Trades & Labor Arkansas (AR) Rank #49 of 50

Carpenter Salary in Arkansas

The median carpenter salary in Arkansas is $43,168 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $51,390.

Median Salary
$43,168
vs National
$-8,222
State Rank
#49 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Carpenter Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #49 out of 50 states for carpenter compensation. Carpenter salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $43,168 per year, carpenters in Arkansas earn $8,222 less than the national median of $51,390.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $43,168 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $51,390 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: carpenters at the 10th percentile earn $28,896, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $69,048 — a $40,152 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $45,223.

Nationally, carpenter employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for carpenters across the country.

Carpenter Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level carpenter earns around $26,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,520 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,880
$-5,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,680
$-8,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$65,520
$-12,480 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $28,896
25th Percentile $34,776
Median (50th) $43,168
75th Percentile $54,600
90th Percentile $69,048

Carpenter Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for carpenters in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Carpenter in Arkansas

Education

Most carpenter positions require a high school diploma. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FramingBlueprint ReadingPower ToolsMeasurementBuilding CodeFinish Carpentry

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, carpenter employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Carpenter make in Arkansas? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Arkansas is $43,168 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $28,896 (10th percentile) to $69,048 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,168, a carpenter in Arkansas earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for carpenters? ▼
Arkansas ranks #49 out of 50 states for carpenter pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level carpenters earn $26,880, while senior professionals earn $65,520.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for carpenter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for carpenters is Hawaii at $91,474. Arkansas's median of $43,168 ranks #49 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($44,709) and West Virginia ($44,195).
What is the entry-level carpenter salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level carpenter in Arkansas earns approximately $26,880 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $43,680. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $65,520.
What city in Arkansas pays carpenters the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for carpenters, with a median salary of $45,223. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.