Carpenter Salary
by City (2026)
Build and repair wooden structures, frameworks, and fixtures in construction projects. National median: $56K/year. See how your city compares.
Carpenter salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $56K Carpenter salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βCarpenter Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Carpenter is $56,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $42,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $74,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Carpenters nationally earn $95,000+.
Education and requirements
Apprenticeship; journeyman license. This role is 2% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Carpenter compensation is growing at 4% annually, above the national average wage growth rate.
Carpenter salary FAQ
How much does a Carpenter make?
The median Carpenter salary in the US is $56,000 per year β about $27/hour. Most earn between $42,000 (25th percentile) and $74,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Carpenter?
Entry-level Carpenter positions typically start around $42,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Carpenters earn?
The top 10% of Carpenters earn $95,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Carpenters the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Carpenter salary at $84K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Carpenter salaries going up?
Yes β Carpenter pay is growing about 4% year over year, above the US average wage-growth rate.