $45,160 | $81,320 | 2,250 | $59,314 |
| Montana | $58,820 | $28.28 | $43,010 | $77,140 | 4,030 | $62,148 |
| Arizona | $58,580 | $28.16 | $38,830 | $75,950 | 16,230 | $58,186 |
| North Dakota | $57,890 | $27.83 | $43,860 | $76,760 | 2,360 | $65,075 |
| Iowa | $57,710 | $27.75 | $39,040 | $76,540 | 5,770 | $65,757 |
| Kansas | $56,960 | $27.38 | $38,860 | $88,090 | 5,210 | $63,241 |
| Wyoming | $56,850 | $27.33 | $44,710 | $80,800 | 2,260 | $61,333 |
| Virginia | $55,690 | $26.77 | $38,230 | $74,250 | 20,460 | $55,082 |
| Kentucky | $52,680 | $25.33 | $36,760 | $72,960 | 8,540 | $58,430 |
| Utah | $52,360 | $25.17 | $36,560 | $75,170 | 15,220 | $52,962 |
| Idaho | $52,000 | $25.00 | $36,850 | $75,710 | 8,380 | $54,454 |
| Tennessee | $50,830 | $24.44 | $37,460 | $66,450 | 8,200 | $55,328 |
| South Carolina | $50,670 | $24.36 | $36,010 | $79,040 | 6,950 | $54,049 |
| Nebraska | $50,320 | $24.19 | $38,920 | $72,800 | 5,710 | $55,847 |
| Louisiana | $49,920 | $24.00 | $34,100 | $69,310 | 8,990 | $56,594 |
| Florida | $49,870 | $23.98 | $36,910 | $69,950 | 39,300 | $48,224 |
| Georgia | $49,350 | $23.73 | $34,890 | $63,470 | 9,190 | $51,250 |
| North Carolina | $49,100 | $23.61 | $35,620 | $63,160 | 13,480 | $52,054 |
| Texas | $48,900 | $23.51 | $36,980 | $65,920 | 33,540 | $50,383 |
| West Virginia | $48,710 | $23.42 | $35,900 | $70,060 | 3,670 | $54,426 |
| Mississippi | $48,650 | $23.39 | $34,670 | $63,440 | 2,950 | $55,950 |
| Alabama | $48,220 | $23.18 | $34,430 | $63,140 | 5,560 | $54,288 |
| South Dakota | $48,140 | $23.14 | $37,720 | $65,890 | 4,560 | $54,343 |
| Arkansas | $47,760 | $22.96 | $36,400 | $70,550 | 4,030 | $54,936 |
| Oklahoma | $46,910 | $22.55 | $34,670 | $64,940 | 3,820 | $53,402 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Carpenter salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes carpenter pay: 384 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- Kankakee, IL $95,280
- Honolulu, HI $94,310
- Michigan City, IN $91,970
- San Francisco, CA $89,200
- Decatur, IL $87,220
- Fairbanks, AK $84,970
- Oshkosh, WI $84,430
- Kahului, HI $82,110
- Napa, CA $80,590
- Santa Rosa, CA $80,520
Where the pay goes furthest
- Michigan City, IN $100,314
- Kankakee, IL $98,844
- Decatur, IL $98,641
- Oshkosh, WI $90,854
- Honolulu, HI $84,994
- Springfield, IL $82,991
- Peoria, IL $82,516
- Fairbanks, AK $82,329
- Bloomington, IL $80,685
- Janesville, WI $80,456
All 384 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kankakee, IL | $95,280 | 120 | $98,844 | 17% |
| Honolulu, HI | $94,310 | 3,120 | $84,994 | 38% |
| Michigan City, IN | $91,970 | 260 | $100,314 | 16% |
| San Francisco, CA | $89,200 | 14,010 | $77,154 | 46% |
| Decatur, IL | $87,220 | 180 | $98,641 | 15% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $84,970 | 280 | $82,329 | 26% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $84,430 | 650 | $90,854 | 18% |
| Kahului, HI | $82,110 | 700 | $75,060 | 47% |
| Napa, CA | $80,590 | 650 | $71,601 | 43% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $80,520 | 2,150 | $74,705 | 40% |
| Chicago, IL | $80,440 | 14,220 | $77,649 | 32% |
| San Jose, CA | $80,190 | 4,460 | $72,621 | 57% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $77,690 | 700 | $70,694 | 54% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $77,220 | 820 | $71,108 | 44% |
| Springfield, IL | $76,970 | 290 | $82,991 | 19% |
| Seattle, WA | $76,410 | 14,970 | $68,755 | 35% |
| Vallejo, CA | $76,220 | 660 | $70,262 | 39% |
| Yuba City, CA | $76,100 | 220 | $73,010 | 32% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $75,740 | 30,600 | $66,692 | 46% |
| Springfield, MA | $75,520 | 660 | $78,617 | 31% |
| Bloomington, IL | $75,470 | 170 | $80,685 | 21% |
| Janesville, WI | $75,390 | 360 | $80,456 | 21% |
| Peoria, IL | $75,280 | 780 | $82,516 | 18% |
| Boston, MA | $75,210 | 12,720 | $69,468 | 48% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $75,140 | 1,100 | $69,064 | 52% |
| Merced, CA | $74,760 | 350 | $76,072 | 33% |
| Sacramento, CA | $74,440 | 9,730 | $69,785 | 37% |
| El Centro, CA | $74,340 | 140 | $78,110 | 29% |
| New York, NY | $74,300 | 34,210 | $66,007 | 57% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $74,060 | 10,200 | $70,653 | 28% |
| Oxnard, CA | $74,060 | 2,050 | $67,002 | 48% |
| Modesto, CA | $73,730 | 1,430 | $70,821 | 34% |
| Portland, OR | $73,710 | 9,210 | $69,920 | 29% |
| Bellingham, WA | $73,260 | 950 | $70,896 | 32% |
| Hanford, CA | $73,250 | 110 | $72,088 | 32% |
| San Diego, CA | $73,200 | 8,710 | $65,423 | 49% |
| Worcester, MA | $73,010 | 1,590 | $71,213 | 35% |
| Anchorage, AK | $72,800 | 1,460 | $69,057 | 31% |
| Rockford, IL | $72,770 | 810 | $78,966 | 21% |
| Chico, CA | $72,290 | 390 | $71,435 | 26% |
| Redding, CA | $71,750 | 310 | $71,263 | 28% |
| St. Louis, MO | $70,990 | 7,210 | $74,657 | 24% |
| Riverside, CA | $70,880 | 12,970 | $66,590 | 43% |
| Barnstable, MA | $70,580 | 1,280 | $71,763 | 44% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $69,710 | 540 | $68,048 | 38% |
| Stockton, CA | $69,160 | 1,260 | $65,811 | 42% |
| Longview, WA | $68,550 | 360 | $70,275 | 25% |
| Columbus, IN | $67,780 | 190 | $72,879 | 24% |
| Salinas, CA | $67,530 | 1,210 | $61,930 | 49% |
| Champaign, IL | $66,980 | 310 | $72,251 | 25% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $66,830 | 350 | $66,668 | – |
| Bakersfield, CA | $66,540 | 1,100 | $65,956 | 33% |
| Columbus, OH | $66,480 | 3,620 | $69,635 | 28% |
| Detroit, MI | $65,810 | 7,610 | $65,614 | 28% |
| New Haven, CT | $65,750 | 730 | $62,883 | 37% |
| Trenton, NJ | $65,690 | 610 | $63,665 | 46% |
| Elkhart, IN | $65,520 | 1,170 | $72,538 | 22% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $65,170 | 640 | $64,602 | 35% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $65,070 | 4,960 | $67,997 | 28% |
| Bremerton, WA | $65,000 | 940 | $61,549 | 38% |
| Denver, CO | $64,910 | 7,250 | $61,362 | 35% |
| Hartford, CT | $64,770 | 1,660 | $63,039 | 37% |
| Evansville, IN | $64,690 | 790 | $70,678 | 20% |
| Norwich, CT | $64,500 | 740 | $64,214 | 39% |
| Visalia, CA | $64,390 | 650 | $64,503 | 32% |
| Kennewick, WA | $64,320 | 1,310 | $64,269 | 32% |
| Portland, ME | $64,300 | 2,230 | $63,127 | 43% |
| Lansing, MI | $64,270 | 1,120 | $67,659 | 24% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $63,910 | 3,310 | $65,929 | 29% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $63,740 | 180 | $74,049 | 19% |
| Carson City, NV | $63,660 | 100 | $64,873 | 39% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $63,640 | 400 | $61,278 | 33% |
| Rochester, MN | $63,610 | 460 | $70,039 | 30% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $63,540 | 2,140 | $58,069 | 43% |
| Buffalo, NY | $63,500 | 2,440 | $66,253 | 27% |
| Madison, WI | $63,480 | 2,320 | $65,250 | 34% |
| Fresno, CA | $63,470 | 1,790 | $62,129 | 39% |
| Vineland, NJ | $63,440 | 180 | $66,105 | 31% |
| Midland, MI | $63,380 | 250 | $68,951 | 26% |
| Yakima, WA | $63,300 | 480 | $66,252 | 26% |
| Corvallis, OR | $63,290 | 260 | $60,846 | 34% |
| Olympia, WA | $63,260 | 800 | $61,021 | 39% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $63,210 | 1,100 | $59,150 | 55% |
| Lafayette, IN | $63,050 | 300 | $67,484 | 28% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $63,050 | 430 | $66,294 | 33% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $62,880 | 210 | $62,406 | 39% |
| Burlington, VT | $62,790 | 900 | $62,200 | 50% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $62,760 | 230 | $66,756 | 26% |
| Eugene, OR | $62,590 | 710 | $61,624 | 34% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $62,550 | 340 | $68,254 | 22% |
| Appleton, WI | $62,490 | 700 | $67,616 | 23% |
| Bozeman, MT | $62,450 | 900 | $60,921 | 42% |
| Baltimore, MD | $62,380 | 3,870 | $59,701 | 37% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $62,380 | 9,310 | $62,246 | 33% |
| Reno, NV | $62,350 | 2,750 | $61,724 | 40% |
| Syracuse, NY | $62,250 | 1,490 | $65,018 | 31% |
| Waterbury, CT | $62,250 | 460 | $62,389 | – |
| Saginaw, MI | $62,240 | 320 | $68,478 | 20% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $62,140 | 130 | $68,632 | 22% |
| Binghamton, NY | $62,000 | 400 | $66,765 | 31% |
| Providence, RI | $61,910 | 4,140 | $60,831 | 42% |
| Spokane, WA | $61,900 | 2,020 | $61,687 | 29% |
| Kansas City, MO | $61,810 | 4,540 | $66,791 | 30% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $61,780 | 14,260 | $60,241 | 37% |
| South Bend, IN | $61,690 | 500 | $66,435 | 24% |
| Bend, OR | $61,640 | 1,180 | $59,494 | 43% |
| Bloomington, IN | $61,360 | 270 | $64,532 | 34% |
| Des Moines, IA | $61,360 | 1,810 | $66,913 | 25% |
| Flint, MI | $61,360 | 330 | $65,954 | 20% |
| Manchester, NH | $61,300 | 820 | $58,018 | 42% |
| Elmira, NY | $61,190 | 90 | $64,821 | 22% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $61,180 | 5,920 | $64,624 | 29% |
| York, PA | $61,160 | 1,190 | $63,708 | 27% |
| Mankato, MN | $61,150 | 230 | $67,231 | 24% |
| Kingston, NY | $61,140 | 280 | $60,710 | 40% |
| Akron, OH | $61,070 | 980 | $65,406 | 26% |
| Toledo, OH | $61,070 | 980 | $66,776 | 25% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $61,060 | 410 | $64,382 | 25% |
| Kokomo, IN | $61,000 | 120 | $68,044 | 22% |
| Lewiston, ME | $60,950 | 280 | $64,337 | 31% |
| Racine, WI | $60,920 | 320 | $63,484 | 29% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $60,840 | 970 | $61,543 | 40% |
| Midland, TX | $60,830 | 170 | $63,508 | 31% |
| Washington, DC | $60,800 | 13,280 | $55,839 | 48% |
| Albany, NY | $60,720 | 2,000 | $60,985 | 33% |
| Ithaca, NY | $60,680 | 190 | $58,732 | 39% |
| Cleveland, OH | $60,650 | 3,280 | $64,574 | 28% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $60,600 | 570 | $69,153 | 24% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $60,560 | 280 | $68,977 | 19% |
| Duluth, MN | $60,520 | 620 | $68,178 | 26% |
| Davenport, IA | $60,440 | 670 | $67,850 | 20% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $60,400 | 1,240 | $65,247 | 25% |
| Green Bay, WI | $60,320 | 860 | $64,800 | 22% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $60,320 | 12,710 | $58,384 | 34% |
| Scranton, PA | $60,240 | 1,070 | $64,389 | 27% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $60,230 | 340 | $63,084 | 34% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $60,150 | 220 | $69,633 | 20% |
| Kenosha, WI | $60,120 | 310 | $59,455 | – |
| Cincinnati, OH | $60,110 | 4,610 | $63,028 | 30% |
| Dubuque, IA | $60,090 | 260 | $68,810 | 21% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $60,080 | 1,940 | $62,881 | 30% |
| Muncie, IN | $59,890 | 160 | $67,943 | 21% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $59,870 | 6,420 | $59,355 | 33% |
| Lawrence, KS | $59,800 | 280 | $66,266 | 31% |
| Boulder, CO | $59,760 | 540 | $56,805 | 44% |
| Monroe, MI | $59,750 | 90 | $63,909 | 26% |
| Salem, OR | $59,730 | 1,720 | $57,627 | 33% |
| Farmington, NM | $59,720 | 390 | $68,090 | 28% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $59,660 | 120 | $60,557 | 30% |
| Allentown, PA | $59,540 | 1,390 | $59,559 | 37% |
| Utica, NY | $59,540 | 380 | $64,244 | 29% |
| Rochester, NY | $59,490 | 2,350 | $61,308 | 31% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $59,420 | 210 | $60,162 | 39% |
| Traverse City, MI | $59,230 | 420 | $63,434 | 38% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $59,090 | 360 | $63,677 | 23% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $59,000 | 2,840 | $61,750 | 33% |
| Billings, MT | $58,950 | 530 | $63,031 | 28% |
| La Crosse, WI | $58,950 | 450 | $64,237 | 28% |
| Minot, ND | $58,950 | 160 | $67,737 | 25% |
| Fargo, ND | $58,940 | 880 | $64,861 | 22% |
| Augusta, GA | $58,930 | 830 | $64,122 | 30% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $58,920 | 530 | $66,230 | 25% |
| Great Falls, MT | $58,790 | 370 | $60,705 | 29% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $58,560 | 300 | $61,729 | 30% |
| Helena, MT | $58,490 | 310 | $61,134 | 34% |
| Dayton, OH | $58,330 | 950 | $62,927 | 27% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $58,310 | 510 | $57,660 | 41% |
| Beaumont, TX | $58,290 | 1,000 | $64,734 | 27% |
| Weirton, WV | $58,240 | 160 | $65,421 | 17% |
| Medford, OR | $57,930 | 910 | $57,112 | 38% |
| Greeley, CO | $57,880 | 560 | $57,778 | 35% |
| Watertown, NY | $57,840 | 270 | $65,960 | 31% |
| Mansfield, OH | $57,750 | 150 | $64,981 | 19% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $57,690 | 1,320 | $58,479 | 31% |
| Sandusky, OH | $57,560 | 140 | $64,471 | 38% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $57,440 | 290 | $66,280 | 24% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $57,430 | 1,220 | $57,027 | 37% |
| Lewiston, ID | $57,420 | 150 | $62,988 | 31% |
| Altoona, PA | $57,360 | 360 | $64,084 | 21% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $57,160 | 140 | $58,470 | 33% |
| Missoula, MT | $57,160 | 400 | $59,267 | 34% |
| Bangor, ME | $57,100 | 430 | $59,166 | 32% |
| Albany, OR | $57,080 | 340 | $55,906 | 34% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $57,030 | 430 | $64,825 | 21% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $57,030 | 250 | $63,218 | 31% |
| Youngstown, OH | $56,970 | 460 | $65,188 | 22% |
| Erie, PA | $56,850 | 530 | $62,507 | 24% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $56,600 | 350 | $60,103 | 34% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $56,570 | 440 | $57,575 | 40% |
| Canton, OH | $56,530 | 380 | $63,228 | 24% |
| Louisville, KY | $56,520 | 2,990 | $60,726 | 28% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $56,160 | 310 | $58,202 | 33% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $56,160 | 790 | $57,135 | 39% |
| Columbia, MO | $56,160 | 510 | $62,792 | 31% |
| Jackson, MI | $56,160 | 130 | $61,190 | 25% |
| Pueblo, CO | $56,150 | 180 | $61,191 | 28% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $56,090 | 630 | $56,573 | 44% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $55,970 | 280 | $55,789 | 46% |
| Waterloo, IA | $55,840 | 260 | $64,142 | 22% |
| Nashville, TN | $55,770 | 3,040 | $57,890 | 39% |
| Lebanon, PA | $55,760 | 310 | $59,819 | 31% |
| Lancaster, PA | $55,690 | 2,750 | $56,678 | 34% |
| State College, PA | $55,690 | 350 | $57,554 | 42% |
| Ames, IA | $55,640 | 210 | $62,636 | 25% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $55,630 | 3,490 | $61,280 | 29% |
| Bay City, MI | $55,520 | 80 | $60,400 | 22% |
| Reading, PA | $54,930 | 760 | $56,594 | 34% |
| Bismarck, ND | $54,670 | 510 | $60,061 | 29% |
| Niles, MI | $54,620 | 180 | $59,132 | 31% |
| Johnstown, PA | $54,560 | 190 | $63,494 | 19% |
| Lima, OH | $53,800 | 130 | $59,998 | 27% |
| Williamsport, PA | $53,340 | 170 | $57,759 | 24% |
| Provo, UT | $53,230 | 3,080 | $54,188 | 40% |
| Omaha, NE | $52,800 | 3,230 | $57,447 | 32% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $52,680 | 480 | $58,417 | 28% |
| Owensboro, KY | $52,360 | 210 | $59,090 | 28% |
| Odessa, TX | $52,260 | 180 | $55,657 | 36% |
| Dover, DE | $52,140 | 270 | $53,473 | 41% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $52,140 | 750 | $55,226 | 33% |
| Tampa, FL | $52,130 | 6,010 | $51,670 | 46% |
| Lexington, KY | $52,030 | 1,200 | $56,013 | 37% |
| Huntington, WV | $52,000 | 780 | $58,809 | 25% |
| North Port, FL | $52,000 | 1,870 | $50,773 | 49% |
| Springfield, MO | $52,000 | 920 | $58,701 | 29% |
| Richmond, VA | $51,870 | 3,070 | $53,005 | 39% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $51,750 | 300 | $56,836 | 34% |
| Florence, AL | $51,740 | 170 | $61,002 | 25% |
| Paducah, KY | $51,700 | 310 | $60,058 | 27% |
| Manhattan, KS | $51,600 | 300 | $57,230 | 29% |
| Miami, FL | $51,570 | 10,100 | $45,175 | 62% |
| Durham, NC | $51,540 | 520 | $52,823 | 38% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $51,500 | 4,020 | $52,583 | 44% |
| Asheville, NC | $51,290 | 750 | $53,147 | 40% |
| Topeka, KS | $51,210 | 360 | $57,656 | 29% |
| Sioux City, IA | $51,100 | 350 | $59,107 | 30% |
| Charlotte, NC | $50,960 | 3,730 | $52,348 | 41% |
| Decatur, AL | $50,950 | 190 | $58,421 | 25% |
| Wichita, KS | $50,930 | 1,210 | $57,259 | 28% |
| Boise, ID | $50,850 | 4,080 | $51,682 | 45% |
| Wilmington, NC | $50,830 | 640 | $52,716 | 41% |
| Raleigh, NC | $50,820 | 2,680 | $51,774 | 39% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $50,760 | 620 | $55,497 | 36% |
| Pocatello, ID | $50,700 | 340 | $57,027 | 26% |
| Atlanta, GA | $50,680 | 6,380 | $50,651 | 44% |
| Memphis, TN | $50,620 | 1,240 | $54,915 | 33% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $50,540 | 2,500 | $50,802 | 40% |
| Salisbury, MD | $50,410 | 130 | $52,721 | 46% |
| Birmingham, AL | $50,400 | 1,660 | $54,995 | 33% |
| Knoxville, TN | $50,400 | 1,280 | $54,446 | 41% |
| Lawton, OK | $50,400 | 80 | $58,645 | 27% |
| Charleston, SC | $50,380 | 1,240 | $49,900 | 49% |
| Austin, TX | $50,260 | 2,540 | $51,251 | 38% |
| Winchester, VA | $50,180 | 270 | $52,027 | 44% |
| New Orleans, LA | $50,130 | 1,390 | $54,138 | 38% |
| Wheeling, WV | $50,120 | 190 | $56,746 | 21% |
| Greenville, SC | $50,090 | 1,340 | $53,710 | 38% |
| Wausau, WI | $49,990 | 370 | $53,955 | 23% |
| Casper, WY | $49,960 | 170 | $53,246 | 34% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $49,940 | 510 | $54,257 | 37% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $49,920 | 60 | $56,431 | 37% |
| Greensboro, NC | $49,910 | 760 | $53,745 | 34% |
| Lincoln, NE | $49,910 | 1,020 | $54,498 | 31% |
| Orlando, FL | $49,750 | 5,360 | $49,054 | 47% |
| Iowa City, IA | $49,680 | 360 | $54,290 | 42% |
| Houston, TX | $49,670 | 9,600 | $50,360 | 40% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $49,650 | 380 | $52,323 | 41% |
| Panama City, FL | $49,650 | 400 | $51,030 | 42% |
| Logan, UT | $49,640 | 490 | $51,748 | 35% |
| Gulfport, MS | $49,470 | 530 | $54,963 | 34% |
| Victoria, TX | $49,460 | 30 | $55,054 | 28% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $49,410 | 1,640 | $54,518 | 31% |
| Naples, FL | $49,390 | 1,300 | $47,859 | 63% |
| Jackson, MS | $49,330 | 660 | $55,397 | 36% |
| Burlington, NC | $49,280 | 100 | $52,878 | 33% |
| Florence, SC | $49,250 | 130 | $56,757 | 37% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $49,210 | 2,640 | $48,081 | 45% |
| Morgantown, WV | $49,160 | 450 | $52,677 | 33% |
| Morristown, TN | $49,110 | 130 | $56,864 | 38% |
| Tucson, AZ | $49,110 | 1,380 | $50,683 | 36% |
| Clarksville, TN | $49,080 | 290 | $53,965 | 33% |
| Anniston, AL | $49,070 | 70 | $57,092 | 24% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $49,070 | 190 | $54,178 | 32% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $49,070 | 1,130 | $53,715 | 38% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $49,070 | 440 | $50,063 | 48% |
| Charleston, WV | $49,060 | 370 | $55,299 | 30% |
| Huntsville, AL | $48,970 | 430 | $52,615 | 34% |
| Crestview, FL | $48,940 | 370 | $50,437 | 48% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $48,940 | 1,420 | $54,132 | 34% |
| San Antonio, TX | $48,900 | 2,240 | $51,628 | 35% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $48,880 | 140 | $53,081 | 39% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $48,870 | 260 | $55,710 | 41% |
| Muskegon, MI | $48,830 | 140 | $52,778 | 32% |
| Dallas, TX | $48,740 | 9,480 | $47,279 | 41% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $48,730 | 300 | $51,489 | 33% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $48,640 | 150 | $50,997 | 34% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $48,640 | 1,060 | $48,529 | 57% |
| Rapid City, SD | $48,640 | 870 | $54,554 | 36% |
| Staunton, VA | $48,620 | 290 | $53,354 | 36% |
| Joplin, MO | $48,540 | 300 | $56,628 | 31% |
| Mobile, AL | $48,540 | 630 | $55,098 | 32% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $48,530 | 340 | $48,277 | 46% |
| Cleveland, TN | $48,480 | 80 | $55,041 | 35% |
| Monroe, LA | $48,400 | 360 | $57,897 | 29% |
| Springfield, OH | $48,380 | 60 | $53,469 | 30% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $48,360 | 210 | $55,185 | 32% |
| Grand Island, NE | $48,350 | 230 | $55,795 | 33% |
| Kingsport, TN | $48,340 | 390 | $55,919 | 33% |
| Sebastian, FL | $48,340 | 360 | $49,172 | 53% |
| Slidell, LA | $48,310 | 450 | $52,100 | – |
| Lynchburg, VA | $48,270 | 480 | $54,016 | 32% |
| Ogden, UT | $48,270 | 2,150 | $48,102 | 41% |
| Hickory, NC | $48,260 | 250 | $54,540 | 40% |
| Houma, LA | $48,210 | 400 | $56,649 | 32% |
| Columbia, SC | $48,070 | 880 | $51,323 | 39% |
| Little Rock, AR | $48,050 | 1,080 | $53,769 | 31% |
| Gainesville, FL | $48,040 | 390 | $49,662 | 41% |
| Beckley, WV | $48,000 | 250 | $54,318 | 26% |
| Jackson, TN | $47,950 | 170 | $56,067 | 35% |
| Johnson City, TN | $47,920 | 160 | $54,499 | 37% |
| Pensacola, FL | $47,920 | 660 | $49,040 | 43% |
| Yuma, AZ | $47,910 | 260 | $51,680 | 36% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $47,840 | 90 | $54,157 | 47% |
| Amarillo, TX | $47,780 | 350 | $52,037 | 33% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $47,770 | 680 | $47,768 | 47% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $47,750 | 510 | $50,992 | 43% |
| Sherman, TX | $47,740 | 160 | $50,911 | 34% |
| Auburn, AL | $47,610 | 200 | $54,143 | 40% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $47,580 | 340 | $51,321 | 42% |
| Killeen, TX | $47,570 | 270 | $52,199 | 33% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $47,490 | 140 | $53,959 | 32% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $47,470 | 240 | $51,537 | 39% |
| Lafayette, LA | $47,440 | 580 | $54,398 | 35% |
| Sebring, FL | $47,400 | 90 | $51,260 | 38% |
| Montgomery, AL | $47,360 | 300 | $52,809 | 35% |
| Waco, TX | $47,340 | 420 | $51,151 | 36% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $47,200 | 1,250 | $50,933 | 36% |
| The Villages, FL | $47,130 | 140 | $55,172 | 44% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $47,090 | 170 | $54,085 | 27% |
| St. George, UT | $47,060 | 1,110 | $48,355 | 47% |
| Roanoke, VA | $47,050 | 830 | $50,257 | 36% |
| Daphne, AL | $46,990 | 270 | $49,625 | 43% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $46,980 | 330 | $49,927 | 39% |
| College Station, TX | $46,970 | 170 | $51,643 | 38% |
| Shreveport, LA | $46,920 | 480 | $55,352 | 33% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $46,870 | 470 | $49,905 | 38% |
| Tulsa, OK | $46,810 | 1,320 | $52,469 | 35% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $46,800 | 280 | $50,882 | 37% |
| Alexandria, LA | $46,760 | 180 | $54,571 | 26% |
| Greenville, NC | $46,750 | 180 | $52,883 | 38% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $46,750 | 180 | $49,846 | 39% |
| Deltona, FL | $46,670 | 740 | $46,967 | 45% |
| Ocala, FL | $46,600 | 490 | $48,932 | 41% |
| Gainesville, GA | $46,260 | 180 | $47,806 | 44% |
| Longview, TX | $46,160 | 370 | $51,584 | 30% |
| Lakeland, FL | $45,970 | 800 | $47,323 | 47% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $45,930 | 630 | $53,499 | 35% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $45,740 | 150 | $48,937 | 46% |
| Sumter, SC | $45,700 | 70 | $51,920 | 39% |
| Hammond, LA | $45,340 | 130 | $53,682 | 35% |
| Brunswick, GA | $45,110 | 80 | $51,432 | 45% |
| Columbus, GA | $45,070 | 140 | $50,473 | 36% |
| Savannah, GA | $44,900 | 330 | $47,161 | 47% |
| Athens, GA | $44,740 | 100 | $47,931 | 48% |
| Tyler, TX | $44,220 | 140 | $47,984 | 36% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $43,950 | 110 | $51,178 | 34% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $43,910 | 150 | $49,203 | 35% |
| Lubbock, TX | $43,500 | 280 | $47,636 | 37% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $43,370 | 130 | $50,589 | 34% |
| Abilene, TX | $43,030 | 80 | $47,619 | 55% |
| Dothan, AL | $42,800 | 130 | $51,054 | 34% |
| Dalton, GA | $42,750 | 40 | $47,582 | 39% |
| Texarkana, TX | $42,650 | 90 | $50,767 | 35% |
| El Paso, TX | $42,430 | 620 | $47,191 | 43% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $42,420 | 240 | $49,390 | 30% |
| Rome, GA | $42,000 | 40 | $46,583 | 36% |
| Macon, GA | $41,670 | 70 | $47,070 | 35% |
| San Angelo, TX | $41,600 | 60 | $44,996 | 38% |
| Laredo, TX | $41,540 | 100 | $47,771 | 33% |
| McAllen, TX | $41,530 | 310 | $48,350 | 32% |
| Gadsden, AL | $41,180 | 30 | $48,078 | 31% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $38,620 | 80 | $43,145 | 41% |
| Albany, GA | $38,400 | 80 | $43,801 | 34% |
| Valdosta, GA | $37,840 | 40 | $42,868 | 42% |
| Brownsville, TX | $35,640 | 250 | $41,454 | 51% |
What the median carpenter salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $60,580 |
| Month | $5,048 |
| Every two weeks | $2,330 |
| Week | $1,165 |
| Hour | $29.12 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a carpenter: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | Apprenticeship |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +3.9% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 62,800 |
| Self-employed | 25.1% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $63,800 | High school diploma |
| Heavy equipment operator | $59,850 | High school diploma |
| Construction worker | $47,120 | No formal education |
| Elevator mechanic | $109,910 | High school diploma |
| Electrician | $63,190 | High school diploma |
| Ironworker | $62,780 | High school diploma |
| Roofer | $55,440 | No formal education |
Questions about carpenter pay
How much does a carpenter make an hour?
The median is $29.12 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $19.43 and the top 10% over $48.03.
How much does a carpenter make a month?
About $5,048 a month before taxes at the median salary of $60,580, or $2,330 every two weeks.
What state pays carpenters the most?
Hawaii, with a median of $85,280. Illinois ($79,000), California ($75,920), Massachusetts ($75,200) and Washington ($74,190) follow.
Where do carpenters make the most after cost of living?
Illinois: its median of $79,000 is worth $79,033 at typical US prices. Hawaii, Alaska and Massachusetts come next.
How much do entry-level carpenters make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of carpenters earn under $40,410 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $48,510, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a carpenter?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: apprenticeship.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 47-2031 (Carpenters). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.