Average Carpenter Salary in Illinois
Carpenters in Illinois earn an average of $61,125 per year across 1 metro area. This is +5.0% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$61,125
per year
Hourly Rate
$29.39
per hour
vs National
+5.0%
$58,210 national
Salary Range
$38,679
to $91,278
About Carpenter Careers in Illinois
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 Illinois, carpenters earn an average of $61,125 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $38,679 for entry-level roles to $91,278 for the most experienced professionals — +5.0% 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 Illinois.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$61,125
Cost of Living Index
95
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$64,342
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Illinois's cost of living (below average), a Carpenter's salary of $61,125 has the purchasing power of $64,342 in an average-cost area.
Carpenter Salary by City in Illinois
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $61,125 | $29.39/hr | $38,679 | $91,278 | 597 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Illinois vs National Average
Carpenter Salary Comparison
Employment in Illinois
There are approximately 597 Carpenters employed across 1 metro area in Illinois.
Key Industries: Finance, Manufacturing, Technology
State Income Tax: 4.95% flat rate
Carpenter Salary Range in Illinois
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$38,679
Starting salary for new Carpenters
Median (50th Percentile)
$61,125
Mid-career Carpenter salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$91,278
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Illinois
Carpenter Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Carpenter salaries in Illinois with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Illinois Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Carpenter salary in Illinois?
The average Carpenter salary in Illinois is $61,125 per year ($29.39/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 5.0% above the national average of $58,210.
What is the highest paying city for Carpenters in Illinois?
Chicago, IL is the highest paying city for Carpenters in Illinois, with a median salary of $61,125 per year.
What is the salary range for Carpenters in Illinois?
Carpenter salaries in Illinois range from $38,679 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $91,278 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $61,125 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 Illinois. 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.