Trades & Labor Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Carpenter Salary in Rhode Island

The median carpenter salary in Rhode Island is $53,960 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $51,390.

Median Salary
$53,960
vs National
+$2,570
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Carpenter Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for carpenter compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for carpenter pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $53,960 per year, carpenters in Rhode Island earn $2,570 more than the national median of $51,390.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning carpenter salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: carpenters at the 10th percentile earn $36,120, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $86,310 — a $50,190 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $55,501.

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 Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level carpenter earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,900 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% 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

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

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

Carpenter Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for carpenters in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Carpenter in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

FramingBlueprint ReadingPower ToolsMeasurementBuilding CodeFinish Carpentry

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Carpenter make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,960, a carpenter in Rhode Island earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for carpenters? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for carpenter pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level carpenters earn $33,600, while senior professionals earn $81,900.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for carpenter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for carpenters is Hawaii at $91,474. Rhode Island's median of $53,960 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($54,987) and New Hampshire ($53,960).
What is the entry-level carpenter salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level carpenter in Rhode Island earns approximately $33,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $54,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $81,900.
What city in Rhode Island pays carpenters the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for carpenters, with a median salary of $55,501. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.