Carpenter Salary in Durham, North Carolina
The median carpenter salary in Durham, NC is $48,821 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.
Carpenter Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)
Durham offers a median carpenter salary of $48,821, which is $1,542 above the North Carolina state average of $47,279. Compared to the national median of $51,390, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Durham's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for carpenters in Durham spans from $32,680 at the 10th percentile to $78,090 at the 90th percentile — a $45,410 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,400, while senior carpenters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,100. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Carpenter Salary in Durham by Experience
In Durham, an entry-level carpenter earns around $30,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC
| Percentile | Durham |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $32,680 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,330 |
| Median (50th) | $48,821 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,750 |
| 90th Percentile | $78,090 |
Carpenter Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Carpenter in Durham
Education
Most carpenter positions require a high school diploma. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, carpenter employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Carpenter Jobs in Durham
Browse open carpenter positions in Durham, NC: