Average Carpenters Salary in Montana
Carpenters in Montana earn an average annual salary of $58,130, which is notably below the national average of $64,010. This disparity can be attributed to a combination of factors including regional demand, the specific economic landscape of Montana, and potentially the cost of living, though this will be explored further.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,230.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,240 Carpenters, Montana demonstrates a significant concentration of this trade, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.84. This suggests that Carpenters are more prevalent in Montana than the national average, pointing towards a robust and potentially growing demand for skilled carpentry services within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Carpenters in Montana earns-9.2%below the national average.
$28
$1,118
$4,844
Carpenters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that over the past four years, Carpenter salaries in Montana have likely seen a gradual increase, mirroring national trends. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving construction demands typically drive upward adjustments in wages for skilled trades like carpentry.
Carpenters Salary Distribution in Montana
The salary range for Carpenters in Montana typically widens with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career progression and earning potential available within the carpentry profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $44,670 | $21.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $43,598 | $21 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $58,110 | $27.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $72,663 | $34.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $76,230 | $36.6 |
Detailed Carpenters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,378
Adjusted for COL (106.9)
A nominal salary of $58,130 in Montana needs to be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 106.9. This index is slightly above the national average, meaning that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of goods and services is also marginally higher, potentially impacting the real purchasing power of a Carpenter's earnings.
Job Market Context
4,240
Total Jobs
8.319
Per 1K Jobs
1.84
Location Quotient
Montana has 1.8x the national concentration of Carpenters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Montana's Location Quotient of 1.84 for Carpenters indicates a market where this profession is significantly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a strong local demand and a higher proportion of Carpenters relative to the general workforce, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for skilled individuals in the state.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Carpenters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Carpenters Salary | $57,350↓ 1% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Carpenters Salary | $57,790↓ 1% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Carpenters Salary | $62,640↑ 8% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Montana
Hiring Carpenterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Carpenters make in Montana?
The median annual salary for a Carpenters in Montana is $58,130. This typically ranges from $44,670 for entry-level positions to $76,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Montana is 9.2% lower than the national median of $64,010.
Is Montana a lucrative place for Carpenters?
Moderately. Montana offers a solid career path for Carpenters, though the average salary is slightly below the national benchmark.While the average salary of $58,130 is less than the national average, the high concentration of Carpenters (LQ 1.84) suggests strong local demand. The slightly elevated cost of living means purchasing power is a key consideration.
Is Montana a good place to live for Carpenters?
The Cost of Living Index in Montana is 106.9. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Montana?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($57,350) and Helena, MT.
How does Montana's Carpenter salary compare to the national average?
Carpenters in Montana earn an average of $58,130 annually, which is approximately 9% lower than the national average salary of $64,010.
What is the concentration of Carpenters in Montana?
Montana has a high concentration of Carpenters, with a Location Quotient of 1.84, meaning the trade is significantly more prevalent there than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect a Carpenter's salary in Montana?
Montana's cost of living is slightly above the national average at 106.9. This means the $58,130 salary may have slightly less purchasing power compared to areas with a lower cost of living.
What is the total number of Carpenters employed in Montana?
There are approximately 4,240 Carpenters employed in Montana, indicating a substantial workforce within the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,240 employees in the Montana area with a job density of 8.319 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 Montana