In short
Carpenters earned a median $60,580 a year in May 2025, about $29 an hour, according to BLS. The bottom 10 percent earned under $40,410 and the top 10 percent over $99,910. New helpers start near the bottom. Commercial carpenters, union carpenters and those who run crews or do specialty finish work tend to earn more.
Yearly wages for carpenters across the U.S., BLS OEWS, May 2025. Hourly figures divide by 2,080 hours, so overtime is not counted. New apprentices usually sit near or below the bottom-quarter line.
| Middle pay | $60,580 a year, roughly $29.12 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| How most people start | High school or GED to start, then apprenticeship |
| People in the trade | About 889,700 nationwide (2025) |
| Growth to 2035 | BLS expects 3.9% growth |
| Openings a year | Around 62,800, counting retirements |
From the BLS Employment Projections table (2025 to 2035) and May 2025 wage survey. These are U.S. numbers. Local shops may pay above or below them, and apprentices start well under the middle figure.
What moves carpenter pay
- Commercial vs residential: commercial and industrial work often pays more.
- Specialty: formwork, finish and millwork skills command higher rates.
- Union scale: union carpenters have negotiated wages and benefits.
- Running work: foremen and superintendents earn above journeyman rates.
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Straight answers
How much do carpenters make an hour?
The median works out to about $29 an hour.
Do carpenters make good money?
Experienced carpenters can earn well: the top 25 percent made more than $76,830 in May 2025.
What carpenters make the most?
Commercial and union carpenters, specialists and those who supervise crews.