Skilled Trades
Carpenter Salary
Builds and repairs structures, frameworks, and fixtures from wood and other materials.
Low
$38,000
Average
$56,000
High
$80,000
What this role does
- Read blueprints and measurements
- Cut, shape, and install building materials
- Frame structures and install fixtures
- Maintain and use hand and power tools safely
Education & path in
Apprenticeship or trade school program
Experience level: Apprentice through journeyman/master carpenter
Where it pays best
States that typically pay above the national average for this role: Illinois, Hawaii, New York, Alaska, Massachusetts. Actual pay depends heavily on metro area, employer size, and cost of living.
Job outlook
Average
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Figures are editorial estimates as of Jul 1, 2026, not official government statistics. For official data, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics.