Trades & Labor Independence, MO Pop. 123,011

Carpenter Salary in Independence, Missouri

The median carpenter salary in Independence, MO is $43,682 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 3.4% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$43,682
vs State Avg
$-1,541
vs National
$-7,708
Cost of Living
85%

Carpenter Pay in Independence: What to Expect (2026)

Independence offers a median carpenter salary of $43,682, which is $1,541 below the Missouri state average of $45,223. Compared to the national median of $51,390, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Independence's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $43,682 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,391 in an average-cost city. This makes Independence an attractive option for carpenters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for carpenters in Independence spans from $29,240 at the 10th percentile to $69,870 at the 90th percentile — a $40,630 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,200, while senior carpenters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $66,300. With a population of 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Carpenter Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, an entry-level carpenter earns around $27,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,200
$-4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,200
$-7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,300
$-11,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Independence, MO

Percentile Independence
10th Percentile $29,240
25th Percentile $35,190
Median (50th) $43,682
75th Percentile $55,250
90th Percentile $69,870

Carpenter Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$47,279
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$46,251
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$45,223
Pop. 126,254
Springfield, MO
$42,140
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Carpenter in Independence

Education

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

Find Carpenter Jobs in Independence

Browse open carpenter positions in Independence, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Independence

How much does a Carpenter make in Independence, MO? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Independence, Missouri is $43,682 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $29,240 (10th percentile) to $69,870 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Independence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,682, a carpenter in Independence earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for carpenter pay? ▼
Independence's median carpenter salary of $43,682 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $45,223. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼
Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a carpenter salary of $43,682 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a carpenter in Independence? ▼
Most carpenter positions in Independence 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.