Trades & Labor Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Carpenter Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median carpenter salary in Lafayette, LA is $47,793 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.1% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$47,793
vs State Avg
$-1,541
vs National
$-3,597
Cost of Living
88%

Carpenter Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median carpenter salary of $47,793, which is $1,541 below the Louisiana state average of $49,334. Compared to the national median of $51,390, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $47,793 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $54,310 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for carpenters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for carpenters in Lafayette spans from $31,992 at the 10th percentile to $76,446 at the 90th percentile — a $44,454 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,760, while senior carpenters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,540. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Carpenter Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level carpenter earns around $29,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,540 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,760
$-2,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,360
$-3,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,540
$-5,460 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $31,992
25th Percentile $38,502
Median (50th) $47,793
75th Percentile $60,450
90th Percentile $76,446

Carpenter Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$52,932
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$49,848
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$46,765
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$46,251
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Carpenter in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Carpenter Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open carpenter positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Carpenter make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $47,793 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $31,992 (10th percentile) to $76,446 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,793, a carpenter in Lafayette earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for carpenter pay? ▼
Lafayette's median carpenter salary of $47,793 is 3.1% below the Louisiana state average of $49,334. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a carpenter salary of $47,793 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a carpenter in Lafayette? ▼
Most carpenter positions in Lafayette 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.