How much does a Finish Carpenter make?
A Finish Carpenter's salary can vary based on experience and location. On average, Finish Carpenters earn about $56,934 a year. This job pays a good wage, making it a solid career choice for those interested in craftsmanship and construction. The job allows for steady work and good earning potential.
Different factors can affect how much a Finish Carpenter earns. These factors include where they work, their level of experience, and the specific tasks they perform. Some Finish Carpenters may earn more due to their expertise or by working in areas with higher living costs. Experience plays a big role as well. New carpenters may start at the lower end of the salary range, but with time, they can see their earnings increase.
What are the highest paying cities for a Finish Carpenter?

-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $74,280
In Seattle, skilled woodworkers find opportunities with companies like Amazon and various local contractors. The city's booming tech scene drives demand for high-quality interior finishes. Seasonal projects keep work steady year-round.
Find Finish Carpenter jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Louisville, KY
Average Salary: $68,904
Louisville offers a mix of residential and commercial projects for carpenters. Local businesses value experienced professionals. The city's historic architecture provides unique challenges and opportunities for growth.
Find Finish Carpenter jobs in Louisville, KY
-
Pittsburgh, PA
Average Salary: $67,625
In Pittsburgh, carpenters work with both historic and modern constructions. Companies like UPMC and PPG offer stable environments. The city's industrial roots mean a variety of materials and techniques are used.
Find Finish Carpenter jobs in Pittsburgh, PA
-
Boston, MA
Average Salary: $66,957
Boston's rich history means a demand for skilled carpenters. Projects range from renovations to new builds. Firms like Liberty Mutual provide excellent opportunities. The city's diverse projects keep work interesting.
Find Finish Carpenter jobs in Boston, MA
-
Portland, OR
Average Salary: $65,780
Portland offers a vibrant market for carpenters. Local businesses focus on eco-friendly designs. Companies like Nike and Adidas require high-quality finishes. The city’s arts scene influences creative woodworking projects.
Find Finish Carpenter jobs in Portland, OR
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $65,727
Los Angeles provides a dynamic environment for carpenters. With Hollywood and tech companies, projects vary widely. Skilled carpenters find work with firms like Disney and Sony. The diverse market ensures a steady flow of opportunities.
Find Finish Carpenter jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $65,329
In St. Louis, carpenters work on both residential and commercial projects. Companies like Enterprise Holdings and Centene Corporation offer stability. The Midwest charm offers a mix of traditional and modern woodworking styles.
Find Finish Carpenter jobs in St. Louis, MO
-
Denver, CO
Average Salary: $64,763
Denver’s growing population creates demand for carpenters. Local businesses value skilled professionals. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Denver Public Schools require quality craftsmanship. The city’s outdoor culture influences interior design trends.
Find Finish Carpenter jobs in Denver, CO
-
Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $64,291
Charlotte offers a mix of historic and modern projects. Companies like Bank of America and Duke Energy value experienced carpenters. The city’s growth ensures a steady job market. Diverse projects keep carpenters engaged.
Find Finish Carpenter jobs in Charlotte, NC
-
Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $62,450
Minneapolis provides a stable job market for carpenters. Local firms focus on high-quality finishes. Companies like Target and 3M require skilled woodworkers. The city’s diverse projects include historic and modern designs.
Find Finish Carpenter jobs in Minneapolis, MN
What are the best companies a Finish Carpenter can work for?

-
Kitchen Saver
Average Salary: $87,500
Kitchen Saver is well-known for its high-quality kitchen remodeling services. They employ skilled finish carpenters who work on custom cabinetry and high-end finishes. Kitchen Saver has locations across major cities in the Northeast and Midwest.
-
Peopleready
Average Salary: $74,000
Peopleready offers diverse opportunities for finish carpenters across various industries. They provide temp-to-hire options, allowing carpenters to gain experience and potentially secure permanent positions. Peopleready operates nationwide.
-
Nationwide Fixture Installations
Average Salary: $61,500
Nationwide Fixture Installations specializes in installing fixtures in commercial and residential settings. They hire finish carpenters to ensure precision in their installations. This company has offices in several states across the country.
-
Aerotek
Average Salary: $51,750
Aerotek connects finish carpenters with various industries, from construction to manufacturing. They offer competitive pay and opportunities for growth. Aerotek has a presence in many cities across the United States.
-
Centennial Homes
Average Salary: $49,083
Centennial Homes focuses on building quality residential properties. Their finish carpenters work on fine details, ensuring each home meets high standards. The company builds homes in multiple states across the country.
How to earn more as a Finish Carpenter?
Finish carpenters work on the final stages of building structures, focusing on interior finishes. This skilled trade offers a pathway to earning more. Carpenters can increase their pay through several avenues. They can gain certifications, take on more complex projects, and learn new skills. Each of these actions can lead to higher pay and better job opportunities.
Here are some ways a finish carpenter can earn more:
- Certifications: Earning certifications in specialties like cabinetry or trim work can make a carpenter more attractive to employers. These skills can lead to higher-paying jobs.
- Experience: Working for several years and building a portfolio of completed projects can help carpenters charge more for their services. Experience often brings higher pay.
- Networking: Building strong relationships with other professionals in the construction industry can lead to more job opportunities. Networking can uncover higher-paying jobs.
- Additional Skills: Learning new skills, such as using advanced tools or software, can make a carpenter more valuable. Additional skills often lead to higher pay.
- Starting a Business: Some carpenters choose to start their own businesses. Owning a business can offer the chance to earn more. Successful business owners often see higher incomes.



