Trades & Labor Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Carpenter Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median carpenter salary in Arlington, VA is $67,835 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$67,835
vs State Avg
+$14,389
vs National
+$16,445
Cost of Living
132%

Carpenter Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median carpenter salary of $67,835, which is $14,389 above the Virginia state average of $53,446. Compared to the national median of $51,390, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $67,835 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $51,390. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for carpenters in Arlington spans from $45,408 at the 10th percentile to $108,504 at the 90th percentile — a $63,096 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,240, while senior carpenters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $102,960. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Carpenter Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level carpenter earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,240
+$10,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,640
+$16,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$102,960
+$24,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $45,408
25th Percentile $54,648
Median (50th) $67,835
75th Percentile $85,800
90th Percentile $108,504

Carpenter Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Carpenter in Arlington

Education

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

Find Carpenter Jobs in Arlington

Browse open carpenter positions in Arlington, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Arlington

How much does a Carpenter make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Arlington, Virginia is $67,835 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $45,408 (10th percentile) to $108,504 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,835, a carpenter in Arlington earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for carpenter pay? ▼
Arlington's median carpenter salary of $67,835 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $53,446. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a carpenter salary of $67,835 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a carpenter in Arlington? ▼
Most carpenter positions in Arlington 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.