Trades & Labor San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Carpenter Salary in San Jose, California

The median carpenter salary in San Jose, CA is $88,905 per year, which is 73.0% above the national median and 21.0% above the California state average.

City Median
$88,905
vs State Avg
+$15,417
vs National
+$37,515
Cost of Living
168%

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

San Jose offers a median carpenter salary of $88,905, which is $15,417 above the California state average of $73,488. Compared to the national median of $51,390, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $88,905 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $52,920. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for carpenters in San Jose spans from $59,512 at the 10th percentile to $142,206 at the 90th percentile — a $82,694 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,360, while senior carpenters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $134,940. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Carpenter Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level carpenter earns around $55,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $134,940 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,360
+$23,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,960
+$37,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$134,940
+$56,940 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $59,512
25th Percentile $71,622
Median (50th) $88,905
75th Percentile $112,450
90th Percentile $142,206

Carpenter Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$96,099
Pop. 873,965
Los Angeles, CA
$77,599
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$75,543
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$63,210
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Carpenter in San Jose

Education

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

Find Carpenter Jobs in San Jose

Browse open carpenter positions in San Jose, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in San Jose

How much does a Carpenter make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median carpenter salary in San Jose, California is $88,905 per year, which is 73.0% above the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $59,512 (10th percentile) to $142,206 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,905, a carpenter in San Jose earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for carpenter pay? ▼
San Jose's median carpenter salary of $88,905 is 21.0% above the California state average of $73,488. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a carpenter salary of $88,905 in San Jose has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a carpenter in San Jose? ▼
Most carpenter positions in San Jose 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.