Carpenter Careers & Salary Information
Carpenters build, install, and repair structures made from wood and other materials. From framing houses to finishing trim work, carpentry covers a wide range of skills and pays solid wages in most markets.
National Salary Overview
Carpenter Specialties
Carpenters can specialize in different areas, each with its own pay scale and career path.
Residential Carpenter
Frames houses, installs doors, windows, and basic trim in residential construction. Good starting point with lots of available work.
Commercial Carpenter
Builds interior buildouts, metal stud framing, and structural components for commercial projects. Union jobs are common and pay well.
Finish Carpenter
Handles trim, molding, staircases, and custom woodwork that requires precision and a good eye. Skilled finish carpenters command premium rates.
Formwork Carpenter
Builds concrete forms for foundations, walls, and elevated slabs on commercial and infrastructure projects. Physically demanding with above-average pay.
Cabinet Maker
Designs and builds custom cabinets, furniture, and millwork in a shop setting. Combines woodworking craft with CNC technology for those who prefer shop over field.
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Carpenter Salary by State
Click any state to see detailed salary data, top-paying cities, and union vs. non-union breakdowns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Carpenter salaries in the United States vary based on experience, certifications, and whether you work union or non-union. Entry-level carpenters typically earn around 60-70% of the median wage, while experienced professionals and those with master-level credentials can earn 25-50% above the median.
Entry-level carpenters in the United States typically start at the lower end of the pay range, which reflects apprentice or helper-level positions. As you gain experience and complete your training program, your pay increases significantly within the first 2-3 years.
Yes. Union carpenters earn 15-30% more per hour on average than their non-union counterparts. When you factor in benefits like pensions, healthcare, and annuity contributions, the total compensation gap is even wider. However, union availability varies significantly by region.
The path to becoming a fully qualified carpenter depends on the route you take. Apprenticeship programs typically last 3-5 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Trade school programs can be completed in 6-24 months, though you will still need field experience to reach journeyman level.
Carpenter work offers solid pay, strong job security, and doesn't require a four-year degree. The national job outlook shows steady demand, and the ongoing skilled labor shortage means qualified carpenters have strong bargaining power. The work can be physically demanding, but many professionals find the trade rewarding and well-compensated.
Certifications can significantly boost a carpenter's earning potential. Industry-recognized credentials, advanced specializations, and safety certifications all help you stand out to employers and command higher hourly rates. Master-level licenses typically result in the biggest pay increases.