How Much Does a Journeyman Carpenter Make? (2025)
A journeyman carpenter, a skilled job title in the construction industry, constructs, maintains, and remodels buildings, installing and repairing walls, floors, staircases, doors, windows, and more. This position requires following blueprints, ensuring safety compliance, and inspecting structures for necessary repairs.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of carpenters is expected to increase by 4% from 2023 to 2033, with Salary.com reporting an average salary of $63,590 per year, as of January 2025.
The salary of a journeyman carpenter varies based on multiple variables, including experience, geographic area, educational attainment, market trends, and company size.
What is the Average Journeyman Carpenter’s Salary?
As of January 1, 2025, the average annual salary of a journeyman carpenter in the United States is $63,590. The annual salary of a journeyman carpenter in the United States typically ranges from $47,733 to $81,739.
2025 Journeyman Carpenter Average Salary: $63,590 ($31 per hour)
A journeyman carpenter receives an average monthly wage of $5,299, equating to an average weekly rate of $1,223. The mean hourly wage is $31, based on Salary.com report.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $81,739 | $6,812 | $1,572 | $39 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,090 | $6,091 | $1,406 | $35 |
| Average | $63,590 | $5,299 | $1,223 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,290 | $4,608 | $1,063 | $27 |
| 10th Percentile | $47,733 | $3,978 | $918 | $23 |
Journeyman Carpenters Salaries State by State
Salary for journeyman carpenter can vary considerably by state, determined by local economic conditions, cost of living, industry presence, and the need for qualified professionals.
California ($70,190) and New Jersey ($69,690) are the states in which journeyman carpenters earn the most, with the District of Columbia ($70,790) being the highest. Mississippi has the lowest average at $56,790.
As of January 1, 2025, the following are the average annual salaries for journeyman carpenter in various states throughout the United States:
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $69,290 |
| Alabama | $58,490 |
| Arkansas | $57,990 |
| Arizona | $61,990 |
| California | $70,190 |
| Colorado | $64,890 |
| Connecticut | $68,290 |
| District of Columbia | $70,790 |
| Delaware | $64,590 |
| Florida | $60,390 |
| Georgia | $61,490 |
| Hawaii | $66,490 |
| Iowa | $60,890 |
| Idaho | $59,390 |
| Illinois | $65,090 |
| Indiana | $61,690 |
| Kansas | $60,590 |
| Kentucky | $59,890 |
| Louisiana | $60,490 |
| Massachusetts | $69,190 |
| Maryland | $65,590 |
| Maine | $61,890 |
| Michigan | $62,790 |
| Minnesota | $65,090 |
| Missouri | $60,590 |
| Mississippi | $56,790 |
| Montana | $59,390 |
| North Carolina | $61,090 |
| North Dakota | $62,990 |
| Nebraska | $59,890 |
| New Hampshire | $64,690 |
| New Jersey | $69,690 |
| New Mexico | $58,690 |
| Nevada | $63,890 |
| New York | $67,790 |
| Ohio | $62,190 |
| Oklahoma | $58,890 |
| Oregon | $64,590 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,490 |
| Rhode Island | $66,390 |
| South Carolina | $60,090 |
| South Dakota | $57,190 |
| Tennessee | $58,890 |
| Texas | $62,290 |
| Utah | $60,490 |
| Virginia | $63,790 |
| Vermont | $62,390 |
| Washington | $68,590 |
| Wisconsin | $62,890 |
| West Virginia | $57,290 |
| Wyoming | $60,990 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for Journeyman Carpenter?
In the same way as state-based differences, the cost of living, demand, and local job market conditions all contribute to the variation in journeyman carpenter salaries by city.
For instance, professionals who join employers in California's cities, including San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland, are offered some of the highest average annual salaries, making these cities appealing to those in this field.
| City | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $79,790 |
| San Francisco, CA | $79,490 |
| Oakland, CA | $77,590 |
| New York, NY | $74,290 |
| Queens Village, NY | $73,790 |
| Paramus, NJ | $73,290 |
How Experience Affects Journeyman Carpenter Salary?
In the report, starting salary estimates for entry-level journeyman carpenters with less than one year of experience are around $60,397, with average earnings increasing to $60,642 after one to two years of experience.
For employees with 2 to 4 years of experience, the salary often increases to $63,090. Senior-level professionals with 5 to 8 years of work experience earn approximately $66,597, while those with over 8 years of experience could anticipate an average of $68,000.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Journeyman Carpenter | $60,397 |
| Intermediate Level Journeyman Carpenter | $60,642 |
| Senior Level Journeyman Carpenter | $63,090 |
| Specialist Level Journeyman Carpenter | $66,597 |
| Expert Level Journeyman Carpenter | $68,000 |
How to Increase Salary as a Journeyman Carpenter?
It takes calculated steps supported by proven methods to increase salary for journeyman carpenter. Here's how to make it happen:
- Pursue Specialized Training and Certifications: Gaining specialized skills like blueprint reading, advanced framing, or sustainable construction can boost job prospects and earnings. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that attaining specialized skills and certifications could increase your appeal to employers and make you an asset to your team.
- Gain Experience: Earning potential is substantially determined by experience. According to a report, journeyman carpenters with 2 to 4 years of experience generally earn around $63,090 and senior professionals with 5 to 8 years of experience make approximately $66,597, while those with over 8 years can expect an average salary of $68,000.
- Relocate to Higher-Paying Regions: The geographical location significantly influences salary variations. In San Jose, California, the average yearly income for a journeyman carpenter is $79,790, whereas in San Francisco, it is $79,490. Considering moving to high-paying regions can significantly enhance your salary.
- Negotiate Effectively: Effective negotiation is essential for better compensation, with research showing that 85% of those who negotiate receive at least part of their request. Since managers expect candidates to negotiate, thorough preparation and a positive approach can lead to successful outcomes.
Journeyman Carpenter Skills
Journeyman carpenters possessing certain sought-after skills can substantially increase their earnings. The Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report indicates that a journeyman carpenter skilled in safety policies and procedures can achieve an 8.53% salary increase, whereas proficiency in safety procedures may result in a 7.31% increase.
Below are some of the key skills for journeyman carpenters and the potential salary increases:
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Satisfaction | 5.71% | 6.98% |
| Customer Relations | 1.86% | 6.28% |
| Carpentry | 51.01% | 6.16% |
| Blueprint Reading | 3.02% | 6.07% |
| Plumbing | 16.11% | 5.24% |
| Quality Control | 1.97% | 4.11% |
What are the FAQs about Journeyman Carpenter Salary FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about journeyman carpenter salaries:
What is the average salary of a Journeyman Carpenter?
As of January 1, 2025, the average annual salary for journeyman carpenter in the United States is $63,590 per year. The mean hourly wage is $31, and the average monthly wage is $5,299.
What is the highest pay for Journeyman Carpenter?
The highest salary reported for a journeyman carpenter is $81,739. According to Salary.com, earnings generally fall between $55,290 and $73,090, with the majority of journeyman carpenter professionals adjusting within a range of $47,733 to $81,739 based on experience and location.
What is the lowest pay for a Journeyman Carpenter?
The lowest possible salary for a journeyman carpenter is approximately $47,733, generally applicable for workers with limited experience or employed in lower-cost areas or smaller companies.
