How much do carpenters make in New York in 2026?

Carpenters in New York earn a median of $72,330 per year, which works out to roughly $34.77 per hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. That number sits well above the national median for the trade, which reflects both the high cost of doing business in the state and the steady demand for skilled finish and framing work across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.

The bottom quarter of New York carpenters — those at the 25th percentile — earn around $57,330 annually, or about $27.56 per hour. These are typically workers in the earlier stages of their careers, those in lighter-duty residential work, or those outside the high-demand metro areas. Breaking into the top quarter means clearing $89,820 per year, or about $43.18 per hour. That upper tier is where you find journeymen and lead carpenters with years of specialized experience — finish carpentry, formwork, cabinetry installation, or complex commercial interiors.

The gap between the 25th and 75th percentile is $32,490 per year. That's not a small number. It tells you that what you specialize in, where in the state you work, and how many years you've been swinging a hammer all have real consequences on your paycheck.

New York City and its surrounding metro area account for a significant share of the state's carpentry work, and wages there tend to push toward the upper end of the range. Large-scale commercial builds, hotel renovations, and high-end residential projects in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island all drive demand for experienced carpenters. Upstate markets — Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse — run at a lower cost basis, and wages reflect that, though steady public-sector construction and institutional work keep demand relatively consistent.

Specialty skills move the needle further. Carpenters who can read complex blueprints, work with CNC-cut millwork, handle acoustic ceiling systems, or manage concrete formwork for high-rises can command rates at or above the 75th percentile regardless of geography. The same is true for those who take on lead or foreman roles, where the job shifts toward coordinating crews and managing schedules in addition to hands-on work.

No union scale data is available for this trade and state in the current BLS OEWS dataset. Union membership can affect wages significantly in New York, where trade unions have historically maintained strong presence in commercial and public construction, so carpenters considering union affiliation should contact their regional council directly for current scale information.

Hours also shape annual earnings. Many carpenters in New York work more than 2,080 hours in busy seasons — overtime at 1.5x pay can push annual totals meaningfully above the figures listed here. Conversely, slow winters or project gaps can pull annual income below the stated medians. The hourly figures are the more reliable benchmark for comparing your rate to the market.

All figures on this page come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2025. This is the most comprehensive employer-reported wage dataset available for the trades and is updated on an annual cycle.