Trades & Labor Montana (MT) Rank #22 of 50

Carpenter Salary in Montana

The median carpenter salary in Montana is $49,848 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $51,390.

Median Salary
$49,848
vs National
$-1,542
State Rank
#22 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Carpenter Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #22 out of 50 states for carpenter compensation. Montana falls in the middle of the pack for carpenter pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $49,848 per year, carpenters in Montana earn $1,542 less than the national median of $51,390.

Montana's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning carpenter salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Montana is significant: carpenters at the 10th percentile earn $33,368, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $79,734 — a $46,366 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Montana for this role is Bozeman, where the median reaches $60,126.

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 Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level carpenter earns around $31,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,660 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,040
$-960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,440
$-1,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,660
$-2,340 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $33,368
25th Percentile $40,158
Median (50th) $49,848
75th Percentile $63,050
90th Percentile $79,734

Carpenter Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for carpenters in Montana include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Carpenter in Montana

Education

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

Key Skills

FramingBlueprint ReadingPower ToolsMeasurementBuilding CodeFinish Carpentry

Job Outlook in Montana

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Montana

How much does a Carpenter make in Montana? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Montana is $49,848 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $33,368 (10th percentile) to $79,734 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,848, a carpenter in Montana earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for carpenters? ▼
Montana ranks #22 out of 50 states for carpenter pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level carpenters earn $31,040, while senior professionals earn $75,660.
How does Montana compare to other states for carpenter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for carpenters is Hawaii at $91,474. Montana's median of $49,848 ranks #22 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arizona ($49,848) and Minnesota ($49,848).
What is the entry-level carpenter salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level carpenter in Montana earns approximately $31,040 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $50,440. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $75,660.
What city in Montana pays carpenters the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for carpenters, with a median salary of $60,126. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.