carpenter salary in chicago (2026)
Carpenters in Chicago earn a median of $71,760 per year in 2026 — +38% versus the national median of $52,000. Chicago's market is shaped by union-dominant commercial and transit construction.
Chicago is one of the most organized construction markets in the US. carpenters' council and other building trades locals dominate commercial work, driving wages well above the state median.
Chicago market: Chicago is one of the most organized construction markets in the US. carpenters' council and other building trades locals dominate commercial work, driving wages well above the state median.
salary range breakdown in chicago
| experience level | annual salary | notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice / Entry | $53,102–$63,148 | First 1–2 years, working under a journeyman |
| Journeyman (3–5 years) | $66,019–$80,371 | Licensed, working independently on permitted jobs |
| Senior Journeyman | $78,936–$93,288 | 5+ years, specialized sector or union foreman |
| Master / Contractor | $96,876–$111,228 | Licensed to pull permits, run crews, or own a business |
what drives carpenter pay in chicago
industry sector
The highest-paying carpenter work in Chicago is in industrial and large commercial construction — union-dominant commercial and transit construction. These projects often pay 15–25% above residential work, and many require additional certifications.
union vs. non-union
Cook County has strong union activity. Union carpenters in Chicago typically earn $7,176–$14,352/year more than non-union equivalents, plus benefits. IL has a state income tax of 5.0%.
licensing level
Licensing is administered by the Illinois Dept of Financial and Professional Regulation. The jump from apprentice to journeyman is the most important — it unlocks the ability to work independently and take on higher-paying commercial work. The jump to master opens permit-pulling and contractor work.
is chicago a good place to start a carpenter career?
Chicago is one of the most organized construction markets in the US. carpenters' council and other building trades locals dominate commercial work, driving wages well above the state median. BLS projects 2% job growth nationally for carpenters through 2032. Chicago tracks at or above that rate.
Hardhat's AI survival score for carpenters is 72/100 — one of the highest in skilled trades. This work is physical, judgment-intensive, and site-specific in ways that are genuinely difficult to automate.
Getting started in Chicago: The fastest path is through a union apprenticeship or an accredited trade school that places graduates into apprenticeships. Programs in Cook County typically start with classroom theory and move quickly to paid on-the-job training.
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How much does a Carpenter make in Chicago?
Carpenters in Chicago earn a median of $71,760 per year in 2026. Entry-level apprentices start around $53,102, while experienced master-licensed tradespeople can earn $111,228 or more.
Is Chicago a good place to work as a carpenter?
Yes — Chicago's market is driven by union-dominant commercial and transit construction. Chicago is one of the most organized construction markets in the US. carpenters' council and other building trades locals dominate commercial work, driving wages well above the state median.
Do you need a license to work as a carpenter in Chicago?
Yes. Chicago falls under IL state licensing, administered by the Illinois Dept of Financial and Professional Regulation. Requirements include apprenticeship hours, a written trade exam, and continuing education.
How does Chicago carpenter pay compare to the national average?
Chicago carpenters earn $71,760/year versus the national median of $52,000 — that's +38% the national average. The premium is driven by union-dominant commercial and transit construction.
carpenter salary in other states
other trades in chicago