Trades & Labor Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Carpenter Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median carpenter salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $45,223 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$45,223
vs State Avg
+$514
vs National
$-6,167
Cost of Living
88%

Carpenter Pay in Tuscaloosa: What to Expect (2026)

Tuscaloosa offers a median carpenter salary of $45,223, which is $514 above the Alabama state average of $44,709. Compared to the national median of $51,390, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $45,223 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,390 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for carpenters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for carpenters in Tuscaloosa spans from $30,272 at the 10th percentile to $72,336 at the 90th percentile — a $42,064 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,160, while senior carpenters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,640. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Carpenter Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level carpenter earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,640
$-9,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $30,272
25th Percentile $36,432
Median (50th) $45,223
75th Percentile $57,200
90th Percentile $72,336

Carpenter Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$47,279
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$46,251
Pop. 197,575
Montgomery, AL
$44,195
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$43,682
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Carpenter in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most carpenter positions require a high school diploma. Tuscaloosa and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FramingBlueprint ReadingPower ToolsMeasurementBuilding CodeFinish Carpentry

Job Outlook

Nationally, carpenter employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Carpenter Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open carpenter positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Carpenter make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $45,223 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $30,272 (10th percentile) to $72,336 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,223, a carpenter in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for carpenter pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median carpenter salary of $45,223 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $44,709. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a carpenter salary of $45,223 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a carpenter in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most carpenter positions in Tuscaloosa require a high school diploma. Key skills include Framing, Blueprint Reading, Power Tools, Measurement. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.