Carpenter Pay 12-16-25

In 2025, US carpenter pay varies significantly, with averages around $50,000-$60,000 annually ($24-$29/hr), but experienced journeymen and masters in high-demand areas or union roles can reach $70,000-$90,000+, while apprentices start lower, around $30k-$40k. Pay depends heavily on location (Alaska, Hawaii, California pay well), skill, union membership, and specialization, with foremen and specialized roles earning more. 

Average Pay Ranges (2025 Estimates)

Overall Average: Around $52,000 - $60,000/year ($25 - $29/hour).

Apprentices: $14 - $19/hour ($30k - $40k/year).

Journeymen: $22 - $29/hour ($45k - $60k/year).

Masters/Foremen: $31 - $43+/hour ($65k - $90k+/year). 

Factors Influencing Pay

Location: High cost-of-living states like Hawaii, New Jersey, and Alaska often have higher wages, while major cities like San Francisco, CA, and Nome, AK, also pay well.

Experience: More years and advanced skills (master, foreman) significantly boost earnings.

Union Membership: Union carpenters often command higher, standardized wages (e.g., NorCal Unions show $43+/hr for journeymen).

Specialization: Niche work or leading teams (foreman) increases pay. 

Examples by Role & Location (2025)

NorCal Union: Journeyman $43.72/hr, Foreman $48.09/hr (July 2025).

Top Cities (AK/CA): $61k - $65k+ annually.

High-Paying States (Overall): Hawaii, NJ, WA. 

In 2025, the median annual pay for a carpenter in the US is approximately $52,115, which breaks down to about $25.06 per hour. Salaries can range widely from approximately $29,500 to over $74,000 annually, depending heavily on location, skill, and experience level. 

Salary Breakdown by Experience

Carpenter pay increases significantly with experience and specialization.

Experience Level          Annual Salary Range       Hourly Rate

Apprentice                     $30,000-$48,000               $14-$21.62

Journeyman                  $52,500-$68,500               $31-$43

Master Carpenter          $65.000-$90,000               $31-$43

Factors Affecting Pay

Location: Pay can vary greatly by location. For example, cities in California and Alaska often report higher average salaries, with some areas like Soledad, CA, averaging over $77,958 annually. Conversely, states like Florida and Georgia tend to have lower average salaries.

Specialization: Niche roles can command higher pay. A Carpenter Foreman, for instance, can average over $62,696 per year.

Union Membership: Union carpenters often receive higher wages and benefits due to collective bargaining agreements.

Employer Type: Carpenters may work for large construction firms, small local contractors, or as independent contractors, all of which can have different pay structures. 

For more detailed information by location or specific job title, you can explore salary data on sites like ZipRecruiter or the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=us+carpenter+pay+2025

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader