Trades & Labor Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #25 of 50

Carpenter Salary in Pennsylvania

The median carpenter salary in Pennsylvania is $49,334 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $51,390.

Median Salary
$49,334
vs National
$-2,056
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Carpenter Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #25 out of 50 states for carpenter compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for carpenter pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $49,334 per year, carpenters in Pennsylvania earn $2,056 less than the national median of $51,390.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning carpenter salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: carpenters at the 10th percentile earn $33,024, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $78,912 — a $45,888 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $52,418.

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 Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level carpenter earns around $30,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,880 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,720
$-1,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,920
$-2,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$74,880
$-3,120 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $33,024
25th Percentile $39,744
Median (50th) $49,334
75th Percentile $62,400
90th Percentile $78,912

Carpenter Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for carpenters in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Carpenter in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

FramingBlueprint ReadingPower ToolsMeasurementBuilding CodeFinish Carpentry

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Carpenter make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Pennsylvania is $49,334 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $33,024 (10th percentile) to $78,912 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,334, a carpenter in Pennsylvania earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for carpenters? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #25 out of 50 states for carpenter pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level carpenters earn $30,720, while senior professionals earn $74,880.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for carpenter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for carpenters is Hawaii at $91,474. Pennsylvania's median of $49,334 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Utah ($49,848) and Louisiana ($49,334).
What is the entry-level carpenter salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level carpenter in Pennsylvania earns approximately $30,720 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $49,920. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $74,880.
What city in Pennsylvania pays carpenters the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for carpenters, with a median salary of $52,418. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.