What are you sitting on, chair or sofa? Whatever it is. Do you know how much hard work and precision it required to build these things to give you a comfortable sitting? Carpenters are like masters in performing any type of wooden work.
Now, a question arises: how much do they make? If you’re looking to pursue a career in this field, this question must come to your mind. On average, a carpenter earns around $62,131.
They can earn even more, depending on various factors. Let’s explore the various aspects of carpenters’ salaries and the factors influencing them.
How Much Do Carpenters Make?
According to a 2023 report, over 900 thousand carpenters were employed in the US. Among those, around 26% were self-employed carpenters. If you also want to become a self-employed wood professional, you must be familiar with earnings.
On average, a carpenter makes $62,131 yearly, which is equal to $24.17 hourly. As per various reports, they can earn more than $93,000 depending on experience, skills, and location.
Factors Influencing Carpenters’ Salaries
In this section, we’ll discuss some key factors influencing the earnings of carpenters.
1. Location
One of the major factors influencing the salaries of these woodworkers is where they live and work. The cost of living will affect the wages from one area to another. The higher the cost of living will be, the more carpenters will earn.
Below, we’ve gathered the list of carpenters’ earnings in different areas.
- New Jersey:- $71,550 per year
- Alaska:- $68,180 per year
- Hawaii:- $79,200 per year
- California:- $71,850 per year
- New York:- $65,963 per year
- Houston:- $59,060 per year
- Los Angeles:- $69,650 per year
- Las Vegas:- $62,936 per year
- Chicago:- $74,755 per year
- Atlanta:- $53,005 per year
2. Experience
Another factor influencing the salaries of carpenters is the experience level. Having more experience in the respective field means higher earning potential. For example, a carpenter with more than 5-10 years of experience will earn more than one with 3-4 years of experience.
However, a highly experienced woodworker with specialized skills can earn bonuses. Here are some average salaries ranging from beginner level to senior level.
- Beginner-Level:- $30,000 to $45,000 per year
- Mid-Level:- $40,000 to $60,000 per year
- Senior-Level:- $60,000 to $90,000 per year
3. Education Level
A carpenter with certain certifications, such as OSHA 10/30, has a higher earning potential than an individual with no certification. Additionally, a bachelor’s degree can give you the opportunity to earn even more.
4. Type of Job
The type of employer also affects the salaries of these woodworkers. Those working for large construction firms or in commercial construction projects tend to earn more than those working on smaller residential construction projects and buildings.
5. Industry Demand
Carpenters working in high-demand sectors like commercial construction or custom cabinetry may earn more than those in less lucrative fields. Trends in housing markets, commercial development, and infrastructure projects directly affect demand and, consequently, salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the average salary for a carpenter in the United States?
The average salary for a carpenter in the United States is around $49,500 per year.
2. Do carpenter salaries vary by state?
Yes, carpenter salaries can vary significantly by state due to cost of living and demand for skilled labor.
3. Which states pay the highest salaries for carpenters?
States like Hawaii, New York, and Illinois tend to offer higher salaries for carpenters.
4. How much do apprentice carpenters earn?
Apprentice carpenters typically earn between $30,000 and $40,000 per year, depending on location and experience.
5. What is the salary range for journeyman carpenters?
Journeyman carpenters usually earn between $45,000 and $65,000 annually.
6. Can carpenters earn more with certifications?
Yes, carpenters with additional certifications and specialized skills often earn higher salaries.
7. How does experience affect a carpenter’s salary?
Carpenters with more experience generally earn higher salaries, with significant increases seen after 5, 10, and 20 years of experience.
8. Do union carpenters earn more than non-union carpenters?
Typically, union carpenters earn higher wages and have better benefits compared to non-union carpenters.
9. Are there salary differences between residential and commercial carpenters?
Yes, commercial carpenters often earn higher salaries compared to residential carpenters due to the complexity of the work.
10. How do carpenter salaries compare to other trades?
Carpenter salaries are generally competitive with other skilled trades, with variations based on specialization and experience.
Wrapping Up
Financially, carpentry can be a rewarding career. While the average salary for carpenters is around $62,131 per year, many factors influence this figure, including experience, location, skills, and market trend. With the right skills and experience, carpenters can achieve higher earning potential.
