Trades & Labor Michigan (MI) Rank #36 of 50

Carpenter Salary in Michigan

The median carpenter salary in Michigan is $46,251 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $51,390.

Median Salary
$46,251
vs National
$-5,139
State Rank
#36 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Carpenter Salary Overview in Michigan (2026)

Michigan ranks #36 out of 50 states for carpenter compensation. Carpenter salaries in Michigan are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $46,251 per year, carpenters in Michigan earn $5,139 less than the national median of $51,390.

A key advantage of working in Michigan is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $46,251 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $51,390 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Michigan is significant: carpenters at the 10th percentile earn $30,960, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $73,980 — a $43,020 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Michigan for this role is Ann Arbor, where the median reaches $53,960.

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 Michigan by Experience

In Michigan, an entry-level carpenter earns around $28,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,200 per year. The cost of living index in Michigan is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,800
$-5,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,200
$-7,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Michigan

Percentile MI Salary
10th Percentile $30,960
25th Percentile $37,260
Median (50th) $46,251
75th Percentile $58,500
90th Percentile $73,980

Carpenter Salary by City in Michigan

The largest employment areas for carpenters in Michigan include Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Warren. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Carpenter in Michigan

Education

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

Key Skills

FramingBlueprint ReadingPower ToolsMeasurementBuilding CodeFinish Carpentry

Job Outlook in Michigan

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Michigan

How much does a Carpenter make in Michigan? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Michigan is $46,251 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $30,960 (10th percentile) to $73,980 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Michigan? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,251, a carpenter in Michigan earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Michigan a good state for carpenters? ▼
Michigan ranks #36 out of 50 states for carpenter pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level carpenters earn $28,800, while senior professionals earn $70,200.
How does Michigan compare to other states for carpenter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for carpenters is Hawaii at $91,474. Michigan's median of $46,251 ranks #36 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($47,279) and Wisconsin ($47,279).
What is the entry-level carpenter salary in Michigan? ▼
An entry-level carpenter in Michigan earns approximately $28,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $46,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $70,200.
What city in Michigan pays carpenters the most? ▼
Ann Arbor is the highest paying city in Michigan for carpenters, with a median salary of $53,960. Other cities include Detroit and Grand Rapids.