📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Carpenter Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$81,792
per year
Median
$75,587
per year
Hourly
$39.32
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$51,015
25th Percentile — Junior$66,896
50th Percentile — Median$75,587
75th Percentile — Senior$102,629
90th Percentile — Top Earners$116,335
💡 Top-earning Carpenters in California make up to $116,335 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$71.2k
2021
$73.2k
2022
$75.3k
2023
$77.4k
2024
$79.6k
2025
$81.8k
2026
📈 Carpenter salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.8% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Carpenter Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $126,778 +55.0% High
San Diego $121,052 +48.0% High
San Jose $140,682 +72.0% High
San Francisco $151,315 +85.0% High
Fresno $88,335 +8.0% High
Sacramento $99,786 +22.0% High
Long Beach $118,598 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $88,335 +8.0% High
Anaheim $116,145 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $114,509 +40.0% High
Riverside $104,694 +28.0% High
Stockton $96,515 +18.0% High
Irvine $126,778 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $96,515 +18.0% High
Modesto $91,607 +12.0% High
Fontana $99,786 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $94,061 +15.0% High
Glendale $121,052 +48.0% High
Fremont $130,867 +60.0% High
🔍
Carpenter Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Carpenters. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $81,792 per year, California's Carpenter salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $51,015–$66,896, while experienced Carpenters can command $102,629–$116,335.

Looking ahead, the Carpenter profession in California is projected to grow at 2.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Carpenter salary in California is $81,792 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $57,600.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Carpenters the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Carpenter employment.
  • At $81,792/year, California Carpenter salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $57,600/year.