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Carpenter Salaries in South Carolina — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a carpenter make in South Carolina? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $48,910/yr ($23.51/hr), with around 7,070 people working in this field statewide.

Carpenter salaries in South Carolina are below the national average by approximately $8,434. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.

Steady population growth across South Carolina keeps demand strong for carpenters, especially in metro areas.

South Carolina Carpenter Take-Home Pay Calculator

Interactive

Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in South Carolina after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$48,910
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$39,240

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — South Carolina Carpenter Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the South Carolina median of $48,910.

Your annual salary ($)

Carpenter Salary by Experience — South Carolina

Entry Level (0–2 years)$30,300/yr · $14.57/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in South Carolina.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$43,529/yr · $20.93/hr
Established professional working independently in South Carolina. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$54,290/yr · $26.10/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in South Carolina.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$70,400+/yr · $33.85/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in South Carolina.
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Carpenter Salary Trend in South Carolina — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

carpenters pay in South Carolina has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the carpenter workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in South Carolina's residential and commercial construction.

2021
$42,942
2022
$45,437
+5.8%
2023
$47,540
+4.6%
2024
$48,323
+1.6%
2026
$48,910
+1.2%

Carpenter Salary by City — South Carolina

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Columbia$54,300$26.11+11.0%2,474
Charleston$51,850$24.93+6.0%1,979
North Charleston$50,400$24.23+3.0%1,272
Mount Pleasant$46,950$22.57-4.0%636
Greenville$44,500$21.39-9.0%424
Rock Hill$42,550$20.46-13.0%282

Tip: Columbia offers the highest carpenter salaries in South Carolina at $54,300/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

South Carolina vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

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

South Carolina — 6.4% state income tax$48,910 gross~$39,240 take-home
North Carolina — 4.5%$47,630 gross-2.6% vs SC
Georgia — 5.49%$50,530 gross+3.3% vs SC

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.

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Carpenter Job Outlook in South Carolina

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
7,070Currently employed
707+New jobs projected

Employment for carpenters in South Carolina is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the South Carolina job market. Steady population growth across South Carolina keeps demand strong for carpenters, especially in metro areas.

How to Earn More as a Carpenter in South Carolina

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a carpenter in South Carolina typically adds $40,100 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Contractor Licensing Board can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Columbia pays carpenters $54,300/yr — +11.0% above the South Carolina average. Simply relocating within South Carolina 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 South Carolina. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. North Carolina pays carpenters $47,630/yr — -2.6% vs South Carolina.

Find Carpenter Jobs in South Carolina

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average carpenter salary in South Carolina?
The average carpenter salary in South Carolina is $48,910 per year, or $23.51 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $30,300 while experienced professionals earn $70,400 or more.
Where do carpenters earn the most in South Carolina?
Columbia pays carpenters the most in South Carolina at an average of $54,300 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
Is carpenter pay in South Carolina above or below the US average?
South Carolina carpenter salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $8,434. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.
What's the after-tax salary for carpenters in South Carolina?
A carpenter earning the South Carolina average of $48,910 takes home approximately $39,240 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.
Is carpenter a good career in South Carolina?
Yes. Carpenter is a strong career choice in South Carolina with steady demand projected over the next decade. Steady population growth across South Carolina keeps demand strong for carpenters, especially in metro areas.
How do you get a carpenter licence in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, 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.