Carpenter Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$54,000
national median salary
$42,000 to $70,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$74,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$57,000
Cincinnati, OH
Lowest Paying
$43,000
Tulsa, OK
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Carpenter salary in the United States is $54,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $42,000 at the 25th percentile to $70,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $74,000, while Cincinnati offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Finish carpenters specializing in custom cabinetry, trim, and millwork earn 15 to 25% more than rough framing carpenters.
Carpenter salary by city
Skills that increase Carpenter pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Carpenters based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $7,560 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$7,560 per year
≈ +$7,020 per year
≈ +$6,480 per year
≈ +$5,940 per year
≈ +$5,940 per year
≈ +$5,400 per year
≈ +$5,400 per year
≈ +$4,860 per year
What you should know
Finish carpenters specializing in custom cabinetry, trim, and millwork earn 15 to 25% more than rough framing carpenters. Union membership in metropolitan areas provides the strongest hourly rate floors. Carpenters with concrete formwork expertise for commercial high-rise projects command premium rates due to the physical demands and precision required.
Carpenter apprentices start at $30,000 to $36,000 during their three to four year training period. Journeyman carpenters earn $42,000 to $58,000, while foremen and lead carpenters reach $60,000 to $78,000. General contractors with carpentry backgrounds often earn $85,000 to $130,000 running their own operations.
Union carpenters receive benefits packages worth $12,000 to $20,000 annually including health insurance, pension, and training funds. Overtime on commercial projects adds $5,000 to $12,000 per year, with prevailing wage jobs offering the best hourly rates.