Trades & Labor Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Carpenter Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median carpenter salary in Reading, PA is $45,223 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$45,223
vs State Avg
$-4,111
vs National
$-6,167
Cost of Living
88%

Carpenter Pay in Reading: What to Expect (2026)

Reading offers a median carpenter salary of $45,223, which is $4,111 below the Pennsylvania state average of $49,334. Compared to the national median of $51,390, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $45,223 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,390 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for carpenters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for carpenters in Reading spans from $30,272 at the 10th percentile to $72,336 at the 90th percentile — a $42,064 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,160, while senior carpenters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,640. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Carpenter Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level carpenter earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,640
$-9,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $30,272
25th Percentile $36,432
Median (50th) $45,223
75th Percentile $57,200
90th Percentile $72,336

Carpenter Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$52,418
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$48,307
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$47,793
Pop. 302,971
Erie, PA
$43,168
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Carpenter in Reading

Education

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

Find Carpenter Jobs in Reading

Browse open carpenter positions in Reading, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Reading

How much does a Carpenter make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $45,223 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $30,272 (10th percentile) to $72,336 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,223, a carpenter in Reading earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for carpenter pay? ▼
Reading's median carpenter salary of $45,223 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $49,334. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a carpenter salary of $45,223 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a carpenter in Reading? ▼
Most carpenter positions in Reading 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.