Carpenters
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$59,310
~$29/hr · ~$4,943/mo
US Jobs
959K
As fast as average
AI & Automation Risk
2/10
Safe
AI & Automation Risk
Safe 2/10
Carpentry is a highly physical occupation requiring manual dexterity, strength, and real-time problem-solving in unpredictable physical environments. While AI may assist with peripheral tasks like blueprint analysis, material estimation, or business management, the core work of cutting, fitting, and installing materials remains resistant to automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decatur, ILBEST VALUE | $80,770 | Below avg (86.7) | $93,202 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | $82,760 | Below avg (90.8) | $91,141 |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI | $81,370 | Below avg (91.5) | $88,911 |
| Peoria, IL | $77,980 | Below avg (88.8) | $87,782 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $94,090 | Above avg (111.4) | $84,443 |
| Rockford, IL | $74,670 | Below avg (90.2) | $82,814 |
| Fairbanks-College, AK | $83,120 | Average (101.2) | $82,135 |
| Springfield, IL | $72,490 | Below avg (90.7) | $79,966 |
| Bloomington, IL | $73,470 | Below avg (92.1) | $79,756 |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $82,280 | Above avg (107.2) | $76,759 |
| Kankakee, IL | $70,280 | Below avg (92.4) | $76,033 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $76,510 | Average (102.5) | $74,654 |
| Vallejo, CA | $80,560 | Above avg (109.4) | $73,666 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $81,210 | Above avg (110.3) | $73,658 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | $72,520 | Average (98.6) | $73,568 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
10-Year Growth
+4% (As fast as average)
Hourly Rate
~$29/hr
Monthly Income
~$4,943/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)