What is the best city for carpenters?

After cost of living, the Michigan City–La Porte, IN area: the median of $91,970 a year buys about what $100,310 would at average U.S. prices.

Which city pays carpenters the most?

Before adjusting for prices, the Kankakee, IL area has the highest median, $95,280. After cost of living it ranks 2nd of 379.

What is the best big city for carpenters?

Among the 20 metro areas with the most carpenters, the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL-IN area, 14th overall: its median of $80,440 buys what $77,650 would nationally.

Where does carpenter pay go the least far?

Of the 379 metro areas ranked, the Brownsville–Harlingen, TX area, where the median of $35,640 buys about what $41,450 would nationally.

Which cities are included?

The 379 metro areas where BLS publishes a median for carpenters and at least 50 of them work. Smaller metros and rural areas are on each state's carpenter pay page.

How is cost of living adjusted?

We divide each metro's median by its Regional Price Parity from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (2024), where the U.S. average is 100. A metro with prices 10% above average (110) has its median divided by 1.10.

Best-paying cities for carpenters

Updated September 27, 2026

After adjusting for cost of living, the Michigan City–La Porte, IN area is the best-paying metro for carpenters: its median of $91,970 a year buys what $100,310 would nationally, according to May 2025 BLS wages and BEA 2024 price levels. By raw pay, the Kankakee, IL area leads at $95,280, but its prices drop it to 2nd of 379. Among the 20 metros with the most carpenters, the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL-IN area ranks highest (14th overall).

Top 50 metro areas, after cost of living

#	Metro area	After cost of living	Median pay	Price level	Jobs
1	Michigan City–La PorteIN · $91,970 median · prices 91.7	$100,310	$91,970	91.7	260
2	KankakeeIL · $95,280 median · prices 96.4	$98,840	$95,280	96.4	120
3	DecaturIL · $87,220 median · prices 88.4	$98,640	$87,220	88.4	180
4	Oshkosh–NeenahWI · $84,430 median · prices 92.9	$90,850	$84,430	92.9	650
5	Urban HonoluluHI · $94,310 median · prices 111.0	$84,990	$94,310	111.0	3,120
6	SpringfieldIL · $76,970 median · prices 92.7	$82,990	$76,970	92.7	290
7	PeoriaIL · $75,280 median · prices 91.2	$82,520	$75,280	91.2	780
8	Fairbanks–CollegeAK · $84,970 median · prices 103.2	$82,330	$84,970	103.2	280
9	BloomingtonIL · $75,470 median · prices 93.5	$80,680	$75,470	93.5	170
10	Janesville–BeloitWI · $75,390 median · prices 93.7	$80,460	$75,390	93.7	360
11	RockfordIL · $72,770 median · prices 92.2	$78,970	$72,770	92.2	810
12	SpringfieldMA · $75,520 median · prices 96.1	$78,620	$75,520	96.1	660
13	El CentroCA · $74,340 median · prices 95.2	$78,110	$74,340	95.2	140
14	Chicago–Naperville–ElginIL-IN · $80,440 median · prices 103.6	$77,650	$80,440	103.6	14,220
15	San Francisco–Oakland–FremontCA · $89,200 median · prices 115.6	$77,150	$89,200	115.6	14,010
16	MercedCA · $74,760 median · prices 98.3	$76,070	$74,760	98.3	350
17	Kahului–WailukuHI · $82,110 median · prices 109.4	$75,060	$82,110	109.4	700
18	Santa Rosa–PetalumaCA · $80,520 median · prices 107.8	$74,700	$80,520	107.8	2,150
19	St. LouisMO-IL · $70,990 median · prices 95.1	$74,660	$70,990	95.1	7,210
20	Cape GirardeauMO-IL · $63,740 median · prices 86.1	$74,050	$63,740	86.1	180
21	Yuba CityCA · $76,100 median · prices 104.2	$73,010	$76,100	104.2	220
22	ColumbusIN · $67,780 median · prices 93.0	$72,880	$67,780	93.0	190
23	San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa ClaraCA · $80,190 median · prices 110.4	$72,620	$80,190	110.4	4,460
24	Elkhart–GoshenIN · $65,520 median · prices 90.3	$72,540	$65,520	90.3	1,170
25	Champaign–UrbanaIL · $66,980 median · prices 92.7	$72,250	$66,980	92.7	310
26	Hanford–CorcoranCA · $73,250 median · prices 101.6	$72,090	$73,250	101.6	110
27	Barnstable TownMA · $70,580 median · prices 98.4	$71,760	$70,580	98.4	1,280
28	NapaCA · $80,590 median · prices 112.6	$71,600	$80,590	112.6	650
29	ChicoCA · $72,290 median · prices 101.2	$71,430	$72,290	101.2	390
30	ReddingCA · $71,750 median · prices 100.7	$71,260	$71,750	100.7	310
31	WorcesterMA · $73,010 median · prices 102.5	$71,210	$73,010	102.5	1,590
32	San Luis Obispo–Paso RoblesCA · $77,220 median · prices 108.6	$71,110	$77,220	108.6	820
33	BellinghamWA · $73,260 median · prices 103.3	$70,900	$73,260	103.3	950
34	ModestoCA · $73,730 median · prices 104.1	$70,820	$73,730	104.1	1,430
35	Santa Cruz–WatsonvilleCA · $77,690 median · prices 109.9	$70,690	$77,690	109.9	700
36	EvansvilleIN · $64,690 median · prices 91.5	$70,680	$64,690	91.5	790
37	Minneapolis–St. Paul–BloomingtonMN-WI · $74,060 median · prices 104.8	$70,650	$74,060	104.8	10,200
38	Longview–KelsoWA · $68,550 median · prices 97.5	$70,280	$68,550	97.5	360
39	VallejoCA · $76,220 median · prices 108.5	$70,260	$76,220	108.5	660
40	RochesterMN · $63,610 median · prices 90.8	$70,040	$63,610	90.8	460
41	Portland–Vancouver–HillsboroOR-WA · $73,710 median · prices 105.4	$69,920	$73,710	105.4	9,210
42	Sacramento–Roseville–FolsomCA · $74,440 median · prices 106.7	$69,790	$74,440	106.7	9,730
43	ColumbusOH · $66,480 median · prices 95.5	$69,640	$66,480	95.5	3,620
44	St. JosephMO-KS · $60,150 median · prices 86.4	$69,630	$60,150	86.4	220
45	Boston–Cambridge–NewtonMA-NH · $75,210 median · prices 108.3	$69,470	$75,210	108.3	12,720
46	St. CloudMN · $60,600 median · prices 87.6	$69,150	$60,600	87.6	570
47	AnchorageAK · $72,800 median · prices 105.4	$69,060	$72,800	105.4	1,460
48	Santa Maria–Santa BarbaraCA · $75,140 median · prices 108.8	$69,060	$75,140	108.8	1,100
49	Terre HauteIN · $60,560 median · prices 87.8	$68,980	$60,560	87.8	280
50	MidlandMI · $63,380 median · prices 91.9	$68,950	$63,380	91.9	250

See all 379 metro areas

#	Metro area	After cost of living	Median pay	Price level	Jobs
51	DubuqueIA · $60,090 median · prices 87.3	$68,810	$60,090	87.3	260
52	Seattle–Tacoma–BellevueWA · $76,410 median · prices 111.1	$68,760	$76,410	111.1	14,970
53	Battle CreekMI · $62,140 median · prices 90.5	$68,630	$62,140	90.5	130
54	SaginawMI · $62,240 median · prices 90.9	$68,480	$62,240	90.9	320
55	Fond du LacWI · $62,550 median · prices 91.6	$68,250	$62,550	91.6	340
56	DuluthMN-WI · $60,520 median · prices 88.8	$68,180	$60,520	88.8	620
57	FarmingtonNM · $59,720 median · prices 87.7	$68,090	$59,720	87.7	390
58	Mount Vernon–AnacortesWA · $69,710 median · prices 102.4	$68,050	$69,710	102.4	540
59	KokomoIN · $61,000 median · prices 89.6	$68,040	$61,000	89.6	120
60	Indianapolis–Carmel–GreenwoodIN · $65,070 median · prices 95.7	$68,000	$65,070	95.7	4,960
61	MuncieIN · $59,890 median · prices 88.1	$67,940	$59,890	88.1	160
62	Davenport–Moline–Rock IslandIA-IL · $60,440 median · prices 89.1	$67,850	$60,440	89.1	670
63	MinotND · $58,950 median · prices 87.0	$67,740	$58,950	87.0	160
64	Lansing–East LansingMI · $64,270 median · prices 95.0	$67,660	$64,270	95.0	1,120
65	AppletonWI · $62,490 median · prices 92.4	$67,620	$62,490	92.4	700
66	Lafayette–West LafayetteIN · $63,050 median · prices 93.4	$67,480	$63,050	93.4	300
67	MankatoMN · $61,150 median · prices 91.0	$67,230	$61,150	91.0	230
68	Oxnard–Thousand Oaks–VenturaCA · $74,060 median · prices 110.5	$67,000	$74,060	110.5	2,050
69	Des Moines–West Des MoinesIA · $61,360 median · prices 91.7	$66,910	$61,360	91.7	1,810
70	Kansas CityMO-KS · $61,810 median · prices 92.5	$66,790	$61,810	92.5	4,540
71	ToledoOH · $61,070 median · prices 91.5	$66,780	$61,070	91.5	980
72	BinghamtonNY · $62,000 median · prices 92.9	$66,770	$62,000	92.9	400
73	SheboyganWI · $62,760 median · prices 94.0	$66,760	$62,760	94.0	230
74	Los Angeles–Long Beach–AnaheimCA · $75,740 median · prices 113.6	$66,690	$75,740	113.6	30,600
75	Amherst Town–NorthamptonMA · $66,830 median · prices 100.2	$66,670	$66,830	100.2	350
76	Riverside–San Bernardino–OntarioCA · $70,880 median · prices 106.4	$66,590	$70,880	106.4	12,970
77	South Bend–MishawakaIN-MI · $61,690 median · prices 92.9	$66,430	$61,690	92.9	500
78	PittsfieldMA · $63,050 median · prices 95.1	$66,290	$63,050	95.1	430
79	Grand ForksND-MN · $57,440 median · prices 86.7	$66,280	$57,440	86.7	290
80	LawrenceKS · $59,800 median · prices 90.2	$66,270	$59,800	90.2	280
81	Buffalo–CheektowagaNY · $63,500 median · prices 95.8	$66,250	$63,500	95.8	2,440
82	YakimaWA · $63,300 median · prices 95.5	$66,250	$63,300	95.5	480
83	Cedar RapidsIA · $58,920 median · prices 89.0	$66,230	$58,920	89.0	530
84	VinelandNJ · $63,440 median · prices 96.0	$66,110	$63,440	96.0	180
85	New York–Newark–Jersey CityNY-NJ · $74,300 median · prices 112.6	$66,010	$74,300	112.6	34,210
86	Bakersfield–DelanoCA · $66,540 median · prices 100.9	$65,960	$66,540	100.9	1,100
87	Watertown–Fort DrumNY · $57,840 median · prices 87.7	$65,960	$57,840	87.7	270
88	FlintMI · $61,360 median · prices 93.0	$65,950	$61,360	93.0	330
89	Milwaukee–WaukeshaWI · $63,910 median · prices 96.9	$65,930	$63,910	96.9	3,310
90	Stockton–LodiCA · $69,160 median · prices 105.1	$65,810	$69,160	105.1	1,260
91	Detroit–Warren–DearbornMI · $65,810 median · prices 100.3	$65,610	$65,810	100.3	7,610
92	San Diego–Chula Vista–CarlsbadCA · $73,200 median · prices 111.9	$65,420	$73,200	111.9	8,710
93	Weirton–SteubenvilleWV-OH · $58,240 median · prices 89.0	$65,420	$58,240	89.0	160
94	AkronOH · $61,070 median · prices 93.4	$65,410	$61,070	93.4	980
95	Fort WayneIN · $60,400 median · prices 92.6	$65,250	$60,400	92.6	1,240
96	MadisonWI · $63,480 median · prices 97.3	$65,250	$63,480	97.3	2,320
97	Youngstown–WarrenOH · $56,970 median · prices 87.4	$65,190	$56,970	87.4	460
98	SyracuseNY · $62,250 median · prices 95.7	$65,020	$62,250	95.7	1,490
99	MansfieldOH · $57,750 median · prices 88.9	$64,980	$57,750	88.9	150
100	Carson CityNV · $63,660 median · prices 98.1	$64,870	$63,660	98.1	100
101	FargoND-MN · $58,940 median · prices 90.9	$64,860	$58,940	90.9	880
102	Jefferson CityMO · $57,030 median · prices 88.0	$64,830	$57,030	88.0	430
103	ElmiraNY · $61,190 median · prices 94.4	$64,820	$61,190	94.4	90
104	Green BayWI · $60,320 median · prices 93.1	$64,800	$60,320	93.1	860
105	Beaumont–Port ArthurTX · $58,290 median · prices 90.0	$64,730	$58,290	90.0	1,000
106	PittsburghPA · $61,180 median · prices 94.7	$64,620	$61,180	94.7	5,920
107	Ann ArborMI · $65,170 median · prices 100.9	$64,600	$65,170	100.9	640
108	ClevelandOH · $60,650 median · prices 93.9	$64,570	$60,650	93.9	3,280
109	BloomingtonIN · $61,360 median · prices 95.1	$64,530	$61,360	95.1	270
110	VisaliaCA · $64,390 median · prices 99.8	$64,500	$64,390	99.8	650
111	SanduskyOH · $57,560 median · prices 89.3	$64,470	$57,560	89.3	140
112	Scranton––Wilkes–BarrePA · $60,240 median · prices 93.6	$64,390	$60,240	93.6	1,070
113	Kalamazoo–PortageMI · $61,060 median · prices 94.8	$64,380	$61,060	94.8	410
114	Lewiston–AuburnME · $60,950 median · prices 94.7	$64,340	$60,950	94.7	280
115	Kennewick–RichlandWA · $64,320 median · prices 100.1	$64,270	$64,320	100.1	1,310
116	La Crosse–OnalaskaWI-MN · $58,950 median · prices 91.8	$64,240	$58,950	91.8	450
117	Utica–RomeNY · $59,540 median · prices 92.7	$64,240	$59,540	92.7	380
118	Norwich–New London–WillimanticCT · $64,500 median · prices 100.4	$64,210	$64,500	100.4	740
119	Waterloo–Cedar FallsIA · $55,840 median · prices 87.1	$64,140	$55,840	87.1	260
120	Augusta–Richmond CountyGA-SC · $58,930 median · prices 91.9	$64,120	$58,930	91.9	830
121	AltoonaPA · $57,360 median · prices 89.5	$64,080	$57,360	89.5	360
122	MonroeMI · $59,750 median · prices 93.5	$63,910	$59,750	93.5	90
123	York–HanoverPA · $61,160 median · prices 96.0	$63,710	$61,160	96.0	1,190
124	Eau ClaireWI · $59,090 median · prices 92.8	$63,680	$59,090	92.8	360
125	Trenton–PrincetonNJ · $65,690 median · prices 103.2	$63,670	$65,690	103.2	610
126	MidlandTX · $60,830 median · prices 95.8	$63,510	$60,830	95.8	170
127	JohnstownPA · $54,560 median · prices 85.9	$63,490	$54,560	85.9	190
128	Racine–Mount PleasantWI · $60,920 median · prices 96.0	$63,480	$60,920	96.0	320
129	Traverse CityMI · $59,230 median · prices 93.4	$63,430	$59,230	93.4	420
130	Canton–MassillonOH · $56,530 median · prices 89.4	$63,230	$56,530	89.4	380
131	Las CrucesNM · $57,030 median · prices 90.2	$63,220	$57,030	90.2	250
132	Portland–South PortlandME · $64,300 median · prices 101.9	$63,130	$64,300	101.9	2,230
133	Grand JunctionCO · $60,230 median · prices 95.5	$63,080	$60,230	95.5	340
134	Hartford–West Hartford–East HartfordCT · $64,770 median · prices 102.7	$63,040	$64,770	102.7	1,660
135	BillingsMT · $58,950 median · prices 93.5	$63,030	$58,950	93.5	530
136	CincinnatiOH-KY-IN · $60,110 median · prices 95.4	$63,030	$60,110	95.4	4,610
137	LewistonID-WA · $57,420 median · prices 91.2	$62,990	$57,420	91.2	150
138	Dayton–Kettering–BeavercreekOH · $58,330 median · prices 92.7	$62,930	$58,330	92.7	950
139	AlbuquerqueNM · $60,080 median · prices 95.5	$62,880	$60,080	95.5	1,940
140	New HavenCT · $65,750 median · prices 104.6	$62,880	$65,750	104.6	730
141	ColumbiaMO · $56,160 median · prices 89.4	$62,790	$56,160	89.4	510
142	AmesIA · $55,640 median · prices 88.8	$62,640	$55,640	88.8	210
143	EriePA · $56,850 median · prices 91.0	$62,510	$56,850	91.0	530
144	Lexington ParkMD · $62,880 median · prices 100.8	$62,410	$62,880	100.8	210
145	Waterbury–SheltonCT · $62,250 median · prices 99.8	$62,390	$62,250	99.8	460
146	Las Vegas–Henderson–North Las VegasNV · $62,380 median · prices 100.2	$62,250	$62,380	100.2	9,310
147	Burlington–South BurlingtonVT · $62,790 median · prices 100.9	$62,200	$62,790	100.9	900
148	FresnoCA · $63,470 median · prices 102.2	$62,130	$63,470	102.2	1,790
149	SalinasCA · $67,530 median · prices 109.0	$61,930	$67,530	109.0	1,210
150	Grand Rapids–Wyoming–KentwoodMI · $59,000 median · prices 95.5	$61,750	$59,000	95.5	2,840
151	Glens FallsNY · $58,560 median · prices 94.9	$61,730	$58,560	94.9	300
152	RenoNV · $62,350 median · prices 101.0	$61,720	$62,350	101.0	2,750
153	Spokane–Spokane ValleyWA · $61,900 median · prices 100.3	$61,690	$61,900	100.3	2,020
154	Eugene–SpringfieldOR · $62,590 median · prices 101.6	$61,620	$62,590	101.6	710
155	Bremerton–Silverdale–Port OrchardWA · $65,000 median · prices 105.6	$61,550	$65,000	105.6	940
156	Atlantic City–HammontonNJ · $60,840 median · prices 98.9	$61,540	$60,840	98.9	970
157	Denver–Aurora–CentennialCO · $64,910 median · prices 105.8	$61,360	$64,910	105.8	7,250
158	RochesterNY · $59,490 median · prices 97.0	$61,310	$59,490	97.0	2,350
159	Baton RougeLA · $55,630 median · prices 90.8	$61,280	$55,630	90.8	3,490
160	Wenatchee–East WenatcheeWA · $63,640 median · prices 103.9	$61,280	$63,640	103.9	400
161	JacksonMI · $56,160 median · prices 91.8	$61,190	$56,160	91.8	130
162	PuebloCO · $56,150 median · prices 91.8	$61,190	$56,150	91.8	180
163	HelenaMT · $58,490 median · prices 95.7	$61,130	$58,490	95.7	310
164	Olympia–Lacey–TumwaterWA · $63,260 median · prices 103.7	$61,020	$63,260	103.7	800
165	Florence–Muscle ShoalsAL · $51,740 median · prices 84.8	$61,000	$51,740	84.8	170
166	Albany–Schenectady–TroyNY · $60,720 median · prices 99.6	$60,980	$60,720	99.6	2,000
167	BozemanMT · $62,450 median · prices 102.5	$60,920	$62,450	102.5	900
168	CorvallisOR · $63,290 median · prices 104.0	$60,850	$63,290	104.0	260
169	Providence–WarwickRI-MA · $61,910 median · prices 101.8	$60,830	$61,910	101.8	4,140
170	Louisville/Jefferson CountyKY-IN · $56,520 median · prices 93.1	$60,730	$56,520	93.1	2,990
171	Great FallsMT · $58,790 median · prices 96.8	$60,710	$58,790	96.8	370
172	KingstonNY · $61,140 median · prices 100.7	$60,710	$61,140	100.7	280
173	Walla WallaWA · $59,660 median · prices 98.5	$60,560	$59,660	98.5	120
174	Bay CityMI · $55,520 median · prices 91.9	$60,400	$55,520	91.9	80
175	Philadelphia–Camden–WilmingtonPA-NJ-DE-MD · $61,780 median · prices 102.6	$60,240	$61,780	102.6	14,260
176	Santa FeNM · $59,420 median · prices 98.8	$60,160	$59,420	98.8	210
177	Hagerstown–MartinsburgMD-WV · $56,600 median · prices 94.2	$60,100	$56,600	94.2	350
178	BismarckND · $54,670 median · prices 91.0	$60,060	$54,670	91.0	510
179	PaducahKY-IL · $51,700 median · prices 86.1	$60,060	$51,700	86.1	310
180	LimaOH · $53,800 median · prices 89.7	$60,000	$53,800	89.7	130
181	LebanonPA · $55,760 median · prices 93.2	$59,820	$55,760	93.2	310
182	Baltimore–Columbia–TowsonMD · $62,380 median · prices 104.5	$59,700	$62,380	104.5	3,870
183	Allentown–Bethlehem–EastonPA-NJ · $59,540 median · prices 100.0	$59,560	$59,540	100.0	1,390
184	BendOR · $61,640 median · prices 103.6	$59,490	$61,640	103.6	1,180
185	KenoshaWI · $60,120 median · prices 101.1	$59,460	$60,120	101.1	310
186	Salt Lake City–MurrayUT · $59,870 median · prices 100.9	$59,350	$59,870	100.9	6,420
187	MissoulaMT · $57,160 median · prices 96.4	$59,270	$57,160	96.4	400
188	BangorME · $57,100 median · prices 96.5	$59,170	$57,100	96.5	430
189	Bridgeport–Stamford–DanburyCT · $63,210 median · prices 106.9	$59,150	$63,210	106.9	1,100
190	NilesMI · $54,620 median · prices 92.4	$59,130	$54,620	92.4	180
191	Sioux CityIA-NE-SD · $51,100 median · prices 86.5	$59,110	$51,100	86.5	350
192	OwensboroKY · $52,360 median · prices 88.6	$59,090	$52,360	88.6	210
193	Huntington–AshlandWV-KY-OH · $52,000 median · prices 88.4	$58,810	$52,000	88.4	780
194	IthacaNY · $60,680 median · prices 103.3	$58,730	$60,680	103.3	190
195	SpringfieldMO · $52,000 median · prices 88.6	$58,700	$52,000	88.6	920
196	LawtonOK · $50,400 median · prices 85.9	$58,640	$50,400	85.9	80
197	Harrisburg–CarlislePA · $57,690 median · prices 98.7	$58,480	$57,690	98.7	1,320
198	Grants PassOR · $57,160 median · prices 97.8	$58,470	$57,160	97.8	140
199	Bowling GreenKY · $52,680 median · prices 90.2	$58,420	$52,680	90.2	480
200	DecaturAL · $50,950 median · prices 87.2	$58,420	$50,950	87.2	190
201	Phoenix–Mesa–ChandlerAZ · $60,320 median · prices 103.3	$58,380	$60,320	103.3	12,710
202	CheyenneWY · $56,160 median · prices 96.5	$58,200	$56,160	96.5	310
203	Kiryas Joel–Poughkeepsie–NewburghNY · $63,540 median · prices 109.4	$58,070	$63,540	109.4	2,140
204	Manchester–NashuaNH · $61,300 median · prices 105.7	$58,020	$61,300	105.7	820
205	MonroeLA · $48,400 median · prices 83.6	$57,900	$48,400	83.6	360
206	Nashville–Davidson––Murfreesboro––FranklinTN · $55,770 median · prices 96.3	$57,890	$55,770	96.3	3,040
207	GreeleyCO · $57,880 median · prices 100.2	$57,780	$57,880	100.2	560
208	WilliamsportPA · $53,340 median · prices 92.3	$57,760	$53,340	92.3	170
209	Fort Collins–LovelandCO · $58,310 median · prices 101.1	$57,660	$58,310	101.1	510
210	TopekaKS · $51,210 median · prices 88.8	$57,660	$51,210	88.8	360
211	SalemOR · $59,730 median · prices 103.6	$57,630	$59,730	103.6	1,720
212	Prescott Valley–PrescottAZ · $56,570 median · prices 98.3	$57,570	$56,570	98.3	440
213	State CollegePA · $55,690 median · prices 96.8	$57,550	$55,690	96.8	350
214	OmahaNE-IA · $52,800 median · prices 91.9	$57,450	$52,800	91.9	3,230
215	WichitaKS · $50,930 median · prices 88.9	$57,260	$50,930	88.9	1,210
216	ManhattanKS · $51,600 median · prices 90.2	$57,230	$51,600	90.2	300
217	Coeur d'AleneID · $56,160 median · prices 98.3	$57,140	$56,160	98.3	790
218	MedfordOR · $57,930 median · prices 101.4	$57,110	$57,930	101.4	910
219	Anniston–OxfordAL · $49,070 median · prices 85.9	$57,090	$49,070	85.9	70
220	Colorado SpringsCO · $57,430 median · prices 100.7	$57,030	$57,430	100.7	1,220
221	PocatelloID · $50,700 median · prices 88.9	$57,030	$50,700	88.9	340
222	MorristownTN · $49,110 median · prices 86.4	$56,860	$49,110	86.4	130
223	SpartanburgSC · $51,750 median · prices 91.1	$56,840	$51,750	91.1	300
224	BoulderCO · $59,760 median · prices 105.2	$56,810	$59,760	105.2	540
225	FlorenceSC · $49,250 median · prices 86.8	$56,760	$49,250	86.8	130
226	WheelingWV-OH · $50,120 median · prices 88.3	$56,750	$50,120	88.3	190
227	LancasterPA · $55,690 median · prices 98.3	$56,680	$55,690	98.3	2,750
228	Houma–Bayou Cane–ThibodauxLA · $48,210 median · prices 85.1	$56,650	$48,210	85.1	400
229	JoplinMO-KS · $48,540 median · prices 85.7	$56,630	$48,540	85.7	300
230	ReadingPA · $54,930 median · prices 97.1	$56,590	$54,930	97.1	760
231	CharlottesvilleVA · $56,090 median · prices 99.1	$56,570	$56,090	99.1	630
232	GoldsboroNC · $49,920 median · prices 88.5	$56,430	$49,920	88.5	60
233	JacksonTN · $47,950 median · prices 85.5	$56,070	$47,950	85.5	170
234	Lexington–FayetteKY · $52,030 median · prices 92.9	$56,010	$52,030	92.9	1,200
235	Kingsport–BristolTN-VA · $48,340 median · prices 86.4	$55,920	$48,340	86.4	390
236	AlbanyOR · $57,080 median · prices 102.1	$55,910	$57,080	102.1	340
237	Washington–Arlington–AlexandriaDC-VA-MD-WV · $60,800 median · prices 108.9	$55,840	$60,800	108.9	13,280
238	FlagstaffAZ · $55,970 median · prices 100.3	$55,790	$55,970	100.3	280
239	Grand IslandNE · $48,350 median · prices 86.7	$55,790	$48,350	86.7	230
240	TuscaloosaAL · $48,870 median · prices 87.7	$55,710	$48,870	87.7	260
241	OdessaTX · $52,260 median · prices 93.9	$55,660	$52,260	93.9	180
242	ChattanoogaTN-GA · $50,760 median · prices 91.5	$55,500	$50,760	91.5	620
243	JacksonMS · $49,330 median · prices 89.0	$55,400	$49,330	89.0	660
244	Shreveport–Bossier CityLA · $46,920 median · prices 84.8	$55,350	$46,920	84.8	480
245	CharlestonWV · $49,060 median · prices 88.7	$55,300	$49,060	88.7	370
246	Idaho FallsID · $52,140 median · prices 94.4	$55,230	$52,140	94.4	750
247	HattiesburgMS · $48,360 median · prices 87.6	$55,180	$48,360	87.6	210
248	Wildwood–The VillagesFL · $47,130 median · prices 85.4	$55,170	$47,130	85.4	140
249	MobileAL · $48,540 median · prices 88.1	$55,100	$48,540	88.1	630
250	ClevelandTN · $48,480 median · prices 88.1	$55,040	$48,480	88.1	80
251	BirminghamAL · $50,400 median · prices 91.6	$55,000	$50,400	91.6	1,660
252	Gulfport–BiloxiMS · $49,470 median · prices 90.0	$54,960	$49,470	90.0	530
253	MemphisTN-MS-AR · $50,620 median · prices 92.2	$54,910	$50,620	92.2	1,240
254	AlexandriaLA · $46,760 median · prices 85.7	$54,570	$46,760	85.7	180
255	Rapid CitySD · $48,640 median · prices 89.2	$54,550	$48,640	89.2	870
256	Hickory–Lenoir–MorgantonNC · $48,260 median · prices 88.5	$54,540	$48,260	88.5	250
257	Sioux FallsSD-MN · $49,410 median · prices 90.6	$54,520	$49,410	90.6	1,640
258	Johnson CityTN · $47,920 median · prices 87.9	$54,500	$47,920	87.9	160
259	LincolnNE · $49,910 median · prices 91.6	$54,500	$49,910	91.6	1,020
260	KnoxvilleTN · $50,400 median · prices 92.6	$54,450	$50,400	92.6	1,280
261	LafayetteLA · $47,440 median · prices 87.2	$54,400	$47,440	87.2	580
262	BeckleyWV · $48,000 median · prices 88.4	$54,320	$48,000	88.4	250
263	Iowa CityIA · $49,680 median · prices 91.5	$54,290	$49,680	91.5	360
264	Winston–SalemNC · $49,940 median · prices 92.0	$54,260	$49,940	92.0	510
265	Provo–Orem–LehiUT · $53,230 median · prices 98.2	$54,190	$53,230	98.2	3,080
266	ElizabethtownKY · $49,070 median · prices 90.6	$54,180	$49,070	90.6	190
267	Pinehurst–Southern PinesNC · $47,840 median · prices 88.3	$54,160	$47,840	88.3	90
268	Auburn–OpelikaAL · $47,610 median · prices 87.9	$54,140	$47,610	87.9	200
269	New Orleans–MetairieLA · $50,130 median · prices 92.6	$54,140	$50,130	92.6	1,390
270	Oklahoma CityOK · $48,940 median · prices 90.4	$54,130	$48,940	90.4	1,420
271	Parkersburg–ViennaWV · $47,090 median · prices 87.1	$54,090	$47,090	87.1	170
272	LynchburgVA · $48,270 median · prices 89.4	$54,020	$48,270	89.4	480
273	ClarksvilleTN-KY · $49,080 median · prices 90.9	$53,970	$49,080	90.9	290
274	Rocky MountNC · $47,490 median · prices 88.0	$53,960	$47,490	88.0	140
275	WausauWI · $49,990 median · prices 92.7	$53,960	$49,990	92.7	370
276	Little Rock–North Little Rock–ConwayAR · $48,050 median · prices 89.4	$53,770	$48,050	89.4	1,080
277	Greensboro–High PointNC · $49,910 median · prices 92.9	$53,740	$49,910	92.9	760
278	Fayetteville–Springdale–RogersAR · $49,070 median · prices 91.4	$53,710	$49,070	91.4	1,130
279	Greenville–Anderson–GreerSC · $50,090 median · prices 93.3	$53,710	$50,090	93.3	1,340
280	HammondLA · $45,340 median · prices 84.5	$53,680	$45,340	84.5	130
281	Lake CharlesLA · $45,930 median · prices 85.9	$53,500	$45,930	85.9	630
282	DoverDE · $52,140 median · prices 97.5	$53,470	$52,140	97.5	270
283	SpringfieldOH · $48,380 median · prices 90.5	$53,470	$48,380	90.5	60
284	Staunton–Stuarts DraftVA · $48,620 median · prices 91.1	$53,350	$48,620	91.1	290
285	CasperWY · $49,960 median · prices 93.8	$53,250	$49,960	93.8	170
286	AshevilleNC · $51,290 median · prices 96.5	$53,150	$51,290	96.5	750
287	JacksonvilleNC · $48,880 median · prices 92.1	$53,080	$48,880	92.1	140
288	RichmondVA · $51,870 median · prices 97.9	$53,010	$51,870	97.9	3,070
289	BurlingtonNC · $49,280 median · prices 93.2	$52,880	$49,280	93.2	100
290	GreenvilleNC · $46,750 median · prices 88.4	$52,880	$46,750	88.4	180
291	Durham–Chapel HillNC · $51,540 median · prices 97.6	$52,820	$51,540	97.6	520
292	MontgomeryAL · $47,360 median · prices 89.7	$52,810	$47,360	89.7	300
293	Muskegon–Norton ShoresMI · $48,830 median · prices 92.5	$52,780	$48,830	92.5	140
294	SalisburyMD · $50,410 median · prices 95.6	$52,720	$50,410	95.6	130
295	WilmingtonNC · $50,830 median · prices 96.4	$52,720	$50,830	96.4	640
296	MorgantownWV · $49,160 median · prices 93.3	$52,680	$49,160	93.3	450
297	HuntsvilleAL · $48,970 median · prices 93.1	$52,620	$48,970	93.1	430
298	Virginia Beach–Chesapeake–NorfolkVA-NC · $51,500 median · prices 97.9	$52,580	$51,500	97.9	4,020
299	TulsaOK · $46,810 median · prices 89.2	$52,470	$46,810	89.2	1,320
300	Charlotte–Concord–GastoniaNC-SC · $50,960 median · prices 97.3	$52,350	$50,960	97.3	3,730
301	HarrisonburgVA · $49,650 median · prices 94.9	$52,320	$49,650	94.9	380
302	Killeen–TempleTX · $47,570 median · prices 91.1	$52,200	$47,570	91.1	270
303	Slidell–Mandeville–CovingtonLA · $48,310 median · prices 92.7	$52,100	$48,310	92.7	450
304	AmarilloTX · $47,780 median · prices 91.8	$52,040	$47,780	91.8	350
305	WinchesterVA-WV · $50,180 median · prices 96.5	$52,030	$50,180	96.5	270
306	SumterSC · $45,700 median · prices 88.0	$51,920	$45,700	88.0	70
307	Raleigh–CaryNC · $50,820 median · prices 98.2	$51,770	$50,820	98.2	2,680
308	LoganUT-ID · $49,640 median · prices 95.9	$51,750	$49,640	95.9	490
309	Boise CityID · $50,850 median · prices 98.4	$51,680	$50,850	98.4	4,080
310	YumaAZ · $47,910 median · prices 92.7	$51,680	$47,910	92.7	260
311	Tampa–St. Petersburg–ClearwaterFL · $52,130 median · prices 100.9	$51,670	$52,130	100.9	6,010
312	College Station–BryanTX · $46,970 median · prices 91.0	$51,640	$46,970	91.0	170
313	San Antonio–New BraunfelsTX · $48,900 median · prices 94.7	$51,630	$48,900	94.7	2,240
314	LongviewTX · $46,160 median · prices 89.5	$51,580	$46,160	89.5	370
315	Twin FallsID · $47,470 median · prices 92.1	$51,540	$47,470	92.1	240
316	ChambersburgPA · $48,730 median · prices 94.6	$51,490	$48,730	94.6	300
317	Brunswick–St. SimonsGA · $45,110 median · prices 87.7	$51,430	$45,110	87.7	80
318	Blacksburg–Christiansburg–RadfordVA · $47,580 median · prices 92.7	$51,320	$47,580	92.7	340
319	ColumbiaSC · $48,070 median · prices 93.7	$51,320	$48,070	93.7	880
320	SebringFL · $47,400 median · prices 92.5	$51,260	$47,400	92.5	90
321	Austin–Round Rock–San MarcosTX · $50,260 median · prices 98.1	$51,250	$50,260	98.1	2,540
322	JonesboroAR · $43,950 median · prices 85.9	$51,180	$43,950	85.9	110
323	WacoTX · $47,340 median · prices 92.5	$51,150	$47,340	92.5	420
324	DothanAL · $42,800 median · prices 83.8	$51,050	$42,800	83.8	130
325	Panama City–Panama City BeachFL · $49,650 median · prices 97.3	$51,030	$49,650	97.3	400
326	GettysburgPA · $48,640 median · prices 95.4	$51,000	$48,640	95.4	150
327	Myrtle Beach–Conway–North Myrtle BeachSC · $47,750 median · prices 93.6	$50,990	$47,750	93.6	510
328	Corpus ChristiTX · $47,200 median · prices 92.7	$50,930	$47,200	92.7	1,250
329	Sherman–DenisonTX · $47,740 median · prices 93.8	$50,910	$47,740	93.8	160
330	FayettevilleNC · $46,800 median · prices 92.0	$50,880	$46,800	92.0	280
331	JacksonvilleFL · $50,540 median · prices 99.5	$50,800	$50,540	99.5	2,500
332	North Port–Bradenton–SarasotaFL · $52,000 median · prices 102.4	$50,770	$52,000	102.4	1,870
333	TexarkanaTX-AR · $42,650 median · prices 84.0	$50,770	$42,650	84.0	90
334	TucsonAZ · $49,110 median · prices 96.9	$50,680	$49,110	96.9	1,380
335	Atlanta–Sandy Springs–RoswellGA · $50,680 median · prices 100.1	$50,650	$50,680	100.1	6,380
336	Hot SpringsAR · $43,370 median · prices 85.7	$50,590	$43,370	85.7	130
337	ColumbusGA-AL · $45,070 median · prices 89.3	$50,470	$45,070	89.3	140
338	Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–DestinFL · $48,940 median · prices 97.0	$50,440	$48,940	97.0	370
339	Houston–Pasadena–The WoodlandsTX · $49,670 median · prices 98.6	$50,360	$49,670	98.6	9,600
340	RoanokeVA · $47,050 median · prices 93.6	$50,260	$47,050	93.6	830
341	Hilton Head Island–Bluffton–Port RoyalSC · $49,070 median · prices 98.0	$50,060	$49,070	98.0	440
342	Lake Havasu City–KingmanAZ · $46,980 median · prices 94.1	$49,930	$46,980	94.1	330
343	Charleston–North CharlestonSC · $50,380 median · prices 101.0	$49,900	$50,380	101.0	1,240
344	TallahasseeFL · $46,870 median · prices 93.9	$49,900	$46,870	93.9	470
345	Warner RobinsGA · $46,750 median · prices 93.8	$49,850	$46,750	93.8	180
346	GainesvilleFL · $48,040 median · prices 96.7	$49,660	$48,040	96.7	390
347	Daphne–Fairhope–FoleyAL · $46,990 median · prices 94.7	$49,630	$46,990	94.7	270
348	Fort SmithAR-OK · $42,420 median · prices 85.9	$49,390	$42,420	85.9	240
349	Sierra Vista–DouglasAZ · $43,910 median · prices 89.2	$49,200	$43,910	89.2	150
350	Sebastian–Vero Beach–West Vero CorridorFL · $48,340 median · prices 98.3	$49,170	$48,340	98.3	360
351	Orlando–Kissimmee–SanfordFL · $49,750 median · prices 101.4	$49,050	$49,750	101.4	5,360
352	Pensacola–Ferry Pass–BrentFL · $47,920 median · prices 97.7	$49,040	$47,920	97.7	660
353	Homosassa SpringsFL · $45,740 median · prices 93.5	$48,940	$45,740	93.5	150
354	OcalaFL · $46,600 median · prices 95.2	$48,930	$46,600	95.2	490
355	Port St. LucieFL · $48,640 median · prices 100.2	$48,530	$48,640	100.2	1,060
356	St. GeorgeUT · $47,060 median · prices 97.3	$48,360	$47,060	97.3	1,110
357	McAllen–Edinburg–MissionTX · $41,530 median · prices 85.9	$48,350	$41,530	85.9	310
358	Punta GordaFL · $48,530 median · prices 100.5	$48,280	$48,530	100.5	340
359	OgdenUT · $48,270 median · prices 100.3	$48,100	$48,270	100.3	2,150
360	Cape Coral–Fort MyersFL · $49,210 median · prices 102.3	$48,080	$49,210	102.3	2,640
361	TylerTX · $44,220 median · prices 92.2	$47,980	$44,220	92.2	140
362	Athens–Clarke CountyGA · $44,740 median · prices 93.3	$47,930	$44,740	93.3	100
363	Naples–Marco IslandFL · $49,390 median · prices 103.2	$47,860	$49,390	103.2	1,300
364	GainesvilleGA · $46,260 median · prices 96.8	$47,810	$46,260	96.8	180
365	LaredoTX · $41,540 median · prices 87.0	$47,770	$41,540	87.0	100
366	Palm Bay–Melbourne–TitusvilleFL · $47,770 median · prices 100.0	$47,770	$47,770	100.0	680
367	LubbockTX · $43,500 median · prices 91.3	$47,640	$43,500	91.3	280
368	AbileneTX · $43,030 median · prices 90.4	$47,620	$43,030	90.4	80
369	Lakeland–Winter HavenFL · $45,970 median · prices 97.1	$47,320	$45,970	97.1	800
370	Dallas–Fort Worth–ArlingtonTX · $48,740 median · prices 103.1	$47,280	$48,740	103.1	9,480
371	El PasoTX · $42,430 median · prices 89.9	$47,190	$42,430	89.9	620
372	SavannahGA · $44,900 median · prices 95.2	$47,160	$44,900	95.2	330
373	Macon–Bibb CountyGA · $41,670 median · prices 88.5	$47,070	$41,670	88.5	70
374	Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond BeachFL · $46,670 median · prices 99.4	$46,970	$46,670	99.4	740
375	Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm BeachFL · $51,570 median · prices 114.2	$45,180	$51,570	114.2	10,100
376	San AngeloTX · $41,600 median · prices 92.5	$45,000	$41,600	92.5	60
377	AlbanyGA · $38,400 median · prices 87.7	$43,800	$38,400	87.7	80
378	Wichita FallsTX · $38,620 median · prices 89.5	$43,140	$38,620	89.5	80
379	Brownsville–HarlingenTX · $35,640 median · prices 86.0	$41,450	$35,640	86.0	250

Price level: BEA Regional Price Parity, U.S. average = 100. Every metro links to its full carpenter pay page. By state: best states for carpenters.

How we ranked them

Each metro area's median annual wage for carpenters (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 47-2031) divided by its Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parity for 2024 (all items, U.S. = 100), then ranked. Metros are included when BLS publishes a median and at least 50 carpenters work there. Wages exclude self-employed carpenters. Methodology

Questions

What is the best city for carpenters?: After cost of living, the Michigan City–La Porte, IN area: the median of $91,970 a year buys about what $100,310 would at average U.S. prices.
Which city pays carpenters the most?: Before adjusting for prices, the Kankakee, IL area has the highest median, $95,280. After cost of living it ranks 2nd of 379.
What is the best big city for carpenters?: Among the 20 metro areas with the most carpenters, the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL-IN area, 14th overall: its median of $80,440 buys what $77,650 would nationally.
Where does carpenter pay go the least far?: Of the 379 metro areas ranked, the Brownsville–Harlingen, TX area, where the median of $35,640 buys about what $41,450 would nationally.
Which cities are included?: The 379 metro areas where BLS publishes a median for carpenters and at least 50 of them work. Smaller metros and rural areas are on each state's carpenter pay page.
How is cost of living adjusted?: We divide each metro's median by its Regional Price Parity from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (2024), where the U.S. average is 100. A metro with prices 10% above average (110) has its median divided by 1.10.