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
Related Trades Jobs
Carpenter Salary FAQ
How much does a Carpenter make in 2026?
The median salary for a Carpenter in the United States is $53,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $33,000, while senior professionals earn up to $72,000. Top earners in the field can make $84,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Carpenter?
A Carpenter typically requires a High School Diploma + Apprenticeship with 3-4 year apprenticeship of experience. Key skills include Framing, Finishing, Blueprint Reading. Relevant certifications such as Journeyman Carpenter or OSHA 10 can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Carpenters?
The job market for Carpenters is projected to grow by 2% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 720K Carpenter positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 12%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Carpenters the most?
The highest-paying states for Carpenters include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $63,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Carpenter salary?
To increase your Carpenter salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Framing and Finishing. Pursue certifications such as Journeyman Carpenter. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 3-4 year apprenticeship of experience, you can progress from $33,000 to $72,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Carpenter Salary
How we calculate Carpenter salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $53,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Carpenter in the Construction sector.
- Entry-level ($33,000) and senior-level ($72,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +2% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 720K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 12% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Construction sector wages.
- Education requirement: High School Diploma + Apprenticeship, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $53,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Carpenter compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Carpenter job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Construction
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Carpenter salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Framing, Finishing, Blueprint Reading), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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