Average Carpenter Salary in District of Columbia
Carpenters in District of Columbia earn an average of $65,105 per year across 1 metro area. This is +11.8% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$65,105
per year
Hourly Rate
$31.30
per hour
vs National
+11.8%
$58,210 national
Salary Range
$43,348
to $91,656
About Carpenter Careers in District of Columbia
Carpenters construct, install, and repair building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. They work on a wide variety of projects, from building homes and commercial structures to installing cabinets and framing walls. Carpentry is one of the oldest and most versatile building trades, requiring both precision craftsmanship and practical problem-solving skills.
In District of Columbia, carpenters earn an average of $65,105 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $43,348 for entry-level roles to $91,656 for the most experienced professionals — +11.8% above the national average. Pay is influenced most by specialization (finish carpentry, framing, cabinetry), union membership and collective bargaining agreements, and the specific metro area within District of Columbia.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$65,105
Cost of Living Index
153
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$42,552
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for District of Columbia's cost of living (above average), a Carpenter's salary of $65,105 has the purchasing power of $42,552 in an average-cost area.
Carpenter Salary by City in District of Columbia
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $65,105 | $31.30/hr | $43,348 | $91,656 | 631 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
District of Columbia vs National Average
Carpenter Salary Comparison
Employment in District of Columbia
There are approximately 631 Carpenters employed across 1 metro area in District of Columbia.
Key Industries: Federal Government, Legal Services, Professional Services
State Income Tax: 4% - 10.75%
Carpenter Salary Range in District of Columbia
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$43,348
Starting salary for new Carpenters
Median (50th Percentile)
$65,105
Mid-career Carpenter salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$91,656
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in District of Columbia
Carpenter Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Carpenter salaries in District of Columbia with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More District of Columbia Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Carpenter salary in District of Columbia?
The average Carpenter salary in District of Columbia is $65,105 per year ($31.30/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 11.8% above the national average of $58,210.
What is the highest paying city for Carpenters in District of Columbia?
Washington, DC is the highest paying city for Carpenters in District of Columbia, with a median salary of $65,105 per year.
What is the salary range for Carpenters in District of Columbia?
Carpenter salaries in District of Columbia range from $43,348 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $91,656 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $65,105 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within District of Columbia. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.