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Average Carpenters Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Carpenters in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an average annual salary of $59,200. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,010, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and demand. While the nominal salary may appear lower, it's crucial to consider the local economic landscape to fully understand its value.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $59,200 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,440.
  • Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines carpenter job market is robust, supporting a local workforce of 1,970 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.08, the concentration of carpenters in this area is slightly higher than the national average, suggesting a healthy and consistent demand for their skilled labor within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$59,200

The average Carpenters in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-7.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.5

Weekly

$1,138

Monthly

$4,933

Carpenters Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Carpenter salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, scale significantly with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive project portfolios can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential available to dedicated carpenters.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$40,430$19.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$44,400$21.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$59,940$28.8
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$74,000$35.6
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$75,440$36.3

Detailed Carpenters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$59,200

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$59,200

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $59,200 for carpenters in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, holds its value effectively against the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This index signifies that the cost of goods and services in the area is precisely at the national average, meaning your earnings in Des Moines will afford you a purchasing power equivalent to the national median.

Job Market Context

1,970

Total Jobs

4.866

Per 1K Jobs

1.08

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.08, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Carpenters roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.08 indicates that Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, has a slightly higher concentration of carpenters compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market where demand for skilled carpentry services is consistently present, potentially offering ample opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Carpenters

Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Hiring Carpenterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Carpenters make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The median annual salary for a Carpenters in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $59,200. This typically ranges from $40,430 for entry-level positions to $75,440 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 7.5% lower than the national median of $64,010.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Carpenters?

Yes, with caveats.Carpenters earn $59,200 annually, aligning with a national average cost of living. While slightly below the national salary average, the stable job market and comparable living expenses make it a solid location for the trade.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Carpenters?

The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($55,430) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Des Moines carpenter salary compare to the national average?

Carpenters in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, earn an average of $59,200 annually, which is approximately 7.7% lower than the national average of $64,010.

What is the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA for carpenters?

The cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is exactly at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100.

Is there high demand for carpenters in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

With a Location Quotient of 1.08, there is a slightly higher concentration of carpenters than the national average, suggesting consistent demand for their services in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area.

How many carpenters are employed in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metropolitan area employs approximately 1,970 carpenters, representing a significant portion of the local skilled trades workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,970 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 4.866 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.