Trades & Labor Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Carpenter Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median carpenter salary in Cambridge, MA is $82,224 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$82,224
vs State Avg
+$12,847
vs National
+$30,834
Cost of Living
160%

Carpenter Pay in Cambridge: What to Expect (2026)

Cambridge offers a median carpenter salary of $82,224, which is $12,847 above the Massachusetts state average of $69,377. Compared to the national median of $51,390, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $82,224 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $51,390. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for carpenters in Cambridge spans from $55,040 at the 10th percentile to $131,520 at the 90th percentile — a $76,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,200, while senior carpenters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,800. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Carpenter Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level carpenter earns around $51,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,200
+$19,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,200
+$31,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,800
+$46,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $55,040
25th Percentile $66,240
Median (50th) $82,224
75th Percentile $104,000
90th Percentile $131,520

Carpenter Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$78,113
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$56,529
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$53,960
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$50,362
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Carpenter in Cambridge

Education

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

Find Carpenter Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open carpenter positions in Cambridge, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Carpenter make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $82,224 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $55,040 (10th percentile) to $131,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $82,224, a carpenter in Cambridge earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for carpenter pay? ▼
Cambridge's median carpenter salary of $82,224 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $69,377. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a carpenter salary of $82,224 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a carpenter in Cambridge? ▼
Most carpenter positions in Cambridge 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.