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Carpenters Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Carpenters make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$75,920
Median Annual Salary
▲
+1.5% vs 2024
$78,810
Mean Salary
$75,920
Median Salary
$36.50
Hourly Rate
100,750 people work as Carpenters in California
Carpenters salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Carpenters in California earn a median salary of $75,920 per year ($6,326/month).
This is 28.2% above the national average of $59,239.
California ranks #3 out of 51 states for Carpenters pay.
Approximately 100,750 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 1.5% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Carpenters
Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation. Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.38
Critical Thinking
3.38
Monitoring
3.38
Coordination
3.25
Reading Comprehension
3.12
Key Knowledge Areas
Building and Construction
4.66
Administration and Management
3.91
Mathematics
3.91
Design
3.86
Engineering and Technology
3.6
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(52.4% of workers)
Salaries for Carpenters in California range from $47,490 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $119,950 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $59,740 and $95,830.
Median $75,920
P10: $47,490P25: $59,740P75: $95,830P90: $119,950
10th
$47,490
25th
$59,740
Median
$75,920
75th
$95,830
90th
$119,950
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$47,490
$22.83
$3,957
25th Percentile
$59,740
$28.72
$4,978
Median (50th)
$75,920
$36.50
$6,326
75th Percentile
$95,830
$46.07
$7,985
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$119,950
$57.67
$9,995
Note: The mean (average) salary of $78,810 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
The median annual salary for Carpenters in California is $75,920 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $78,810.
What is the salary range for a Carpenters in California?
Salaries for Carpenters in California range from $47,490 at the 10th percentile to $119,950 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $59,740 and $95,830.
What is the starting salary for a Carpenters in California?
Entry-level Carpenters positions in California typically start around $47,490 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $59,740 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Carpenters in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 100,750 people are employed as Carpenters in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Carpenters in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Carpenters in California is approximately $36.50 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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