Carpenter Salaries in Illinois — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median carpenter salary in Illinois is $76,410 per year, equivalent to $36.73/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Illinois employs approximately 24,930 carpenters statewide.
Carpenter salaries in Illinois are above the national average by approximately $19,066. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
A solid industrial economy and stable population mean carpenters in Illinois enjoy reliable job security.
Illinois Carpenter Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Illinois after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Illinois Carpenter Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Illinois median of $76,410.
Carpenter Salary by Experience — Illinois
Carpenter Salary Trend in Illinois — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Datacarpenters pay in Illinois has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the carpenter workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Illinois's residential and commercial construction.
Carpenter Salary by City — Illinois
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $84,800 | $40.77 | +11.0% | 8,725 |
| Aurora | $81,000 | $38.94 | +6.0% | 6,980 |
| Naperville | $78,700 | $37.84 | +3.0% | 4,487 |
| Joliet | $73,350 | $35.26 | -4.0% | 2,243 |
| Rockford | $69,550 | $33.44 | -9.0% | 1,495 |
| Springfield | $66,500 | $31.97 | -13.0% | 997 |
Tip: Chicago offers the highest carpenter salaries in Illinois at $84,800/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Illinois vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Illinois sits in the mid-range for carpenters.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
Carpenter Job Outlook in Illinois
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for carpenters in Illinois is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Illinois job market. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean carpenters in Illinois enjoy reliable job security.
How to Earn More as a Carpenter in Illinois
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a carpenter in Illinois typically adds $62,600 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Contractor Licensing Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Chicago pays carpenters $84,800/yr — +11.0% above the Illinois average. Simply relocating within Illinois 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 Illinois. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Wisconsin pays carpenters $60,390/yr — -21.0% vs Illinois.
Find Carpenter Jobs in Illinois
Live ListingsSearch current carpenter job vacancies in Illinois:
🔍 Carpenter jobs in Illinois — Indeed→ 🔍 Carpenter jobs in Illinois — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Carpenter jobs — Chicago, IL→