Trades & Labor Wisconsin (WI) Rank #35 of 50

Carpenter Salary in Wisconsin

The median carpenter salary in Wisconsin is $47,279 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $51,390.

Median Salary
$47,279
vs National
$-4,111
State Rank
#35 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Carpenter Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #35 out of 50 states for carpenter compensation. Carpenter salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $47,279 per year, carpenters in Wisconsin earn $4,111 less than the national median of $51,390.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $47,279 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $51,390 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: carpenters at the 10th percentile earn $31,648, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $75,624 — a $43,976 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $51,390.

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 Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level carpenter earns around $29,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,760 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,440
$-2,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,840
$-4,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,760
$-6,240 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $31,648
25th Percentile $38,088
Median (50th) $47,279
75th Percentile $59,800
90th Percentile $75,624

Carpenter Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for carpenters in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Carpenter in Wisconsin

Education

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

Key Skills

FramingBlueprint ReadingPower ToolsMeasurementBuilding CodeFinish Carpentry

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Carpenter make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Wisconsin is $47,279 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $31,648 (10th percentile) to $75,624 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,279, a carpenter in Wisconsin earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for carpenters? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #35 out of 50 states for carpenter pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level carpenters earn $29,440, while senior professionals earn $71,760.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for carpenter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for carpenters is Hawaii at $91,474. Wisconsin's median of $47,279 ranks #35 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Indiana ($47,279) and North Carolina ($47,279).
What is the entry-level carpenter salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level carpenter in Wisconsin earns approximately $29,440 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $47,840. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $71,760.
What city in Wisconsin pays carpenters the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for carpenters, with a median salary of $51,390. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.