Carpenter Salary Guide 2026
Salary by Experience Level
Learning fundamentals. Assisting journeymen.
Working independently. May specialize.
Supervising crews. Quality control.
Managing large projects or multiple crews.
Running a carpentry or general contracting business.
Salary by State
Top Paying States
Lower Paying States
Note: High-salary states often have higher costs of living. Consider local cost of living when comparing salaries.
Top Paying Metro Areas
Factors Affecting Carpenter Salary
Union Status: Union carpenters earn significantly more with better benefits
Specialization: Finish carpentry and cabinet making often pay more than framing
Commercial vs Residential: Commercial work typically pays better but is more physically demanding
Self-Employment: Many carpenters work for themselves, with income varying by business success
Job Outlook
Employment of carpenters is projected to grow 2% over the next decade, slower than average. However, carpenters are among the largest construction occupations, so even slow growth means substantial openings. Renovation and remodeling provide steady work.
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Salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. Data reflects national and state-level statistics and may not reflect local market conditions.