How much do carpenters make in Massachusetts in 2026?

The median carpenter in Massachusetts earns $75,200 a year, which works out to $36.15 an hour based on a 2,080-hour work year. That's the midpoint — half of all carpenters in the state earn more, half earn less. If you're just starting out or working for a smaller residential contractor, you're more likely landing around the 25th percentile: $60,770 annually, or $29.22 an hour. Experienced finish carpenters, lead framers, and those working on commercial or institutional projects tend to push into the 75th percentile territory at $97,520 a year — roughly $46.88 an hour.

That spread between the bottom quarter and the top quarter is $36,750 a year. That's not a rounding error; it's real money, and it reflects how much specialization, experience, and the type of work you take on actually matter in this trade.

Massachusetts is one of the pricier states to operate in, and that cost of living pressure does push wages higher than the national median for carpenters. The Boston metro area, the North Shore, and the suburbs along Route 128 tend to cluster toward the upper end of the pay range. Carpenters working in western Massachusetts — Springfield, Pittsfield, and surrounding areas — generally see wages closer to the state median or slightly below it.

The type of carpentry work you do has a direct effect on your paycheck. Rough framers on large residential or commercial builds tend to have steady hours and competitive pay, especially when the construction pipeline is full. Finish carpenters with skills in custom millwork, cabinetry, and high-end interior trim can command premium rates because fewer workers can do that work to a tight standard. Carpenters who move into foreman or superintendent roles add another layer of earning potential on top of their base trade pay.

Certifications and OSHA training matter, too. A 30-hour OSHA card, fall protection competency, and documented scaffold safety training make you a more attractive hire on larger commercial and public projects, which often pay better than straight residential work.

Hours matter as much as rate. A carpenter pulling $36/hr but only booking 1,600 hours in a year takes home less than one at $32/hr who stays busy for 2,000 hours. In Massachusetts, union halls and large general contractors tend to offer more consistent year-round schedules, which smooths out the seasonal dips that hit residential framers harder in January and February.

No union scale data was available for carpenters in Massachusetts at the time of publication. If you're considering joining a local, contact the New England Regional Council of Carpenters directly for current collective bargaining rates, which are negotiated separately and not reflected in the BLS figures here.

All figures on this page come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2025. BLS reports wages for broad occupational categories; your actual pay will depend on your employer, specialty, years in the trade, and local market conditions.