Carpenter Salary in 2026
Carpenters construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made of wood and other materials. They work on buildings, bridges, and other construction projects.
Median Salary
$53,000
$4,417/mo
Entry Level
$33,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$72,000
experienced
Job Growth
+2%
10-yr outlook
Carpenter Overview
Carpenters construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made of wood and other materials. They work on buildings, bridges, and other construction projects.
Education
High School Diploma + Apprenticeship
Experience
3-4 year apprenticeship
Industry
Construction
Total Jobs (US)
720K
5-Year Growth
+12%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$25.48/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,417
Carpenter Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Carpenter salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Carpenter Salary
$59,000
$4,917/month · $2,269/biweekly · $28.37/hr
Carpenter Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Carpenter field.
Entry-level Carpenters earn around $33,000, while the top 10% earn $78,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Carpenters
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $63,000 | +$10,000 |
| New York | $61,000 | +$8,000 |
| Illinois | $55,000 | +$2,000 |
| Texas | $52,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $52,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Carpenters
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $63,000 | +$10,000 |
| Los Angeles | $59,000 | +$6,000 |
| Chicago | $56,000 | +$3,000 |
| Miami | $54,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $52,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Carpenter Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Carpenter from entry level to expert.
$33,000
0-2 years
$53,000
3-7 years
$72,000
8-14 years
$84,000
15+ years
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Carpenter Salary FAQ
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