Trades & Labor Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Carpenter Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median carpenter salary in Memphis, TN is $44,195 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$44,195
vs State Avg
$-1,542
vs National
$-7,195
Cost of Living
86%

Carpenter Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median carpenter salary of $44,195, which is $1,542 below the Tennessee state average of $45,737. Compared to the national median of $51,390, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $44,195 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,390 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for carpenters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for carpenters in Memphis spans from $29,584 at the 10th percentile to $70,692 at the 90th percentile — a $41,108 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,520, while senior carpenters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,080. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Carpenter Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level carpenter earns around $27,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,520
$-4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,720
$-7,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$67,080
$-10,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $29,584
25th Percentile $35,604
Median (50th) $44,195
75th Percentile $55,900
90th Percentile $70,692

Carpenter Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

How to Become a Carpenter in Memphis

Education

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

Find Carpenter Jobs in Memphis

Browse open carpenter positions in Memphis, TN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Memphis

How much does a Carpenter make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $44,195 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $29,584 (10th percentile) to $70,692 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,195, a carpenter in Memphis earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for carpenter pay? ▼
Memphis's median carpenter salary of $44,195 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $45,737. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a carpenter salary of $44,195 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a carpenter in Memphis? ▼
Most carpenter positions in Memphis 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.