Union carpenters significantly outearn non-union. East/West Coast metros lead.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Carpenters. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $44,700 | $32,400 | $60,100 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $55,500 | $40,200 | $74,800 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $63,900 | $46,300 | $86,000 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $76,600 | $55,500 | $103,200 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $86,900 | $62,900 | $116,900 |
Top 10 states by median Carpenter salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington DC | $89,500 | $68,000 | $116,400 | +40% |
| New York | $86,300 | $65,600 | $112,200 | +35% |
| California | $84,400 | $64,100 | $109,700 | +32% |
| Hawaii | $83,100 | $63,200 | $108,100 | +30% |
| Washington | $83,100 | $63,200 | $108,100 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $80,600 | $61,200 | $104,700 | +26% |
| Illinois | $79,900 | $60,700 | $103,900 | +25% |
| Massachusetts | $79,900 | $60,700 | $103,900 | +25% |
| Connecticut | $77,400 | $58,800 | $100,600 | +21% |
| Maryland | $76,700 | $58,300 | $99,800 | +20% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $54,400 | $41,300 | $70,700 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $53,700 | $40,800 | $69,800 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $53,700 | $40,800 | $69,800 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $53,700 | $40,800 | $69,800 | -16% |
| Alabama | $53,100 | $40,300 | $69,000 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $53,100 | $40,300 | $69,000 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $51,200 | $38,900 | $66,500 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $51,200 | $38,900 | $66,500 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $49,900 | $37,900 | $64,800 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $49,900 | $37,900 | $64,800 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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