Trades & Labor Missouri (MO) Rank #43 of 50

Carpenter Salary in Missouri

The median carpenter salary in Missouri is $45,223 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $51,390.

Median Salary
$45,223
vs National
$-6,167
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Carpenter Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #43 out of 50 states for carpenter compensation. Carpenter salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $45,223 per year, carpenters in Missouri earn $6,167 less than the national median of $51,390.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $45,223 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $51,390 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: carpenters at the 10th percentile earn $30,272, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $72,336 — a $42,064 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $47,279.

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 Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level carpenter earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,640 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,640
$-9,360 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Missouri

Percentile MO Salary
10th Percentile $30,272
25th Percentile $36,432
Median (50th) $45,223
75th Percentile $57,200
90th Percentile $72,336

Carpenter Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for carpenters in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Carpenter in Missouri

Education

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

Key Skills

FramingBlueprint ReadingPower ToolsMeasurementBuilding CodeFinish Carpentry

Job Outlook in Missouri

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Missouri

How much does a Carpenter make in Missouri? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Missouri is $45,223 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $30,272 (10th percentile) to $72,336 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,223, a carpenter in Missouri earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for carpenters? ▼
Missouri ranks #43 out of 50 states for carpenter pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level carpenters earn $28,160, while senior professionals earn $68,640.
How does Missouri compare to other states for carpenter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for carpenters is Hawaii at $91,474. Missouri's median of $45,223 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($45,737) and Tennessee ($45,737).
What is the entry-level carpenter salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level carpenter in Missouri earns approximately $28,160 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $45,760. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $68,640.
What city in Missouri pays carpenters the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for carpenters, with a median salary of $47,279. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.