Average Carpenters Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
Carpenters in Cedar Rapids, IA, earn an average annual salary of $56,210. This figure is below the national average of $64,010, reflecting local economic conditions and demand specific to the Iowa market. While the nominal pay is lower, the cost of living in Cedar Rapids aligns with the national average, offering a balanced perspective on purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $72,290.
- Outlook: The carpenter job market in Cedar Rapids, IA, is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.82, indicating a presence that is slightly below the national average in terms of workforce proportion. With a local workforce of 510 professionals and 3.694 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand appears stable, suggesting consistent opportunities for skilled carpenters within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Carpenters in Cedar Rapids, IA earns-12.2%below the national average.
$27
$1,081
$4,684
Carpenters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Cedar Rapids carpenters is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, increased construction activity, and inflation typically drive upward adjustments in wages for skilled trades like carpentry, suggesting that carpenters in Cedar Rapids have likely seen their earning potential increase over time.
Carpenters Salary Distribution in Cedar Rapids, IA
Carpenter salaries in Cedar Rapids, IA, are subject to significant variation based on experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding those who invest in developing their expertise and taking on more complex projects.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,640 | $18.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $42,158 | $20.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $57,510 | $27.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $70,263 | $33.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $72,290 | $34.8 |
Detailed Carpenters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,210
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average carpenter salary of $56,210 in Cedar Rapids, IA, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living, which stands at an index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by carpenters in Cedar Rapids offers purchasing power that is in line with the national median, suggesting that the lower salary is offset by the affordability of daily expenses and housing.
Job Market Context
510
Total Jobs
3.694
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Cedar Rapids, IA has 0.82x the national average concentration of Carpenters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.82, Cedar Rapids, IA, has a slightly lower concentration of carpenters compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, it is not disproportionately represented in the local workforce. The market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, implying a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Carpenters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA Carpenters Salary | $52,760↓ 6% | 23 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Carpenters Salary | $55,550↓ 1% | 50 mi |
| Dubuque, IA Carpenters Salary | $56,060↓ 0% | 62 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Carpenters Salary | $59,870↑ 7% | 62 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Carpenters Salary | $51,910↓ 8% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Cedar Rapids, IA
Hiring Carpenterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Carpenters make in Cedar Rapids, IA?
The median annual salary for a Carpenters in Cedar Rapids, IA is $56,210. This typically ranges from $38,640 for entry-level positions to $72,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Cedar Rapids, IA is 12.2% lower than the national median of $64,010.
Is Cedar Rapids, IA a lucrative place for Carpenters?
No, but it offers balanced purchasing power.Carpenters in Cedar Rapids earn below the national average salary. However, the local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the nominal salary provides comparable purchasing power to other regions.
Is Cedar Rapids, IA a good place to live for Carpenters?
The Cost of Living Index in Cedar Rapids, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Cedar Rapids, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Iowa City, IA ($52,760) and Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA.
How does Cedar Rapids' carpenter salary compare to the national average?
Carpenters in Cedar Rapids, IA, earn an average of $56,210 annually, which is approximately 12.5% lower than the national average of $64,010.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA for carpenters?
The cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA, is at the national average index of 100, meaning expenses for goods, services, and housing are comparable to the rest of the United States.
How many carpenters are employed in Cedar Rapids, IA?
There are approximately 510 carpenters employed in Cedar Rapids, IA, representing 3.694 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Is the carpenter job market in Cedar Rapids, IA growing?
While specific growth data isn't provided, the stable concentration (LQ of 0.82) and consistent job per capita suggest a steady, rather than rapidly expanding, market for carpenters in Cedar Rapids.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 510 employees in the Cedar Rapids, IA area with a job density of 3.694 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Carpenters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA