Carpenter Salaries in California — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026California pays carpenters a median wage of $74,820 per year — that's $35.97/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 106,500 carpenters make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Carpenter salaries in California are above the national average by approximately $17,476. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%.
California's booming economy means carpenters command premium wages compared to the national average.
California Carpenter Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in California after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — California Carpenter Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the California median of $74,820.
Carpenter Salary by Experience — California
Carpenter Salary Trend in California — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, California has seen 13.9% wage growth for carpenters — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in California's residential and commercial construction.
Carpenter Salary by City — California
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $83,050 | $39.93 | +11.0% | 37,275 |
| San Francisco | $79,300 | $38.12 | +6.0% | 29,820 |
| San Diego | $77,050 | $37.04 | +3.0% | 19,170 |
| San Jose | $71,850 | $34.54 | -4.0% | 9,585 |
| Sacramento | $68,100 | $32.74 | -9.0% | 6,390 |
| Fresno | $65,100 | $31.30 | -13.0% | 4,260 |
Tip: Los Angeles offers the highest carpenter salaries in California at $83,050/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
California vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, California sits in the mid-range for carpenters.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%.
Carpenter Job Outlook in California
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for carpenters in California is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the California job market. California's booming economy means carpenters command premium wages compared to the national average.
How to Earn More as a Carpenter in California
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a carpenter in California typically adds $61,300 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Contractor Licensing Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Los Angeles pays carpenters $83,050/yr — +11.0% above the California average. Simply relocating within California can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Carpenters who specialise in residential and commercial construction typically command premium rates in California. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Oregon pays carpenters $61,170/yr — -18.2% vs California.
Find Carpenter Jobs in California
Live ListingsSearch current carpenter job vacancies in California:
🔍 Carpenter jobs in California — Indeed→ 🔍 Carpenter jobs in California — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Carpenter jobs — Los Angeles, CA→