How much does a Carpenter make?
Carpenters often enjoy a steady job with good earning potential. They build and repair structures made of wood. People hire carpenters for both residential and commercial projects. A carpenter's salary can vary based on experience and location. On average, a carpenter makes about $53,151 per year. Here's a look at how salaries break down:
The bottom 10% of carpenters earn about $33,557 a year. The top 10% make around $80,244 annually. Most carpenters fall in the middle, with salaries ranging from $42,045 to $59,023. This range shows that with experience, carpenters can earn more. Starting out, a carpenter might make closer to the lower end. As they gain skills and years of work, their earnings increase.
Here are some things that can affect a carpenter's salary:
- Years of experience
- Special skills or certifications
- Location
- Type of projects (residential, commercial, etc.)
Being a carpenter can lead to a rewarding career with the chance to grow earnings over time.
What are the highest paying cities for a Carpenter?

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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $70,428
Seattle offers a vibrant job market for carpenters. The city's booming construction scene provides ample opportunities for skilled woodworkers. Companies like Amazon and Boeing often need carpentry services.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $66,450
In Minneapolis, carpenters find steady demand in the construction and renovation industries. The Twin Cities area's growth provides many job openings. Local firms like Target and Cargill seek carpentry expertise.
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Spokane, WA
Average Salary: $64,406
Spokane has a growing economy that benefits carpenters. The area's residential and commercial construction projects offer diverse opportunities. Local businesses often need carpentry skills for their projects.
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St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $63,036
St. Louis presents a favorable environment for carpenters. The city's historic building restoration projects create many job openings. Companies like Edward Jones and Peabody Energy often need carpentry services.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $60,268
Carpenters in Washington, DC, benefit from the city's construction boom. They find opportunities in both residential and federal projects. Firms like the Department of Defense and various construction companies offer consistent work.
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Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $59,845
Milwaukee offers a strong job market for carpenters. The city's manufacturing and construction industries thrive. Companies like Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors often need carpentry skills for their projects.
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Kansas City, MO
Average Salary: $58,295
Kansas City provides ample opportunities for carpenters. The area's growth leads to a high demand for skilled woodworkers. Local businesses and construction firms frequently seek carpentry expertise.
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Madison, WI
Average Salary: $56,847
Madison has a growing economy that benefits carpenters. The city's residential and commercial projects offer many job openings. Local universities and firms like Epic Systems often need carpentry services.
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Green Bay, WI
Average Salary: $54,067
Green Bay offers a solid job market for carpenters. The area's strong manufacturing sector creates many opportunities. Companies like Green Bay Packaging and Bellin Health often seek carpentry skills.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $52,143
Philadelphia provides a dynamic environment for carpenters. The city's historic building restoration projects create many job openings. Local businesses and construction firms frequently seek carpentry expertise.
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What are the best companies a Carpenter can work for?

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Rodenhiser Home Services, Inc.
Average Salary: $75,000
Rodenhiser Home Services, Inc. offers top-tier Carpenter positions, focusing on high-quality home repairs and new constructions. The company operates across multiple states, including Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana. Carpenters here enjoy comprehensive benefits and opportunities for growth.
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Solid LLC
Average Salary: $64,875
Solid LLC provides rewarding Carpenter roles with a focus on commercial and residential projects. Located primarily in the Midwest, Solid LLC values skilled craftsmanship and offers a supportive work environment. This company emphasizes job satisfaction and career advancement.
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WORKS by Jesse DeBenedictis, LLC
Average Salary: $62,500
WORKS by Jesse DeBenedictis, LLC offers dynamic Carpenter jobs, specializing in custom home builds and renovations. Operating mainly in the Seattle area, this company values creativity and technical skill. Employees enjoy a collaborative atmosphere and access to advanced training.
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PeopleReady
Average Salary: $60,385
PeopleReady offers diverse Carpenter positions across various industries. With locations nationwide, PeopleReady provides flexible job opportunities for Carpenters. This company is committed to employee development and offers a range of benefits.
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TWIN CITY FRAMERS, INC
Average Salary: $59,617
TWIN CITY FRAMERS, INC. specializes in residential and commercial carpentry. Based in the Twin Cities, the company focuses on precision and quality. Carpenters here can look forward to stable employment and the chance to work on notable projects.
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Summit BHC
Average Salary: $59,405
Summit BHC offers Carpenter positions that involve a mix of residential and commercial carpentry. Operating in several states, Summit BHC values skilled craftsmanship and offers a supportive workplace. Employees benefit from a comprehensive benefits package.
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Walters Buildings
Average Salary: $58,917
Walters Buildings offers Carpenter roles focused on commercial and residential building projects. Based in New York, Walters Buildings is known for its commitment to quality and innovation. Carpenters here enjoy a dynamic work environment and opportunities for growth.
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New Market Design + Build
Average Salary: $56,000
New Market Design + Build provides Carpenter positions with a focus on residential and commercial renovations. Based in Colorado, the company emphasizes craftsmanship and attention to detail. Employees benefit from a positive work culture and professional development opportunities.
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Joint Construction Staffing
Average Salary: $52,217
Joint Construction Staffing offers Carpenter roles in both residential and commercial projects. With offices across several states, this company values skilled tradespeople and offers competitive pay. Employees enjoy a supportive environment and various career advancement options.
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Express Employment International
Average Salary: $48,286
Express Employment International provides Carpenter positions across different sectors, including residential and commercial. Located in multiple states, the company focuses on matching skilled professionals with suitable roles. Employees benefit from flexible hours and a supportive staffing team.
How to earn more as a Carpenter?
Becoming a skilled carpenter can open the door to various job opportunities. However, the potential for higher earnings often depends on specific actions and choices. Focusing on certain key areas can help increase your income. By dedicating effort to these factors, a carpenter can see more significant financial rewards.
One effective way to earn more is to gain additional certifications. These can demonstrate expertise and lead to higher-paying jobs. Specialty skills, such as working with fine wood or historical restoration, often command higher wages. Networking within the industry also plays a vital role. Building relationships with other professionals can lead to lucrative job offers and referrals. Investing in quality tools and staying updated with the latest technology can improve efficiency and productivity. Finally, taking on freelance or contract work can provide extra income streams. Balancing these efforts can create a more profitable career for a carpenter.
Here are some factors to consider:
- Obtain additional certifications
- Develop specialty skills
- Network within the industry
- Invest in quality tools
- Take on freelance or contract work



