Carpenter Salary.
Across 30 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
$56,000
Washington DC, DC
Lowest Paying
$47,000
St. Louis, MO
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 Washington DC 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
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.