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Carpenter salary
Carpenters construct, install, and repair building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials.
Median annual
$58,000
Median hourly
$28
Top 10% earn
$85,000+
Salary range
Bottom 10%$40,000
Median$58,000
Top 10%$85,000
Carpenter salary by experience level
How pay typically progresses from a first job to a senior role, modelled from the reported national pay distribution.
| Experience | Years | Annual | Hourly | vs median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | 0–2 years | $44,300 | $21 | -24% |
| Early career | 2–5 years | $52,000 | $25 | -10% |
| Mid career | 5–10 years | $61,800 | $30 | +7% |
| Senior / experienced | 10+ years | $76,000 | $37 | +31% |
- Entry level: Starting pay for newly qualified carpenters, before specialisation or overtime.
- Early career: Pay rises quickly once you can work independently and take on harder assignments.
- Mid career: Most workers sit around this level, often with a specialism or a first supervisory role.
- Senior / experienced: Lead, senior or management roles, plus the highest-paying employers and locations.
Career details
Education
High school diploma plus 3–4 year apprenticeship.
Job outlook
4% growth through 2033 — tied to construction activity.
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