Trades & Labor Salem, OR Pop. 175,535

Carpenter Salary in Salem, Oregon

The median carpenter salary in Salem, OR is $53,960 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 7.1% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$53,960
vs State Avg
$-4,111
vs National
+$2,570
Cost of Living
102%

Carpenter Pay in Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Salem offers a median carpenter salary of $53,960, which is $4,111 below the Oregon state average of $58,071. Compared to the national median of $51,390, Salem pays above average for this role.

Salem's cost of living is 102% 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 Salem spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $86,310 at the 90th percentile — a $50,190 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,600, while senior carpenters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,900. With a population of 175,535, Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Carpenter Salary in Salem by Experience

In Salem, an entry-level carpenter earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,600
+$1,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,600
+$2,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,900
+$3,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR

Percentile Salem
10th Percentile $36,120
25th Percentile $43,470
Median (50th) $53,960
75th Percentile $68,250
90th Percentile $86,310

Carpenter Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Carpenter in Salem

Education

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

Find Carpenter Jobs in Salem

Browse open carpenter positions in Salem, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Salem

How much does a Carpenter make in Salem, OR? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Salem, Oregon is $53,960 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $86,310 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,960, a carpenter in Salem earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salem compare to the Oregon state average for carpenter pay? ▼
Salem's median carpenter salary of $53,960 is 7.1% below the Oregon state average of $58,071. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR? ▼
Salem has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a carpenter salary of $53,960 in Salem has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a carpenter in Salem? ▼
Most carpenter positions in Salem 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.