How much does a Carpenter make?
A Carpenter’s job is both rewarding and well-paid. The role involves building and fixing structures from wood. Carpenters make an average of about $52,700 each year. Some earn less, and some earn more, depending on many factors.
Carpenters can work in different environments. They might build houses, offices, or other buildings. Experienced carpenters and those with special skills can earn higher salaries. For example, someone with years of experience and expertise in a specific area might make up to $80,000 per year.
A Carpenter’s salary also changes based on location. Urban areas usually offer higher wages than rural ones. This is because living costs in cities are often higher. As a result, employers there may need to offer more to attract qualified candidates.
What are the highest paying cities for a Carpenter?

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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $69,995
In Seattle, skilled tradespeople thrive. Many find work with large construction firms. The city's growing infrastructure boosts job opportunities.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $67,733
San Diego offers a bustling job market for construction workers. Many find jobs with top-tier companies. The city's warm climate makes it an attractive place to work.
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Tampa, FL
Average Salary: $67,555
Tampa has a lively construction scene. Workers often find employment with major firms. The city's growth leads to many new projects.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $66,137
Minneapolis offers a stable job market for those in the trade. Many workers find jobs with prominent companies. The city's focus on green building creates unique opportunities.
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St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $63,126
St. Louis provides a solid job market for construction workers. Opportunities exist with both large firms and local businesses. The city's historic architecture offers unique projects.
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Manchester, NH
Average Salary: $60,656
Manchester offers a strong job market for skilled tradespeople. Many find work with local contractors. The city's growing downtown area provides new opportunities.
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Spokane, WA
Average Salary: $60,411
Spokane has a growing job market for those in the construction trade. Workers often find jobs with both local and national firms. The city's scenic beauty makes it a pleasant place to work.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $60,349
Washington, DC offers many job opportunities for skilled tradespeople. Many find work with federal contractors. The city's historical buildings provide unique projects.
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Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $59,741
Milwaukee provides a stable job market for construction workers. Many find jobs with prominent local firms. The city's focus on redevelopment offers many new projects.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $59,604
Los Angeles offers a bustling job market for those in the trade. Many find jobs with large construction companies. The city's diverse projects keep the work interesting.
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What are the best companies a Carpenter can work for?

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WORKS by Jesse DeBenedictis, LLC
Average Salary: $63,352
WORKS by Jesse DeBenedictis, LLC offers rewarding Carpenter jobs with a focus on high-quality craftsmanship. This company operates in Chicago and Milwaukee, providing numerous opportunities for skilled carpenters.
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Peopleready
Average Salary: $57,741
Peopleready provides Carpenter jobs with competitive pay. They have locations across the country, including major cities like Houston, Dallas, and Los Angeles, ensuring a wide range of opportunities for carpenters.
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Kinsley Construction
Average Salary: $57,565
Kinsley Construction offers Carpenter jobs with attractive benefits and a collaborative work environment. They operate in the Northeast, including New York and Pennsylvania, providing steady employment for skilled tradespeople.
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Great Lakes Skilled Trades
Average Salary: $53,500
Great Lakes Skilled Trades pays its Carpenters well and emphasizes career growth. They have locations in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana, offering diverse job opportunities in the region.
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Curtis Contracting, Inc.
Average Salary: $52,250
Curtis Contracting, Inc. offers Carpenter jobs with competitive salaries and benefits. They are based in the Midwest, including Illinois and Missouri, providing opportunities for carpenters in the area.
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US LBM Holdings
Average Salary: $50,000
US LBM Holdings offers Carpenter jobs with a comprehensive benefits package. They have numerous locations nationwide, ensuring a variety of job opportunities across the country.
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Aerotek
Average Salary: $49,240
Aerotek provides Carpenter jobs with competitive wages and flexible schedules. They have locations across the United States, offering job opportunities in many regions.
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Express Employment Professionals
Average Salary: $47,190
Express Employment Professionals offers Carpenter jobs with a focus on finding the right match for job seekers. They have numerous locations nationwide, providing opportunities for skilled carpenters.
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Skilled Trades Services
Average Salary: $46,000
Skilled Trades Services offers Carpenter jobs with a focus on training and development. They operate in several states, including Texas and California, providing job opportunities in various locations.
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MasTec Inc
Average Salary: $45,336
MasTec Inc offers Carpenter jobs with a strong commitment to safety and quality. They have locations across the United States, providing opportunities for carpenters nationwide.
How to earn more as a Carpenter?
To earn more as a carpenter, one should focus on improving skills and gaining experience. Specialized training in areas such as cabinet-making or roofing can open up higher-paying job opportunities. Networking with other professionals can also lead to better job offers and freelance work. Using modern tools and techniques can improve efficiency and quality, making it possible to charge more for services.
Experience and reputation play a crucial role in earning more. Carpenters who have been in the field for several years and have a strong track record of completed projects can command higher wages. Taking on challenging projects and completing them successfully can lead to referrals and repeat business. Investing in quality materials and tools can also increase job quality and client satisfaction.
Below are five factors that can help a carpenter earn more:
- Specialized Skills: Learning advanced techniques and skills can increase job opportunities and pay.
- Networking: Building relationships with other professionals can lead to referrals and better job offers.
- Experience: More years of experience can lead to higher wages and more complex projects.
- Quality Work: Using high-quality materials and tools can improve job quality and client satisfaction.
- Reputation: A good reputation can lead to repeat business and higher pay.



