Trades & Labor Owensboro, KY Pop. 60,183

Carpenter Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky

The median carpenter salary in Owensboro, KY is $42,140 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 5.7% below the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$42,140
vs State Avg
$-2,569
vs National
$-9,250
Cost of Living
82%

Carpenter Pay in Owensboro: What to Expect (2026)

Owensboro offers a median carpenter salary of $42,140, which is $2,569 below the Kentucky state average of $44,709. Compared to the national median of $51,390, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro'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 Owensboro an attractive option for carpenters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for carpenters in Owensboro 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. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Carpenter Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, 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 Owensboro, KY

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

Carpenter Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

Lexington, KY
$47,793
Pop. 322,570
Louisville, KY
$47,279
Pop. 633,045
Covington, KY
$45,223
Pop. 40,961
Bowling Green, KY
$43,168
Pop. 74,735

How to Become a Carpenter in Owensboro

Education

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

Find Carpenter Jobs in Owensboro

Browse open carpenter positions in Owensboro, KY:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Carpenter make in Owensboro, KY? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Owensboro, Kentucky 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 Owensboro? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,140, a carpenter in Owensboro earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for carpenter pay? ▼
Owensboro's median carpenter salary of $42,140 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $44,709. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼
Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a carpenter salary of $42,140 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a carpenter in Owensboro? ▼
Most carpenter positions in Owensboro 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.