Average Carpenters Salary in Morgantown, WV
Carpenters in Morgantown, WV, earn an average annual salary of $49,620. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,010, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this Appalachian region. While the pay is lower than the national benchmark, understanding the local market context is crucial for assessing career opportunities.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,910.
- Outlook: Morgantown, WV, supports a carpenter workforce of 290 individuals, with a location quotient of 0.97 indicating a concentration very close to the national average. The presence of 4.404 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for carpentry services. This indicates a consistent, ongoing need for skilled carpenters within the local economy, rather than a rapidly expanding or shrinking market.
Salary Overview
The average Carpenters in Morgantown, WV earns-22.5%below the national average.
$23.9
$954
$4,135
Carpenters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Morgantown carpenters isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that, mirroring national trends, salaries for carpenters in Morgantown have likely seen incremental growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for construction and renovation services, and the general rise in labor costs would contribute to a modest upward trajectory in average earnings for the profession.
Carpenters Salary Distribution in Morgantown, WV
Salary progression for carpenters in Morgantown, WV, typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with expertise in specific areas like framing, finishing, or custom woodworking can command significantly higher salaries. The gap between entry-level and senior-level pay reflects the value placed on acquired skills, efficiency, and the ability to handle complex projects.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,140 | $18.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $37,215 | $17.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $47,950 | $23.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $62,025 | $29.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $64,910 | $31.2 |
Detailed Carpenters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $49,620 for carpenters in Morgantown, WV, aligns perfectly with the local cost of living index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a carpenter's income in Morgantown is equivalent to that of a carpenter earning the national average in a national-average cost-of-living area. Therefore, while the nominal salary is lower, the cost of living does not diminish its relative value.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
4.404
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Morgantown, WV has 0.97x 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 0.97, Morgantown's carpenter job market is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests that the demand for carpenters is neither exceptionally high nor particularly low relative to the size of the workforce. The market is neither saturated nor experiencing a significant shortage, indicating a balanced environment where skilled professionals can find steady employment opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Carpenters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wheeling, WV-OH Carpenters Salary | $52,510↑ 6% | 50 mi |
| Pittsburgh, PA Carpenters Salary | $64,830↑ 31% | 55 mi |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Carpenters Salary | $55,010↑ 11% | 62 mi |
| Johnstown, PA Carpenters Salary | $54,270↑ 9% | 72 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Carpenters Salary | $49,140↓ 1% | 89 mi |
Comparing salaries near Morgantown, WV
Hiring Carpenterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Carpenters make in Morgantown, WV?
The median annual salary for a Carpenters in Morgantown, WV is $49,620. This typically ranges from $38,140 for entry-level positions to $64,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Morgantown, WV is 22.5% lower than the national median of $64,010.
Is Morgantown, WV a lucrative place for Carpenters?
No, but it offers stable employment.While the average salary of $49,620 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable. The stable job market indicates consistent demand for skilled professionals.
Is Morgantown, WV a good place to live for Carpenters?
The Cost of Living Index in Morgantown, WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Morgantown, WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wheeling, WV-OH ($52,510) and Pittsburgh, PA.
How does Morgantown's carpenter salary compare to the national average?
Carpenters in Morgantown earn an average of $49,620 annually, which is approximately $14,390 less than the national average of $64,010.
What is the cost of living in Morgantown, WV for a carpenter?
Morgantown's cost of living index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the $49,620 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a national-average cost-of-living area.
Is there high demand for carpenters in Morgantown, WV?
The demand is stable, with 4.404 jobs per 1,000 workers and a location quotient of 0.97, indicating a concentration very close to the national average. This suggests consistent, but not exceptionally high, demand.
How many carpenters are employed in Morgantown, WV?
There are approximately 290 carpenters employed in Morgantown, WV, representing a localized workforce of a moderate size.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Morgantown, WV area with a job density of 4.404 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 Morgantown, WV