Yes, a carpenter can make $100,000 a year, meaning six figures annually, though it typically requires experience, specialization, location in high-cost areas, union membership, overtime, or owning your own business, as average carpenters earn less. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, median carpenter income is about $50,000 to $62,000, but top 10 percent earn over $90,000 and many exceed $100,000 through various paths. Union commercial carpenters in high-paying cities like San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, Boston, Seattle, Chicago, and Hawaii earn $45 to $60 per hour plus benefits and overtime, which can push annual earnings to $100,000 to $130,000, especially on prevailing wage government projects that pay higher rates. Specializations that command six figures include finish carpenters and trim carpenters doing high-end custom homes and high-end renovations, cabinetmakers building custom kitchens, and industrial carpenters on large commercial and infrastructure projects. Self-employed remodeling contractors and general contractors in affluent suburbs who charge $50 to $100 per hour can net $100,000 to $150,000 after expenses for tools, insurance, fuel, and taxes by doing kitchen and bath remodels, decks, and additions, though they must account for seasonal gaps and business costs. Factors helping reach $100,000 include 5 to 10 years experience, strong portfolio of custom work, business skills for estimating and client management, certifications, and working 50 hours per week with overtime. While entry-level apprentices earn $18 to $25 per hour, with dedication making $100,000 as carpenter is achievable.
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