Trades & Labor Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Carpenter Salary in Virginia

The median carpenter salary in Virginia is $53,446 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $51,390.

Median Salary
$53,446
vs National
+$2,056
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Carpenter Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for carpenter compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for carpenter pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $53,446 per year, carpenters in Virginia earn $2,056 more than the national median of $51,390.

Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning carpenter salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: carpenters at the 10th percentile earn $35,776, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $85,488 — a $49,712 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $67,835.

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 Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level carpenter earns around $33,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,120 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,280
+$1,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,080
+$2,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,120
+$3,120 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $35,776
25th Percentile $43,056
Median (50th) $53,446
75th Percentile $67,600
90th Percentile $85,488

Carpenter Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for carpenters in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Carpenter in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

FramingBlueprint ReadingPower ToolsMeasurementBuilding CodeFinish Carpentry

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Virginia

How much does a Carpenter make in Virginia? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Virginia is $53,446 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $35,776 (10th percentile) to $85,488 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,446, a carpenter in Virginia earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for carpenters? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for carpenter pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level carpenters earn $33,280, while senior professionals earn $81,120.
How does Virginia compare to other states for carpenter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for carpenters is Hawaii at $91,474. Virginia's median of $53,446 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($53,960) and Rhode Island ($53,960).
What is the entry-level carpenter salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level carpenter in Virginia earns approximately $33,280 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $54,080. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $81,120.
What city in Virginia pays carpenters the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for carpenters, with a median salary of $67,835. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.