🔨 How much does a carpenter make?
In the U.S., the median carpenter earns $60,580 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $40,410; the highest-paid 10% earn over $99,910.
Pay varies with experience and location; Japan’s entry-level and senior figures are employer-survey estimates, not official pay percentiles.
US Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| 10th-percentile cutoff (the lowest-paid 10% earn less) | $40,410 | BLS 10th percentile |
| Typical carpenter (median) | $60,580 | BLS median |
| 90th-percentile cutoff (the top 10% earn more) | $99,910 | BLS 90th percentile |
Carpenter salary in Japan: about $32K a year
Per month and per day
| Who | Per month | Per day (÷365) |
|---|---|---|
| 10th-percentile cutoff (the lowest-paid 10% earn less) | $3,368 | $111 |
| Typical carpenter (median) | $5,048 | $166 |
| 90th-percentile cutoff (the top 10% earn more) | $8,326 | $274 |
About $29 an hour
Where does the money come from?
- Employee wages: Carpenters hired by an employer earn wages, which are reported by the hour and by the year. Source
- Apprentice wages: Registered apprentices earn wages while they learn, with increases as their skills and productivity grow. Source
- Self-employed job income: Self-employed carpenters bid on jobs, so their income depends on the work they take on. Source
How do you become a carpenter?
In the United States, first earn a high school diploma or equivalent. Then apply to a carpenter apprenticeship, where you learn on the job and in class. Build skills and experience as you work.
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Apply to a carpenter apprenticeship.
- Learn skills and safety on the job and in class.
- Gain experience and choose a specialty.
Qualifications and exams
A high school diploma or equivalent is typical, and a driver’s license may be needed to reach job sites. BLS lists no single national carpenter license or exam.
A day as a carpenter
In the morning, a carpenter checks the plan and work area, then measures and marks the wood. They cut and install parts such as frames, check that the work is level, and clean up.
Common questions
Do apprentice carpenters get raises?
Yes. Registered apprentices are paid, and their wages rise as their skills and productivity grow. Source
Does the type of construction affect pay?
Yes. In May 2025, the typical pay was $63,780 in nonresidential building construction and $60,600 in residential building construction. Source
How does working for yourself affect income?
Self-employed carpenters bid on jobs, but BLS wage estimates do not include self-employed workers. Their income depends on the work they get. Source
This section summarizes public sources. We only show numbers that have a source.
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In Japan
Japan Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (1–3 years), estimated | $24,363 | ERI employer-survey estimate |
| Carpenters overall (2025 average) | $32,367 | MHLW 2025 wage-survey average |
| Senior (8+ years), estimated | $36,490 | ERI employer-survey estimate |
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Related questions
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Data table and sources
- data.bls.gov/oesprofile?areas=INDUSTRY%2CSTATE%2CMSA&major_group=470000&measure=
- www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/carpenters.htm
- shigoto.mhlw.go.jp/User/Occupation/Detail/26
- www.mhlw.go.jp/toukei/itiran/roudou/chingin/kouzou/z2025/index.html
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2031.00
- www.apprenticeship.gov/employers/registered-apprenticeship-program
- www.bls.gov/oes/oes_emp.htm
- www.dol.gov/index.php/general/topic/workhours/overtime