Trades & Labor North Dakota (ND) Rank #29 of 50

Carpenter Salary in North Dakota

The median carpenter salary in North Dakota is $48,821 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $51,390.

Median Salary
$48,821
vs National
$-2,569
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Carpenter Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #29 out of 50 states for carpenter compensation. Carpenter salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $48,821 per year, carpenters in North Dakota earn $2,569 less than the national median of $51,390.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $48,821 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $54,246 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: carpenters at the 10th percentile earn $32,680, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $78,090 — a $45,410 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $50,876.

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 North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level carpenter earns around $30,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,100 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,400
$-1,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,400
$-2,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$74,100
$-3,900 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $32,680
25th Percentile $39,330
Median (50th) $48,821
75th Percentile $61,750
90th Percentile $78,090

Carpenter Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for carpenters in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Carpenter in North Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

FramingBlueprint ReadingPower ToolsMeasurementBuilding CodeFinish Carpentry

Job Outlook in North Dakota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Carpenter make in North Dakota? ▼
The median carpenter salary in North Dakota is $48,821 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $32,680 (10th percentile) to $78,090 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,821, a carpenter in North Dakota earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for carpenters? ▼
North Dakota ranks #29 out of 50 states for carpenter pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level carpenters earn $30,400, while senior professionals earn $74,100.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for carpenter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for carpenters is Hawaii at $91,474. North Dakota's median of $48,821 ranks #29 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wyoming ($49,334) and Illinois ($48,821).
What is the entry-level carpenter salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level carpenter in North Dakota earns approximately $30,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $49,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $74,100.
What city in North Dakota pays carpenters the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for carpenters, with a median salary of $50,876. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.