The Best-Paying American Cities for Carpenters

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The construction and real estate industries continue to undergo significant shifts moving into 2026. The residential sector experienced rapid growth during the COVID-19 pandemic—driven by low interest rates and high demand for suburban housing. However, new home construction has since declined from its 2022 peak. Meanwhile, public construction spending, which had seen steady growth due to federal investments through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act, appears to be leveling off, signaling a potential industry-wide slowdown.

For carpenters and other skilled tradespeople, these shifting conditions are reshaping job opportunities and earnings potential across the country. Against this backdrop, this report from Construction Coverage—a site helping builders and tradespeople make informed business and career decisions—analyzes the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis to assess how carpenters are faring economically. The analysis focuses on projected job growth within the occupation, how carpenter wages compare to those of other skilled trade workers, and which U.S. cities offer the highest and lowest pay after adjusting for cost of living differences.

Here are the key takeaways from the analysis:

  • Job prospects remain strong despite headwinds. The BLS projects total carpenter employment to grow 4.5% in the coming decade, ahead of the 3.1% average across all occupations.
  • Carpenter wages outpace the broader construction sector. The median annual wage for carpenters is $59,310, which is about $1,000 more than what’s typical for the construction industry overall.
  • Low wages in the South. Real wages for carpenters are consistently low in the South, even after adjusting for lower living costs. Carpenters in Hawaii and Illinois can make about $30,000 more per year than those in Florida and Texas.

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