Is a carpenter well paid?

Whether a carpenter is well paid depends on experience, specialization, location, union status, and whether self-employed, but overall carpentry can provide a solid middle-class income with potential for good earnings in right markets. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, median carpenter wage in the United States is about $24 to $30 per hour, equating to $50,000 to $62,000 per year for full-time work, which is above median for all workers but below electrical and plumbing trades that average $60,000 to $75,000. Entry-level apprentices earn $18 to $22 per hour, while experienced journeymen earn $28 to $40 per hour, and highly skilled finish carpenters, cabinetmakers, and union commercial carpenters in high-cost cities like San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, Boston, Seattle, and Chicago can earn $45 to $60 per hour plus benefits and overtime, reaching $80,000 to $130,000 annually. Self-employed remodeling contractors in affluent suburbs who charge $50 to $100 per hour can net six figures after expenses. Factors that make carpentry well paid include 5 to 10 years experience, certifications, strong portfolio of custom work, business skills, and working prevailing wage jobs on government projects. However, residential non-union framing in low-cost areas may pay only $35,000 to $45,000, and seasonal layoffs can reduce annual income. Compared to office jobs requiring college degrees, carpentry offers good pay without student debt, plus tangible results and job security due to housing demand. So carpentry is moderately well paid, with potential to be well paid for skilled specialists.