How much does a Finish Carpenter make?
A Finish Carpenter works on the final touches of wood in buildings. This includes making and installing trim, doors, and other decorative elements. The average yearly salary for a Finish Carpenter is around $56,145. This means that most carpenters earn somewhere near this amount each year.
The salary for a Finish Carpenter can vary based on experience and location. Some earn less, while others earn more. Here is a breakdown of the salary range:
- The lowest 10% earn about $38,000.
- The next 10% earn about $42,500.
- The next 10% earn about $47,000.
- The next 10% earn about $51,500.
- The next 10% earn about $56,000.
- The next 10% earn about $60,500.
- The next 10% earn about $65,000.
- The next 10% earn about $69,500.
- The next 10% earn about $74,000.
- The next 10% earn about $78,500.
- The top 10% earn about $83,000 or more.
What are the highest paying cities for a Finish Carpenter?

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Cleveland, OH
Average Salary: $77,176
In Cleveland, skilled carpenters find ample opportunities in the construction sector. The city's focus on urban renewal offers many projects for those who can craft fine details. Companies like Sherwin-Williams and KeyBank are known for their building projects.
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Tulsa, OK
Average Salary: $74,500
Tulsa offers a vibrant environment for carpenters. The city's growing infrastructure projects provide steady work. Local firms such as ONEOK and QuikTrip are always in need of skilled carpenters.
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Pittsburgh, PA
Average Salary: $71,931
Pittsburgh's rich industrial history means many opportunities for carpenters. The city's commitment to revitalizing its urban areas creates a steady demand for skilled workers. Companies like UPMC and PPG Industries often seek out talented carpenters.
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Louisville, KY
Average Salary: $71,779
Louisville provides a dynamic environment for carpenters. The city's focus on historic preservation and new developments offers diverse projects. Local businesses such as Yum! Brands and Brown-Forman are known for their construction needs.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $70,745
Seattle's booming tech industry and urban growth create many opportunities for carpenters. The city's emphasis on sustainable building practices offers a variety of projects. Companies like Amazon and Starbucks often require skilled carpenters.
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Worcester, MA
Average Salary: $70,500
Worcester offers a mix of historic and modern projects for carpenters. The city's commitment to education and community development provides steady work. Local institutions like UMass Memorial Health and Worcester Polytechnic Institute often need skilled carpenters.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $69,409
Chicago's diverse construction landscape offers many opportunities for carpenters. The city's iconic architecture and ongoing development projects provide a wealth of work. Companies like McDonald's and Boeing often seek skilled carpenters.
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St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $68,787
St. Louis provides a variety of projects for carpenters. The city's focus on urban revitalization and historic preservation offers steady work. Local firms such as Edward Jones and Anheuser-Busch often need skilled carpenters.
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Indianapolis, IN
Average Salary: $67,278
Indianapolis offers a growing market for carpenters. The city's expanding infrastructure and residential projects provide many opportunities. Companies like Eli Lilly and Company and Indiana Pacers Sports & Entertainment often seek skilled carpenters.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $66,490
Philadelphia's rich history and urban development create many opportunities for carpenters. The city's focus on historic preservation and new construction offers a variety of projects. Local businesses such as Comcast and Independence Blue Cross often need skilled carpenters.
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What are the best companies a Finish Carpenter can work for?

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Kitchen Saver
Average Salary: $87,500
Kitchen Saver offers top-tier salaries for Finish Carpenters. They focus on kitchen remodeling and operate in several states, including California and Texas. Their projects often involve high-quality materials and custom designs.
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Peopleready
Average Salary: $73,550
Peopleready provides Finish Carpenter jobs with a competitive salary. They work with various industries, offering diverse projects. Locations include major cities across the United States, providing opportunities for travel and varied experiences.
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GulfStream Aerospace
Average Salary: $65,287
GulfStream Aerospace offers Finish Carpenter positions with a solid salary. They specialize in aerospace and defense projects. Their operations are mainly in Georgia, with a focus on high-tech and innovative work environments.
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Nationwide Fixture Installations
Average Salary: $64,722
Nationwide Fixture Installations pays Finish Carpenters well. They focus on fixture installation and operate across the country. Their work involves both residential and commercial projects, ensuring a dynamic job experience.
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OrePac Building Products
Average Salary: $63,700
OrePac Building Products offers a good salary for Finish Carpenters. They supply building materials and operate in multiple states. Their projects often involve large-scale construction, providing a robust work environment.
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American Floor & Home
Average Salary: $57,000
American Floor & Home provides Finish Carpenter jobs with a solid salary. They focus on flooring and home improvement. Their operations are mainly in the Midwest, offering a stable and rewarding work experience.
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IKEA
Average Salary: $54,506
IKEA offers Finish Carpenter positions with a decent salary. They are a global retailer known for their furniture and home accessories. Their projects often involve large-scale installations and custom designs.
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Aerotek
Average Salary: $53,499
Aerotek provides Finish Carpenter jobs with a competitive salary. They offer staffing services across various industries. Locations include major cities nationwide, providing diverse job opportunities.
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Abacus Staffing
Average Salary: $52,865
Abacus Staffing offers Finish Carpenter positions with a good salary. They focus on staffing services for multiple sectors. Their operations span several states, offering varied job experiences.
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Bayland Buildings, Inc.
Average Salary: $48,154
Bayland Buildings, Inc. provides Finish Carpenter jobs with a fair salary. They specialize in building construction and operate in California. Their projects often involve residential and commercial buildings.
How to earn more as a Finish Carpenter?
A Finish Carpenter can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. First, gaining experience and mastering skills can lead to higher-paying jobs. Specialization in areas like cabinetry or trim work can make a carpenter more valuable. Networking with other professionals can also open doors to better opportunities. Attending workshops and training sessions helps to stay updated with the latest techniques and tools, which can improve efficiency and quality of work. Building a strong reputation through quality work and customer satisfaction can lead to more referrals and repeat business.
Another way to earn more is by expanding the service offerings. A Finish Carpenter can add value by taking on additional tasks such as woodworking, furniture restoration, or even small-scale construction projects. Working with subcontractors for larger projects can also increase income. Marketing skills are crucial; using social media and online platforms to showcase work can attract more clients. Finally, negotiating higher rates with clients who value quality and craftsmanship can lead to better compensation. By focusing on these areas, a Finish Carpenter can significantly boost their earnings.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Finish Carpenter:
- Gain experience and specialize in high-demand skills.
- Network with other professionals to find new job opportunities.
- Attend workshops and training to stay updated with new techniques.
- Expand service offerings to include additional tasks and projects.
- Improve marketing skills to attract more clients and negotiate higher rates.