Trades & Labor

Carpenter Salary

Carpenters construct, install, and repair structures and frameworks made of wood and other materials, working on residential and commercial building projects.

Median Salary
$51,390
Mean Salary
$55,020
Total Employed
723,100
Job Growth
+2%

Carpenter Salary by Experience Level

Entry-level carpenters earn around $32,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $52,000. Senior-level carpenters can earn $78,000 or more.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,000
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,000
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,000

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Salary Percentile Breakdown

The salary range for carpenters varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $34,400, while the top 10% earn $82,200.

Percentile Annual Salary
10th Percentile $34,400
25th Percentile $41,400
50th Percentile (Median) $51,390
75th Percentile $65,000
90th Percentile $82,200

Carpenter Salary by State

Carpenter salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $91,474, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $42,654.

State Median
#1 Hawaii $91,474 Details →
#2 California $73,488 Details →
#3 Massachusetts $69,377 Details →
#4 Alaska $68,863 Details →
#5 New York $62,696 Details →
#6 Washington $61,154 Details →
#7 New Jersey $59,098 Details →
#8 Oregon $58,071 Details →
#9 Connecticut $57,557 Details →
#10 Maryland $56,529 Details →
#11 Colorado $54,987 Details →
#12 New Hampshire $53,960 Details →
#13 Rhode Island $53,960 Details →
#14 Virginia $53,446 Details →
#15 Delaware $51,904 Details →
#16 Vermont $51,904 Details →
#17 Nevada $51,390 Details →
#18 Florida $50,362 Details →
#19 Maine $50,362 Details →
#20 Arizona $49,848 Details →
#21 Minnesota $49,848 Details →
#22 Montana $49,848 Details →
#23 Utah $49,848 Details →
#24 Louisiana $49,334 Details →
#25 Pennsylvania $49,334 Details →
#26 Texas $49,334 Details →
#27 Wyoming $49,334 Details →
#28 Illinois $48,821 Details →
#29 North Dakota $48,821 Details →
#30 Idaho $48,307 Details →
#31 Georgia $47,793 Details →
#32 New Mexico $47,793 Details →
#33 Indiana $47,279 Details →
#34 North Carolina $47,279 Details →
#35 Wisconsin $47,279 Details →
#36 Michigan $46,251 Details →
#37 Nebraska $46,251 Details →
#38 Ohio $46,251 Details →
#39 Iowa $45,737 Details →
#40 Oklahoma $45,737 Details →
#41 South Carolina $45,737 Details →
#42 Tennessee $45,737 Details →
#43 Missouri $45,223 Details →
#44 South Dakota $45,223 Details →
#45 Alabama $44,709 Details →
#46 Kansas $44,709 Details →
#47 Kentucky $44,709 Details →
#48 West Virginia $44,195 Details →
#49 Arkansas $43,168 Details →
#50 Mississippi $42,654 Details →

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Key Responsibilities

  • ● Build and install frameworks, walls, floors, and roofs
  • ● Read and interpret blueprints and building plans
  • ● Measure, cut, and shape wood and building materials
  • ● Install doors, windows, cabinets, and trim
  • ● Inspect and replace damaged framework or components

Top Skills

Framing Blueprint Reading Power Tools Measurement Building Code Finish Carpentry

Education Required

High school diploma

Job Outlook

As fast as average — projected 2% growth over the next decade

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Frequently Asked Questions About Carpenter Salaries

How much does a Carpenter make per year? ▼
The median carpenter salary in the United States is $51,390 per year. Entry-level positions start around $32,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $78,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $55,020.
How much does a Carpenter make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $51,390 per year, a carpenter earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for carpenters? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for carpenters, with a median salary of $91,474. Other top-paying states include California ($73,488) and Massachusetts ($69,377).
What education do you need to become a carpenter? ▼
Most carpenter positions require a high school diploma. Key skills include Framing, Blueprint Reading, Power Tools, Measurement. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for carpenters? ▼
Employment for carpenters is projected to grow 2% over the next decade, which is as fast as average. There are currently 723,100 carpenters employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level carpenter make? ▼
An entry-level carpenter with 0-2 years of experience earns around $32,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $52,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $34,400, while the top 10% earn $82,200.