Average Carpenters Salary in Washington
Carpenters in Washington State are earning a robust average annual salary of $77,630, significantly outpacing the national average of $64,010. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the state's strong construction sector and a higher cost of living, which necessitates greater pay to attract and retain skilled labor.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $77,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $111,840.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 26,340 Carpenters and a Location Quotient of 1.64, Washington demonstrates a strong and concentrated demand for carpentry professionals. This indicates a market where carpentry skills are not only present but are also more prevalent than the national average, suggesting a healthy and active job market for these tradespeople.
Salary Overview
The average Carpenters in Washington earns+21.3%above the national average.
$37.3
$1,493
$6,469
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 Washington have seen consistent growth, mirroring the general upward trend in construction wages across the nation. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for housing, and infrastructure projects likely contribute to this positive salary trajectory.
Carpenters Salary Distribution in Washington
Salary progression for Carpenters in Washington typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The significant gaps between entry-level and senior roles highlight the substantial career growth and earning potential available within the carpentry trade.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $50,560 | $24.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $58,223 | $28 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $73,260 | $35.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $97,038 | $46.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $111,840 | $53.8 |
Detailed Carpenters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$77,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$67,446
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
The average annual salary of $77,630 in Washington State needs to be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 115.1. While the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the increased cost of goods and services means that the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat moderated. However, it still generally offers a higher real income compared to many other states.
Job Market Context
26,340
Total Jobs
7.441
Per 1K Jobs
1.64
Location Quotient
Washington 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.64 signifies that Carpenters are significantly more concentrated in Washington than in the average U.S. state. This suggests a robust demand for their skills, potentially due to a thriving construction industry or a shortage of qualified professionals relative to the need. This high concentration indicates a competitive market where skilled Carpenters are highly valued.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Carpenters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Carpenters Salary | $82,690↑ 7% | 42 mi |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Carpenters Salary | $64,730↓ 17% | 54 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Carpenters Salary | $70,670↓ 9% | 58 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Carpenters Salary | $76,630↓ 1% | 70 mi |
| Yakima, WA Carpenters Salary | $76,780↓ 1% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Carpenters make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Carpenters in Washington is $77,630. This typically ranges from $50,560 for entry-level positions to $111,840 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 21.3% higher than the national median of $64,010.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Carpenters?
Yes, Washington is a lucrative place for Carpenters.Carpenters in Washington earn a significantly higher average salary than the national average, and the strong demand indicated by the Location Quotient further supports this. While the cost of living is higher, the nominal wage advantage generally translates to greater earning potential.
Is Washington a good place to live for Carpenters?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($82,690) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
What is the average salary for a Carpenter in Washington State?
The average annual salary for a Carpenter in Washington State is $77,630.
How does Washington's Carpenter salary compare to the national average?
Carpenters in Washington earn approximately $13,620 more annually than the national average salary of $64,010.
Is the demand for Carpenters high in Washington?
Yes, the demand is high, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.64, meaning Carpenters are 64% more concentrated in Washington than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect Carpenter salaries in Washington?
Washington's Cost of Living Index is 115.1, which is 15.1% higher than the national average. This means that while salaries are higher, the increased cost of living should be factored into the overall financial picture.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 26,340 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 7.441 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 Washington