How Much do Carpenters Make? U.S. 2024 Salary Guide
Carpentry is more than a hands-on trade—it’s a career that rewards skill, experience, and specialization with impressive earning potential. In the United States, the average annual salary for carpenters is approximately $56,350, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but top earners can make upwards of $80,000 or more in high-demand areas or specialized roles.
This guide breaks down carpenter salaries across the country, exploring how apprentices, journeymen, and master carpenters are compensated. You’ll also learn which states offer the highest pay—like Hawaii, where carpenters earn an average of $80,160—and how certifications and industry trends can elevate your earning potential.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance, this guide gives you all the essential information to plan your path forward.
Table of Contents
What Do Carpenters Do?
At its heart, carpentry is about building and shaping the structures we live and work in. Carpenters work with wood, metal, and other materials to construct, install, and repair everything from home frameworks to intricate trim. Here’s a closer look at some key specialties:
- Rough Carpentry: Crafting the framework for buildings, including walls, floors, and roofs.
- Finish Carpentry: Adding the final touches like cabinetry, molding, and intricate woodwork.
- Framing: Constructing the skeletal framework of houses or buildings.
- Specialized Carpentry: Designing custom furniture, focusing on eco-friendly materials, or creating bespoke projects for high-end clients.
Each specialization impacts earning potential, with those in high-demand niches often commanding higher salaries.
How Much Do Carpenters Make in 2024?
National Averages for Carpenters
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for carpenters in 2023 was $56,350, or roughly $27.09 per hour. While this gives a general picture, earnings vary widely based on experience, location, and specialization:
- Top 10% Earners: Over $80,000 annually ($38.46/hour).
- Bottom 10% Earners: Under $34,500 annually ($16.59/hour).
Carpenter Salaries by Experience Level
Your level of experience directly impacts your paycheck:
- Apprentices: Starting out, you’ll earn around $30,000–$40,000 annually ($14–$19/hour). This reflects your training phase as you learn critical skills.
- Journeymen: With experience under your belt, salaries climb to $45,000–$60,000 annually ($22–$29/hour). Journeymen are skilled enough to work independently.
- Master Carpenters: As experts, you can expect $65,000–$90,000+ annually ($31–$43/hour). Those specializing in high-end or niche projects often earn at the higher end of this range.
State-by-State Salary Breakdown
Carpenter wages also depend heavily on location. States with high construction demand or cost of living offer better pay.
Check out how some states compare:
State | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
Hawaii | $80,160 | $38.54 |
California | $69,762 | $33.54 |
Massachusetts | $68,813 | $33.08 |
New Jersey | $69,319 | $33.33 |
Alaska | $68,876 | $33.11 |
Alabama | $58,124 | $27.94 |
Source: Salary.com
Urban areas like San Francisco or Boston often pay higher than rural regions due to demand and project volume.
What Influences Carpenter Salaries?
Several factors determine how much a carpenter earns. Let’s break them down:
1. Location
The cost of living and regional construction demand are significant factors. States like California and Massachusetts pay more due to their thriving construction industries, while states like Alabama or Mississippi offer lower averages.
2. Type of Employer
- Union Carpenters: Tend to earn 10–20% more than non-union workers and enjoy stronger benefits like healthcare and pensions.
- Independent Contractors: Have the potential for higher earnings per project but must manage expenses like tools, insurance, and taxes.
- Construction Firms: Offer steady pay and benefits but may limit earning potential compared to independent work.
3. Specializations and Certifications
Carpenters with in-demand skills or certifications earn more. Examples include:
- Finish Carpentry: Precision work in cabinetry or molding commands higher pay.
- Eco-Friendly Carpentry: The rise of green building practices increases demand for expertise in sustainable materials.
- Commercial Carpentry: Working on large-scale projects, such as skyscrapers or retail spaces, often comes with better wages.
Certifications like OSHA safety training, LEED accreditation, or advanced carpentry credentials make you more marketable.
4. Industry Trends and Demand
The construction industry’s health directly impacts carpenter salaries. Economic booms, housing demand, and government infrastructure projects create more jobs and higher pay.
Emerging Trends Shaping Carpenter Salaries in 2024
Carpentry continues to evolve, and staying ahead of trends can boost your income:
- Sustainability: Carpenters specializing in eco-friendly builds and energy-efficient framing are in high demand.
- Smart Homes: With more homes integrating tech features, carpenters skilled in accommodating these systems are seeing opportunities grow.
- Modular Construction: Prefab and modular construction methods are rising. Those skilled in assembling these units may find lucrative work.
How to Maximize Your Earnings as a Carpenter
Want to boost your pay? Below are some actionable tips:
- Specialize: Focus on high-demand areas like finish carpentry, cabinetry, or green building techniques.
- Pursue Certifications: Advanced training makes you stand out and justifies higher pay.
- Relocate Strategically: Consider moving to high-paying states or urban areas with strong construction markets.
- Join a Union: Union carpenters typically earn more and enjoy better benefits.
- Leverage Tools Like Invoice Fly: Streamline your business operations to focus on projects and profits.
The Business Side of Carpentry: Why Tools Like Invoice Fly Matter
Managing your finances and projects efficiently is just as important as honing your craft. Tools like Invoice Fly can help you:
- Track Invoices: Ensure timely payments and maintain a steady cash flow.
- Manage Expenses: Keep an accurate record of job-related costs for better budgeting.
- Streamline Tax Preparation: Organize financial records, saving time during tax season.
With Invoice Fly, carpenters can simplify their administrative workload and focus on what they do best—building.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carpenter Salaries
1. How Do Union Carpenters Compare to Non-Union?
Unionized carpenters often earn more—sometimes 10–15% higher wages—and receive comprehensive benefits like pensions and healthcare.
2. What’s the Job Outlook for Carpenters?
The BLS predicts 4% growth in carpenter jobs from 2022 to 2033, keeping pace with the average for other trades.
3. How Can Apprentices Increase Their Earnings?
- Complete training programs quickly.
- Pursue certifications to improve skills.
- Take on overtime work or side projects.
Final Thoughts
Carpentry offers diverse opportunities for growth, from apprenticeships to high-paying master roles.
By understanding salary trends, specializing in high-demand areas, and leveraging tools like Invoice Fly, you can maximize your earning potential and create a thriving career.
Ready to simplify your business operations? Try Invoice Fly today.
