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Carpenter Salaries in Wisconsin — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

Carpenters in Wisconsin earn an average of $60,390 per year ($29.04/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 15,330 carpenters.

Carpenter salaries in Wisconsin are above the national average by approximately $3,046. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.

A solid industrial economy and stable population mean carpenters in Wisconsin enjoy reliable job security.

Wisconsin Carpenter Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Wisconsin after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$60,390
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$45,875

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Wisconsin Carpenter Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Wisconsin median of $60,390.

Your annual salary ($)

Carpenter Salary by Experience — Wisconsin

Entry Level (0–2 years)$37,400/yr · $17.98/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Wisconsin.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$53,747/yr · $25.84/hr
Established professional working independently in Wisconsin. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$67,032/yr · $32.23/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Wisconsin.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$87,000+/yr · $41.83/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Wisconsin.
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Carpenter Salary Trend in Wisconsin — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Five-year wage growth for carpenters in Wisconsin: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Wisconsin's residential and commercial construction.

2021
$53,022
2022
$56,102
+5.8%
2023
$58,699
+4.6%
2024
$59,665
+1.6%
2026
$60,390
+1.2%

Carpenter Salary by City — Wisconsin

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Milwaukee$67,050$32.24+11.0%5,365
Madison$64,000$30.77+6.0%4,292
Green Bay$62,200$29.90+3.0%2,759
Kenosha$57,950$27.86-4.0%1,379
Racine$54,950$26.42-9.0%919
Appleton$52,550$25.26-13.0%613

Tip: Milwaukee offers the highest carpenter salaries in Wisconsin at $67,050/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Wisconsin vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

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

Wisconsin — 7.65% state income tax$60,390 gross~$45,875 take-home
Minnesota — 9.85%$64,650 gross+7.1% vs WI
Michigan — 4.25%$61,410 gross+1.7% vs WI
Iowa — 6.0%$54,080 gross-10.4% vs WI

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.

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Carpenter Job Outlook in Wisconsin

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
15,330Currently employed
1,533+New jobs projected

Employment for carpenters in Wisconsin is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Wisconsin job market. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean carpenters in Wisconsin enjoy reliable job security.

How to Earn More as a Carpenter in Wisconsin

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a carpenter in Wisconsin typically adds $49,600 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Contractor Licensing Board can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Milwaukee pays carpenters $67,050/yr — +11.0% above the Wisconsin average. Simply relocating within Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Minnesota pays carpenters $64,650/yr — 7.1% vs Wisconsin.

Find Carpenter Jobs in Wisconsin

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average carpenter salary in Wisconsin?
The average carpenter salary in Wisconsin is $60,390 per year, or $29.04 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $37,400 while experienced professionals earn $87,000 or more.
Where do carpenters earn the most in Wisconsin?
Milwaukee pays carpenters the most in Wisconsin at an average of $67,050 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Wisconsin stack up nationally for carpenter pay?
Wisconsin carpenter salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $3,046. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.
What is the take-home pay for a carpenter in Wisconsin?
A carpenter earning the Wisconsin average of $60,390 takes home approximately $45,875 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.
Should you become a carpenter in Wisconsin?
Yes. Carpenter is a strong career choice in Wisconsin with steady demand projected over the next decade. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean carpenters in Wisconsin enjoy reliable job security.
How do you get a carpenter licence in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, 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.