How much does a Carpenter make?
Carpenters work hard to build and repair structures, playing a key role in the construction industry. The average yearly salary for a carpenter is about $53,873. This means that many carpenters can expect a stable income as they gain experience.
The salary for carpenters can vary based on their experience and location. For instance, the bottom 10 percent of earners make less than $33,750, while the top 10 percent make more than $81,540. This range shows that there are good earning opportunities for those who move up in their careers and take on more responsibilities. By continuing to learn and develop new skills, carpenters can increase their earnings over time.
In summary, a career as a carpenter offers a fair starting salary with the potential for growth. With dedication and hard work, many carpenters can achieve higher pay as they gain experience and expertise.
What are the highest paying cities for a Carpenter?

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Tampa, FL
Average Salary: $74,438
In Tampa, carpentry offers a vibrant work environment. Many projects focus on residential and commercial renovations. Companies like ABC Home Services and Taylor Morrison Home Corp. provide great opportunities.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $72,547
Seattle provides a unique setting for carpentry. Projects range from historic restorations to modern constructions. Firms like Seattle Carpentry and Northwest Carpenters Union often seek skilled artisans.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $70,857
Minneapolis carpenters enjoy a mix of residential and commercial projects. The area values skilled craftsmanship. Companies such as Olson Construction and Dahl Carpentry often hire experienced workers.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $70,787
San Diego offers carpentry work with beautiful coastal projects. Many carpenters focus on coastal architecture and luxury homes. Companies like Benchmark Construction and J.J. Keller & Associates provide solid opportunities.
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Spokane, WA
Average Salary: $66,186
Spokane's carpentry scene combines residential and commercial projects. Carpenters can find work on both small and large-scale projects. Local firms like Spokane Valley Construction and McGavick Construction look for skilled tradespeople.
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St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $64,972
St. Louis carpenters work on a variety of projects from urban redevelopment to residential homes. Local companies like St. Louis Carpentry and Pro-Built Construction offer great chances to build a career.
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Omaha, NE
Average Salary: $64,000
Omaha provides a mix of residential and commercial carpentry jobs. The area is seeing growth in both sectors. Local firms like Omaha Builders and Precision Carpentry Group hire skilled workers.
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Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $62,179
Milwaukee's carpentry scene offers a mix of traditional and modern projects. Many projects focus on local businesses and home improvements. Companies like Milwaukee Carpenters Union and J.P. Cullen Sons look for experienced craftsmen.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $61,033
Washington, DC offers carpentry work with government and high-end residential projects. Carpenters can find jobs on iconic buildings and luxury homes. Companies like DC Carpentry and Lunder Construction seek skilled workers.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $59,925
Philadelphia offers a rich history and diverse carpentry projects. From restorations to modern builds, carpenters find plenty to do. Firms like Philadelphia Carpentry and J.E. Dunn Construction provide many opportunities.
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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: $64,444
WORKS by Jesse DeBenedictis, LLC offers a range of carpentry services. Based in Chicago, Illinois, the company provides excellent carpentry opportunities. They focus on residential and commercial projects, offering competitive salaries and benefits.
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Blue Star Limited
Average Salary: $60,000
Blue Star Limited is a leading construction firm with a focus on carpentry. They operate across the United States, offering carpentry jobs with good salaries and benefits. The company values skilled carpenters who can contribute to their projects.
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Peopleready
Average Salary: $59,824
Peopleready is a staffing agency that places skilled carpenters in various projects. They operate throughout the U.S., providing temporary and permanent positions. The company offers competitive wages and a chance to work with multiple clients.
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Twin City Framers
Average Salary: $59,673
Twin City Framers specializes in framing for residential and commercial buildings. Based in Minnesota, they offer carpentry jobs with a focus on quality and safety. The company provides a stable environment with good pay and benefits.
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Walters Buildings
Average Salary: $58,250
Walters Buildings is a major construction firm operating nationwide. They hire carpenters for a variety of projects, from new builds to renovations. The company offers competitive salaries and growth opportunities for skilled carpenters.
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Curtis Contracting, Inc.
Average Salary: $53,286
Curtis Contracting, Inc. offers carpentry services for residential and commercial projects. They operate in several states and value skilled carpenters who can contribute to their projects. The company provides good salaries and benefits.
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Aerotek
Average Salary: $50,927
Aerotek is a staffing agency that places carpenters in various construction projects. They operate nationwide, offering temporary and permanent positions. The company provides competitive wages and the chance to work with multiple clients.
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US LBM Holdings
Average Salary: $50,000
US LBM Holdings is a large distributor of building materials and offers carpentry jobs. They operate across the United States, providing opportunities for carpenters in construction projects. The company offers stable employment and competitive pay.
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Express Employment Professionals
Average Salary: $47,765
Express Employment Professionals is a staffing agency that connects job seekers with employers. They offer carpentry positions in various locations. The company provides good wages and benefits for skilled carpenters.
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C&Z Construction
Average Salary: $46,000
C&Z Construction is a construction firm that specializes in residential and commercial projects. They offer carpentry jobs with a focus on safety and quality. The company provides good wages and benefits for their employees.
How to earn more as a Carpenter?
Becoming a skilled carpenter offers many opportunities to earn more. A carpenter who gains more experience can expect higher pay. Focus on learning advanced skills and gaining certifications to boost earnings. Networking and finding the right projects can lead to better-paying jobs. Here are key factors to consider:
- Specialization: Specializing in areas like cabinetry, framing, or finishing can command higher rates.
- Certification: Gaining certifications from recognized bodies can increase credibility and earning potential.
- Networking: Building connections with other professionals can lead to higher-paying jobs and referrals.
- Experience: More experience often means higher rates. Taking on various projects helps to build a strong portfolio.
- Location: Working in areas with higher demand for carpenters can lead to better-paying jobs.
Focusing on these factors can help a carpenter increase their earning potential. Specialization and certification show dedication to the craft. Networking opens doors to more job opportunities. Gaining experience and working in high-demand areas are also critical for earning more. Each of these steps can help a carpenter build a successful and lucrative career.



