What Carpenters do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Carpenters this way: "Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation. Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment"; "Study specifications in blueprints, sketches, or building plans to prepare project layout and determine dimensions and materials required"; "Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge"; "Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws"; "Install structures or fixtures, such as windows, frames, floorings, trim, or hardware, using carpenters' hand or power tools".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is apprenticeship.
Job outlook for Carpenters
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 889,700 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 924,700 in 2035, an increase of 35,000 jobs (+3.9%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 62,800 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.1% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 25.1% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $60,580, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Carpenters earn the most
Across the 21 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $48,818 in Texas to $76,344 in California, a gap of $27,526 (1.56 times). 15 of those 21 states average above the BLS national median of $60,580 and 6 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 99,480, which is 15.8% of the 628,450 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 51,620.
Highest-paying states
California ($76,344), Illinois ($75,086) and New Hampshire ($73,034) lead the ranking, while Texas ($48,818) and Florida ($50,344) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Carpenters: pay against the cost of living
We compare 29 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Lake County, IN (Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN) at $41,862. The smallest margin is $10,751 in Miami-Dade County, FL.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 29 of the 29 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 22.5% and 58.4% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Carpenters
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (47-2000) include Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, Electricians, Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators and Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers.
Frequently asked questions about Carpenters
How much do Carpenters earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $60,580. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $48,818 to $76,344.
Which state pays Carpenters the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $76,344. Illinois is next at $75,086.
Is Carpenters a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 3.9% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 62,800 openings a year.
What education do Carpenters need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and apprenticeship, according to BLS.
Where can Carpenters afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Lake County, IN leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $41,862 on a median wage of $80,440.