Trades & Labor Louisiana (LA) Rank #24 of 50

Carpenter Salary in Louisiana

The median carpenter salary in Louisiana is $49,334 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $51,390.

Median Salary
$49,334
vs National
$-2,056
State Rank
#24 of 50
Cost of Living
91%

Carpenter Salary Overview in Louisiana (2026)

Louisiana ranks #24 out of 50 states for carpenter compensation. Louisiana falls in the middle of the pack for carpenter pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $49,334 per year, carpenters in Louisiana earn $2,056 less than the national median of $51,390.

A key advantage of working in Louisiana is its below-average cost of living (91% of the national index). This means the $49,334 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $54,213 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Louisiana is significant: carpenters at the 10th percentile earn $33,024, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $78,912 — a $45,888 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Louisiana for this role is New Orleans, where the median reaches $52,932.

Nationally, carpenter employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for carpenters across the country.

Carpenter Salary in Louisiana by Experience

In Louisiana, an entry-level carpenter earns around $30,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,880 per year. The cost of living index in Louisiana is 91% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,720
$-1,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,920
$-2,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$74,880
$-3,120 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Louisiana

Percentile LA Salary
10th Percentile $33,024
25th Percentile $39,744
Median (50th) $49,334
75th Percentile $62,400
90th Percentile $78,912

Carpenter Salary by City in Louisiana

The largest employment areas for carpenters in Louisiana include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Carpenter in Louisiana

Education

Most carpenter positions require a high school diploma. Louisiana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FramingBlueprint ReadingPower ToolsMeasurementBuilding CodeFinish Carpentry

Job Outlook in Louisiana

Nationally, carpenter employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Louisiana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Louisiana

How much does a Carpenter make in Louisiana? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Louisiana is $49,334 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $33,024 (10th percentile) to $78,912 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Louisiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,334, a carpenter in Louisiana earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Louisiana a good state for carpenters? ▼
Louisiana ranks #24 out of 50 states for carpenter pay. The cost of living index is 91% of the national average. Entry-level carpenters earn $30,720, while senior professionals earn $74,880.
How does Louisiana compare to other states for carpenter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for carpenters is Hawaii at $91,474. Louisiana's median of $49,334 ranks #24 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Montana ($49,848) and Utah ($49,848).
What is the entry-level carpenter salary in Louisiana? ▼
An entry-level carpenter in Louisiana earns approximately $30,720 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $49,920. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $74,880.
What city in Louisiana pays carpenters the most? ▼
New Orleans is the highest paying city in Louisiana for carpenters, with a median salary of $52,932. Other cities include Baton Rouge and Shreveport.