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Salary

How much does a Carpenter make?

The average salary for a Carpenter is $52,996 per year in the US.

Carpenters play a vital role in the construction industry, and they are well-compensated for their hard work. On average, a carpenter earns about $52,996 per year. This salary can vary depending on a few different factors. Those new to the trade might start at the lower end of the salary range, while experienced carpenters may earn more.

Here are some common salary ranges for carpenters:

  • $36,253 for those just starting
  • $40,230 after some experience
  • $44,207 with more years in the field
  • $48,184 for skilled carpenters
  • $52,161 for those with advanced skills
  • $56,138 for those with a lot of experience
  • $60,115 for master carpenters
  • $64,092 for lead carpenters
  • $68,069 for senior carpenters
  • $72,046 for top-tier carpenters
  • $76,023 for highly experienced and specialized carpenters
  • $80,000 for top-level, expert carpenters
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What are the highest paying cities for a Carpenter?

Job seekers looking for carpenter positions will find San Diego, California, at the top of the list for highest average salaries. With an average salary of $71,242 per year, it provides a strong financial incentive for professionals in the field. Other cities offering competitive wages include Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Seattle, Washington, making these locations attractive options for carpenters aiming for higher earnings.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Carpenter jobs, highlighting San Diego, CA with the highest at $71,242 and Milwaukee, WI with the lowest at $60,297.
  1. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $71,242
    In San Diego, skilled workers enjoy a thriving construction scene. With companies like Swinerton Builders and Clark Construction, there are plenty of opportunities. The demand for quality craftsmanship remains high in this sunny city.
    Find Carpenter jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $70,850
    Minneapolis offers a dynamic environment for construction professionals. Companies such as Mortenson and Kraus-Anderson provide a range of projects. The city’s growing infrastructure opens doors for talented individuals.
    Find Carpenter jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $70,621
    Seattle's diverse landscape presents unique challenges for construction workers. Firms like Skanska USA and JLG Industries need experienced professionals. The city’s strong economy supports ongoing development projects.
    Find Carpenter jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $70,560
    Tampa is a city with a rising demand for skilled labor. With companies like Balfour Beatty and Gilbane Building Company, the market is vibrant. The warm climate and steady growth make it an attractive place to work.
    Find Carpenter jobs in Tampa, FL


  5. St. Louis, MO
    Average Salary: $63,982
    St. Louis offers a mix of industrial and residential construction. Companies such as HNTB and J.E. Dunn Construction provide diverse projects. The city’s historic charm meets modern demands in the job market.
    Find Carpenter jobs in St. Louis, MO


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $61,567
    Los Angeles has a bustling construction market. Major firms like Clark Construction Group and Skanska USA offer numerous opportunities. The diverse projects here cater to various skill sets and interests.
    Find Carpenter jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  7. Manchester, NH
    Average Salary: $61,179
    Manchester’s construction industry is steady and supportive. Companies such as C.D. Smith Enterprises and Gilbane Building Company need skilled hands. The city’s community-focused environment makes it a great place to build a career.
    Find Carpenter jobs in Manchester, NH


  8. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $60,700
    Washington, DC, boasts a mix of federal and private projects. Firms like AECOM and Bechtel Corporation provide diverse opportunities. The city’s rich history and steady demand for skilled workers make it a compelling choice.
    Find Carpenter jobs in Washington, DC


  9. Spokane, WA
    Average Salary: $60,391
    Spokane’s construction scene is growing steadily. Companies such as The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company and Hoffman Construction Company offer numerous roles. The city’s friendly atmosphere supports a balanced work-life environment.
    Find Carpenter jobs in Spokane, WA


  10. Milwaukee, WI
    Average Salary: $60,297
    Milwaukee provides a strong market for construction workers. Firms like Gilbane Building Company and J.H. Findorff offer many opportunities. The city’s commitment to quality craftsmanship benefits skilled professionals.
    Find Carpenter jobs in Milwaukee, WI

What are the best companies a Carpenter can work for?

Aspiring carpenters can explore top-paying companies to enhance their career. WORKS by Jesse DeBenedictis, LLC leads with an average salary of $62,708, offering a promising start. Peopleready and Blue Star Limited also provide competitive salaries, making them solid options to consider. Further down the list, Kinsley Construction and Curtis Contracting, Inc. offer attractive wages, while US LBM Holdings and Aerotek provide steady compensation. These companies ensure carpenters can find rewarding opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Carpenter jobs, highlighting WORKS by Jesse DeBenedictis, LLC with the highest at $62,708 and MasTec Inc with the lowest at $45,266.
  1. WORKS by Jesse DeBenedictis, LLC
    Average Salary: $62,708
    WORKS by Jesse DeBenedictis, LLC offers Carpenters a chance to work on unique projects in the Chicago area. They focus on custom, high-end construction projects, providing Carpenters with opportunities to develop their skills in a creative environment.


  2. Peopleready
    Average Salary: $60,671
    Peopleready provides Carpenters with diverse job opportunities across the United States. They offer both temporary and permanent positions, allowing Carpenters to find roles that match their career goals. Peopleready is known for their commitment to employee safety and professional development.


  3. Blue Star Limited
    Average Salary: $60,000
    At Blue Star Limited, Carpenters work on commercial and industrial projects nationwide. The company values quality craftsmanship and offers competitive wages. Locations include major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.


  4. Kinsley Construction
    Average Salary: $57,429
    Kinsley Construction employs Carpenters on a variety of projects in the Southeastern United States, including Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina. They focus on residential, commercial, and industrial work, providing Carpenters with diverse job experiences.


  5. Curtis Contracting, Inc.
    Average Salary: $52,250
    Curtis Contracting, Inc. hires Carpenters for projects in the Midwest and Eastern United States. They offer roles in residential, commercial, and government projects, giving Carpenters the opportunity to work in different environments.


  6. US LBM Holdings
    Average Salary: $50,000
    US LBM Holdings provides Carpenters with nationwide opportunities in commercial and residential construction. They operate in many states, offering diverse roles and career advancement opportunities.


  7. Aerotek
    Average Salary: $49,622
    Aerotek offers temporary and permanent Carpenter positions in various locations across the United States. They focus on matching Carpenters with the right employers, ensuring job satisfaction and career growth.


  8. Express Employment Professionals
    Average Salary: $47,190
    Express Employment Professionals provides Carpenters with job opportunities in the construction industry. They work with clients across the United States, offering a variety of roles in residential and commercial projects.


  9. Skilled Trades Services
    Average Salary: $46,000
    Skilled Trades Services specializes in matching Carpenters with companies that need their skills. They offer positions across the country, focusing on both residential and commercial construction projects.


  10. MasTec Inc
    Average Salary: $45,266
    MasTec Inc hires Carpenters for a range of construction projects in the United States. They work on infrastructure, commercial, and industrial projects, providing Carpenters with diverse and rewarding career opportunities.

How to earn more as a Carpenter?

Becoming a skilled carpenter can open many doors for higher earnings. Focusing on certain factors can significantly boost a carpenter's income. One key factor is gaining specialized skills. Specializations such as cabinetry, roofing, or finishing work often command higher pay. Another important factor is obtaining certifications. Certifications from recognized organizations demonstrate expertise and can lead to better-paying jobs. Building a strong portfolio is also crucial. A well-documented collection of past projects showcases a carpenter’s ability and quality of work.

Networking plays a vital role in increasing income as well. Building relationships with other professionals can lead to better job opportunities and higher-paying gigs. Staying updated with the latest trends and technologies is another factor. Using modern tools and techniques can improve efficiency and quality, leading to higher pay. Continuing education and skill development are essential to stay competitive in the job market. Attending workshops, courses, and seminars can help a carpenter keep up with industry standards and enhance their skill set.

Currently 600 Carpenter job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Carpenter in the US?

Learn what a Carpenter does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Carpenter today.
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Carpenter
600 Job Openings