Trades & Labor Indianapolis, IN Pop. 887,642

Carpenter Salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

The median carpenter salary in Indianapolis, IN is $48,821 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the Indiana state average.

City Median
$48,821
vs State Avg
+$1,542
vs National
$-2,569
Cost of Living
93%

Carpenter Pay in Indianapolis: What to Expect (2026)

Indianapolis offers a median carpenter salary of $48,821, which is $1,542 above the Indiana state average of $47,279. Compared to the national median of $51,390, Indianapolis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Indianapolis's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for carpenters in Indianapolis spans from $32,680 at the 10th percentile to $78,090 at the 90th percentile — a $45,410 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,400, while senior carpenters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,100. As a major metro area with a population of 887,642, Indianapolis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Carpenter Salary in Indianapolis by Experience

In Indianapolis, an entry-level carpenter earns around $30,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,400
$-1,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,400
$-2,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$74,100
$-3,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Indianapolis, IN

Percentile Indianapolis
10th Percentile $32,680
25th Percentile $39,330
Median (50th) $48,821
75th Percentile $61,750
90th Percentile $78,090

Carpenter Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$54,987
Pop. 99,757
Fort Wayne, IN
$44,709
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$44,195
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$43,682
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Carpenter in Indianapolis

Education

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

Find Carpenter Jobs in Indianapolis

Browse open carpenter positions in Indianapolis, IN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Indianapolis

How much does a Carpenter make in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Indianapolis, Indiana is $48,821 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $32,680 (10th percentile) to $78,090 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Indianapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,821, a carpenter in Indianapolis earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Indianapolis compare to the Indiana state average for carpenter pay? ▼
Indianapolis's median carpenter salary of $48,821 is 3.3% above the Indiana state average of $47,279. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
Indianapolis has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a carpenter salary of $48,821 in Indianapolis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a carpenter in Indianapolis? ▼
Most carpenter positions in Indianapolis 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.