Carpenter Salaries in Tennessee — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Tennessee pays carpenters a median wage of $49,520 per year — that's $23.81/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 8,680 carpenters make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Carpenter salaries in Tennessee are below the national average by approximately $7,824. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Tennessee's economy continues to add carpenter jobs as population and businesses grow.
Tennessee Carpenter Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Tennessee after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Tennessee has no earned income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Tennessee Carpenter Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Tennessee median of $49,520.
Carpenter Salary by Experience — Tennessee
Carpenter Salary Trend in Tennessee — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Datacarpenters pay in Tennessee has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the carpenter workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Tennessee's residential and commercial construction.
Carpenter Salary by City — Tennessee
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $54,950 | $26.42 | +11.0% | 3,038 |
| Memphis | $52,500 | $25.24 | +6.0% | 2,430 |
| Knoxville | $51,000 | $24.52 | +3.0% | 1,562 |
| Chattanooga | $47,550 | $22.86 | -4.0% | 781 |
| Clarksville | $45,050 | $21.66 | -9.0% | 520 |
| Murfreesboro | $43,100 | $20.72 | -13.0% | 347 |
Tip: Nashville offers the highest carpenter salaries in Tennessee at $54,950/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Tennessee vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Tennessee compares favourably for carpenters.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Carpenter Job Outlook in Tennessee
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for carpenters in Tennessee is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Tennessee job market. Tennessee's economy continues to add carpenter jobs as population and businesses grow.
How to Earn More as a Carpenter in Tennessee
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a carpenter in Tennessee typically adds $40,600 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Contractor Licensing Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Nashville pays carpenters $54,950/yr — +11.0% above the Tennessee average. Simply relocating within Tennessee 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 Tennessee. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Kentucky pays carpenters $50,860/yr — 2.7% vs Tennessee.
Find Carpenter Jobs in Tennessee
Live ListingsSearch current carpenter job vacancies in Tennessee:
🔍 Carpenter jobs in Tennessee — Indeed→ 🔍 Carpenter jobs in Tennessee — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Carpenter jobs — Nashville, TN→