Trades & Labor San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Carpenter Salary in San Francisco, California

The median carpenter salary in San Francisco, CA is $96,099 per year, which is 87.0% above the national median and 30.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$96,099
vs State Avg
+$22,611
vs National
+$44,709
Cost of Living
182%

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

San Francisco offers a median carpenter salary of $96,099, which is $22,611 above the California state average of $73,488. Compared to the national median of $51,390, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $96,099 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $52,802. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for carpenters in San Francisco spans from $64,328 at the 10th percentile to $153,714 at the 90th percentile — a $89,386 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,840, while senior carpenters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $145,860. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Carpenter Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level carpenter earns around $59,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,860 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,840
+$27,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,240
+$45,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$145,860
+$67,860 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $64,328
25th Percentile $77,418
Median (50th) $96,099
75th Percentile $121,550
90th Percentile $153,714

Carpenter Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Carpenter in San Francisco

Education

Most carpenter positions require a high school diploma. San Francisco 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 Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Carpenter Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open carpenter positions in San Francisco, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Carpenter make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median carpenter salary in San Francisco, California is $96,099 per year, which is 87.0% above the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $64,328 (10th percentile) to $153,714 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,099, a carpenter in San Francisco earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for carpenter pay? ▼
San Francisco's median carpenter salary of $96,099 is 30.8% above the California state average of $73,488. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a carpenter salary of $96,099 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a carpenter in San Francisco? ▼
Most carpenter positions in San Francisco 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.