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Carpenter Salaries in Montana — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

Montana pays carpenters a median wage of $58,110 per year — that's $27.94/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 4,240 carpenters make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.

Carpenter salaries in Montana are above the national average by approximately $766. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.

Montana's mix of natural resources, tourism, and tech keeps carpenter demand steady.

Montana Carpenter Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Montana after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$58,110
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$45,840

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Montana Carpenter Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Montana median of $58,110.

Your annual salary ($)

Carpenter Salary by Experience — Montana

Entry Level (0–2 years)$36,000/yr · $17.31/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Montana.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$51,717/yr · $24.86/hr
Established professional working independently in Montana. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$64,502/yr · $31.01/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Montana.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$83,700+/yr · $40.24/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Montana.
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Carpenter Salary Trend in Montana — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Over the past five years, Montana 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 Montana's residential and commercial construction.

2021
$51,020
2022
$53,984
+5.8%
2023
$56,482
+4.6%
2024
$57,412
+1.6%
2026
$58,110
+1.2%

Carpenter Salary by City — Montana

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Billings$64,500$31.01+11.0%1,484
Missoula$61,600$29.62+6.0%1,187
Great Falls$59,850$28.77+3.0%763
Bozeman$55,800$26.83-4.0%381
Butte$52,900$25.43-9.0%254
Helena$50,550$24.30-13.0%169

Tip: Billings offers the highest carpenter salaries in Montana at $64,500/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Montana vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Montana sits in the mid-range for carpenters.

Montana — 6.75% state income tax$58,110 gross~$45,840 take-home
Idaho — 5.8%$48,530 gross-16.5% vs MT
Wyoming — no state tax$55,870 gross-3.9% vs MT
North Dakota — 2.5%$58,390 gross+0.5% vs MT

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.

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Carpenter Job Outlook in Montana

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
4,240Currently employed
424+New jobs projected

Employment for carpenters in Montana is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Montana job market. Montana's mix of natural resources, tourism, and tech keeps carpenter demand steady.

How to Earn More as a Carpenter in Montana

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a carpenter in Montana typically adds $47,700 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Contractor Licensing Board can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Billings pays carpenters $64,500/yr — +11.0% above the Montana average. Simply relocating within Montana 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 Montana. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Idaho pays carpenters $48,530/yr — -16.5% vs Montana.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a carpenter make in Montana?
The average carpenter salary in Montana is $58,110 per year, or $27.94 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $36,000 while experienced professionals earn $83,700 or more.
What city in Montana pays carpenters the most?
Billings pays carpenters the most in Montana at an average of $64,500 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Montana carpenter salary compare to the national average?
Montana carpenter salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $766. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
What is the take-home pay for a carpenter in Montana?
A carpenter earning the Montana average of $58,110 takes home approximately $45,840 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
Should you become a carpenter in Montana?
Yes. Carpenter is a strong career choice in Montana with steady demand projected over the next decade. Montana's mix of natural resources, tourism, and tech keeps carpenter demand steady.
How do you get a carpenter licence in Montana?
In Montana, carpenters are licensed through the State Contractor Licensing Board. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Contractor Licensing Board for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.