Average Carpenters Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Carpenters in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area are earning a substantial average annual salary of $82,690, significantly outpacing the national average of $64,010. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the region's robust construction sector and high demand for skilled trades, reflecting the area's dynamic economic landscape and ongoing development projects.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $82,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $116,660.
- Outlook: The job market for Carpenters in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue appears robust, supported by a substantial local workforce of 15,210 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.61 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand that outstrips the general U.S. market for this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Carpenters in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+29.2%above the national average.
$39.8
$1,590
$6,891
Carpenters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Carpenter salaries in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and the increasing cost of skilled labor in high-demand metropolitan areas. This upward trajectory is likely fueled by consistent development and infrastructure projects within the region.
Carpenters Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Carpenter salaries in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, show a clear progression based on experience. Entry-level positions typically fall within the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive project experience command salaries in the upper percentiles. The significant salary gaps between these experience levels highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $52,870 | $25.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $62,018 | $29.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $76,760 | $36.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $103,363 | $49.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $116,660 | $56.1 |
Detailed Carpenters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$82,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$82,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $82,690 for Carpenters in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, indicating that the higher wages are offset by the cost of living.
Job Market Context
15,210
Total Jobs
7.302
Per 1K Jobs
1.61
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 1.6x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.61, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area exhibits a notably higher concentration of Carpenter jobs than the national average. This suggests a competitive market where demand for skilled carpenters is strong, potentially leading to more job opportunities but also indicating a need for specialized skills to stand out among a relatively abundant local workforce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Carpenters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Carpenters Salary | $70,670↓ 15% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Carpenters Salary | $65,640↓ 21% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Carpenters Salary | $67,880↓ 18% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Carpenters Salary | $76,630↓ 7% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Carpenters Salary | $72,540↓ 12% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Carpenterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Carpenters make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Carpenters in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $82,690. This typically ranges from $52,870 for entry-level positions to $116,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 29.2% higher than the national median of $64,010.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Carpenters?
Yes, but with caveats.Carpenters earn significantly above the national average salary, but this is balanced by a cost of living that is also at the national average. While the nominal pay is high, the real purchasing power is comparable to national averages.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Carpenters?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($70,670) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue has 7.302 Carpenter jobs per 1,000 workers, which is considerably higher than the national average, indicating a strong local job market for this trade.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Carpenters in Seattle?
An LQ of 1.61 means that Carpenters are 61% more concentrated in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area than in the U.S. overall, signaling higher demand and a more specialized job market for this profession.
Does Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue offer better career growth for Carpenters?
The higher concentration of jobs and the substantial salary range between entry-level and senior roles suggest strong potential for career growth and increased earnings for Carpenters in this region.
How does the cost of living impact the Carpenter salary in Seattle?
The cost of living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is at the national average (100), meaning the higher average salary of $82,690 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite the higher nominal wage.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 15,210 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 7.302 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA