Average Carpenters Salary in Tennessee
Carpenters in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $50,900, which is notably below the national average of $64,010. This disparity is often influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, the cost of living, and the specific demand for skilled trades within the state's construction and manufacturing sectors.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $50,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,800.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 8,680 Carpenters, Tennessee presents a significant, albeit less concentrated, presence of this trade compared to national averages. The Location Quotient of 0.59 suggests that while Carpenters are present, the market is not saturated, indicating a stable demand for skilled professionals within the state's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Carpenters in Tennessee earns-20.5%below the national average.
$24.5
$979
$4,242
Carpenters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Tennessee Carpenters is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in wages over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, increased construction activity, and inflation typically contribute to incremental salary increases for skilled tradespeople.
Carpenters Salary Distribution in Tennessee
Salary progression for Carpenters in Tennessee, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with expertise in specialized areas like finish carpentry, framing, or custom woodworking can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their acquired skills and value.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,980 | $17.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $38,175 | $18.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $49,520 | $23.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $63,625 | $30.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $64,800 | $31.2 |
Detailed Carpenters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$50,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,305
Adjusted for COL (90.4)
The average Carpenter salary of $50,900 in Tennessee should be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 90.4. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal salary may offer a relatively better purchasing power for residents compared to higher-cost states, even though the absolute salary is lower.
Job Market Context
8,680
Total Jobs
2.649
Per 1K Jobs
0.59
Location Quotient
Tennessee has 0.59x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.59 indicates that Carpenters are less concentrated in Tennessee than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, there may be fewer job opportunities relative to the overall workforce compared to national benchmarks, potentially leading to a more competitive job market for new entrants.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Carpenters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Carpenters Salary | $53,390↑ 5% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Carpenters Salary | $51,190↑ 1% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Carpenters Salary | $49,200↓ 3% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Carpenters Salary | $51,240↑ 1% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Carpenters Salary | $51,700↑ 2% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tennessee
Hiring Carpenterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Carpenters make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for a Carpenters in Tennessee is $50,900. This typically ranges from $35,980 for entry-level positions to $64,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 20.5% lower than the national median of $64,010.
Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Carpenters?
No, Tennessee is not a particularly lucrative place for Carpenters compared to the national average.The average salary of $50,900 is significantly lower than the national average of $64,010. However, the lower cost of living may partially offset this difference in purchasing power.
Is Tennessee a good place to live for Carpenters?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tennessee?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($53,390) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the cost of living in Tennessee affect Carpenter salaries?
Tennessee's Cost of Living Index is 90.4, below the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower, the purchasing power of $50,900 might be relatively stronger than in more expensive states.
What is the concentration of Carpenters in Tennessee?
The Location Quotient for Carpenters in Tennessee is 0.59, indicating that the profession is less concentrated here than the national average. This suggests a moderate level of demand relative to the national landscape.
How many Carpenters are there in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 8,680 Carpenters, representing a substantial segment of the state's skilled labor force within the construction and related industries.
Are Carpenter jobs growing in Tennessee?
While specific growth rates aren't provided, the stable workforce size and a Location Quotient below 1 suggest consistent, rather than rapidly expanding, demand for Carpenters in Tennessee.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,680 employees in the Tennessee area with a job density of 2.649 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 Tennessee