Trades & Labor Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Carpenter Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median carpenter salary in Seattle, WA is $78,113 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 27.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$78,113
vs State Avg
+$16,959
vs National
+$26,723
Cost of Living
148%

Carpenter Pay in Seattle: What to Expect (2026)

Seattle offers a median carpenter salary of $78,113, which is $16,959 above the Washington state average of $61,154. Compared to the national median of $51,390, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $78,113 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $52,779. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for carpenters in Seattle spans from $52,288 at the 10th percentile to $124,944 at the 90th percentile — a $72,656 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,640, while senior carpenters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,560. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Carpenter Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level carpenter earns around $48,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,640
+$16,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,040
+$27,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,560
+$40,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $52,288
25th Percentile $62,928
Median (50th) $78,113
75th Percentile $98,800
90th Percentile $124,944

Carpenter Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$80,168
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$58,585
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$54,473
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$49,334
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Carpenter in Seattle

Education

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

Find Carpenter Jobs in Seattle

Browse open carpenter positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Seattle

How much does a Carpenter make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Seattle, Washington is $78,113 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $52,288 (10th percentile) to $124,944 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,113, a carpenter in Seattle earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for carpenter pay? ▼
Seattle's median carpenter salary of $78,113 is 27.7% above the Washington state average of $61,154. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a carpenter salary of $78,113 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a carpenter in Seattle? ▼
Most carpenter positions in Seattle 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.