Home / Pay by state / Carpenter / California
47-2031 / CARPENTERS / CALIFORNIA
Carpenter salary in California
California vs. U.S. carpenter pay
| Measure | California, annual | California, hourly | U.S., annual | U.S., hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,490 | $22.83 | $40,410 | $19.43 |
| 25th percentile | $59,740 | $28.72 | $48,510 | $23.32 |
| Median | $75,920 | $36.50 | $60,580 | $29.12 |
| 75th percentile | $95,830 | $46.07 | $76,830 | $36.94 |
| 90th percentile | $119,950 | $57.67 | $99,910 | $48.03 |
| Mean (average) | $78,810 | $37.89 | $65,630 | $31.55 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 47-2031 (Carpenters), cross-industry. Data as of May 2025. BLS OEWS tables | BLS state data file (May 2025) | BLS national data file (May 2025).
California carpenters earned a mean of $78,810 a year in May 2025, about $13,180 (20%) above the U.S. mean of $65,630. Half earned less than $75,920 and half earned more. By mean annual wage, California ranks 6th of 51 areas (states and D.C.) with published data for this occupation. BLS location quotient for carpenters in California is 1.28, where 1.00 is the national average share of jobs.
These figures cover all carpenters in the state, from newer workers to experienced ones. They are not entry-level offers or a pay promise, and they leave out employer-paid benefits. Pay varies by employer, metro area, union status and license level.
How people become carpenters
- Carpenters typically need a high school diploma and learn on the job or through apprenticeships.
- They often start with simple tasks under experienced carpenters, then move to more complex work such as reading blueprints and building structures.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Carpenters (national information; page last modified August 28, 2025; figures there use a 2024 base). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent. Typical training: Apprenticeship. Projected job growth 2024 to 2034: 4% (as fast as average). BLS OOH: Carpenters. Find programs on Apprenticeship.gov. Confirm California licensing rules with the state board; this page does not state them.