Trades & Labor San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Carpenter Salary in San Diego, California

The median carpenter salary in San Diego, CA is $75,543 per year, which is 47.0% above the national median and 2.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$75,543
vs State Avg
+$2,055
vs National
+$24,153
Cost of Living
142%

Carpenter Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median carpenter salary of $75,543, which is $2,055 above the California state average of $73,488. Compared to the national median of $51,390, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $75,543 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $53,199. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for carpenters in San Diego spans from $50,568 at the 10th percentile to $120,834 at the 90th percentile — a $70,266 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,040, while senior carpenters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $114,660. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Carpenter Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level carpenter earns around $47,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,660 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,040
+$15,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,440
+$24,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,660
+$36,660 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $50,568
25th Percentile $60,858
Median (50th) $75,543
75th Percentile $95,550
90th Percentile $120,834

Carpenter Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$96,099
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$88,905
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$77,599
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$63,210
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Carpenter in San Diego

Education

Most carpenter positions require a high school diploma. San Diego and the surrounding California 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 San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Carpenter Jobs in San Diego

Browse open carpenter positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in San Diego

How much does a Carpenter make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median carpenter salary in San Diego, California is $75,543 per year, which is 47.0% above the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $50,568 (10th percentile) to $120,834 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,543, a carpenter in San Diego earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for carpenter pay? ▼
San Diego's median carpenter salary of $75,543 is 2.8% above the California state average of $73,488. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a carpenter salary of $75,543 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a carpenter in San Diego? ▼
Most carpenter positions in San Diego 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.