California ranks 3rd of 51 states and D.C. for carpenters pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($85,970) by $11,150 — a 15% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $47,170 to $119,190 — a $72,020 spread, 21% wider than the national $59,610 range.
Carpenters are more concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.30 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.30× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $47,170 | $22.68 |
| 25th percentile | $57,900 | $27.84 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $74,820 | $35.97 |
| 75th percentile | $95,360 | $45.85 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $119,190 | $57.30 |
| Mean (average) | $77,680 | $37.35 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $74,820 | n/a |
| Hawaii | $85,970 | +15% |
| Illinois | $76,410 | +2% |
| Washington | $73,260 | -2% |
| Massachusetts | $71,110 | -5% |
| District of Columbia | $66,100 | -12% |
| Alaska | $65,150 | -13% |
| Minnesota | $64,650 | -14% |
| New York | $63,660 | -15% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers | $74,580 | 15,240 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers | $75,090 | 164,320 |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $75,130 | 9,110 |
| Food Service Managers | $75,140 | 38,960 |
| Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers | $75,140 | 50,410 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $74,390 | 12,950 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Carpenters salary in California?
The mean carpenters salary in California is $77,680 per year. The median (middle) salary is $74,820 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Carpenters in California?
Entry-level carpenterss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $47,170 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $57,900 per year.
What is the highest Carpenters salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $119,190 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $95,360 per year.
How does the California Carpenters salary compare to the national average?
The median carpenters salary in California is $74,820, which is +26% above national average of $59,310.