Trades & Labor Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Carpenter Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median carpenter salary in Rockford, IL is $42,140 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$42,140
vs State Avg
$-6,681
vs National
$-9,250
Cost of Living
82%

Carpenter Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median carpenter salary of $42,140, which is $6,681 below the Illinois state average of $48,821. Compared to the national median of $51,390, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $42,140 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,390 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for carpenters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for carpenters in Rockford spans from $28,208 at the 10th percentile to $67,404 at the 90th percentile — a $39,196 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,240, while senior carpenters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,960. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Carpenter Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level carpenter earns around $26,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,640
$-9,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,960
$-14,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $28,208
25th Percentile $33,948
Median (50th) $42,140
75th Percentile $53,300
90th Percentile $67,404

Carpenter Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$55,501
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$54,987
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$48,821
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$43,682
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Carpenter in Rockford

Education

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

Find Carpenter Jobs in Rockford

Browse open carpenter positions in Rockford, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Rockford

How much does a Carpenter make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Rockford, Illinois is $42,140 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $28,208 (10th percentile) to $67,404 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,140, a carpenter in Rockford earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for carpenter pay? ▼
Rockford's median carpenter salary of $42,140 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $48,821. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a carpenter salary of $42,140 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a carpenter in Rockford? ▼
Most carpenter positions in Rockford 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.