carpenter salary in pennsylvania (2026)
Pennsylvania carpenters earn a median of $54,600 per year in 2026 — +5% versus the national median of $52,000. The gap reflects pennsylvania's market dynamics: philly union wages, manufacturing revival.
But Pennsylvania isn't one market. Wages vary significantly across metros. Here's the full breakdown.
carpenter salary by city in pennsylvania
Salary varies considerably across Pennsylvania metros, driven by construction activity, industrial sector concentration, and union density.
| city | median salary | vs. PA median | key driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Philadelphia | $63,440 | +16% | union-dominant, commercial, healthcare |
| 2 Pittsburgh | $56,160 | +3% | tech revival, robotics, healthcare |
| 3 Allentown | $49,400 | -10% | warehousing, manufacturing |
| 4 Erie | $45,760 | -16% | manufacturing, healthcare |
| 5 Reading | $46,800 | -14% | warehousing, distribution |
| 6 Scranton | $44,200 | -19% | healthcare, government |
| 7 Bethlehem | $47,840 | -12% | logistics, former steel country |
Pennsylvania market note: Philly's healthcare construction boom and Pittsburgh's tech renaissance are driving steady trade demand well into the decade.
what moves your salary in pennsylvania
taxes and take-home pay
Pennsylvania's union density is especially strong in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Take-home pay in PA also accounts for a state income tax of 3.07%.
union vs. non-union
building trades locals are well-organized in both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Commercial and industrial union jobs dominate the market.
licensing
To work legally as a licensed carpenter in Pennsylvania, you'll need to meet requirements set by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. This typically includes documented apprenticeship hours, passing a written trade exam, and ongoing continuing education. Each license level unlocks higher-paying work — especially the jump to journeyman, which allows independent work on permitted jobs.
how pennsylvania compares to other states
| state | median salary | vs. pennsylvania | note |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $78,400 | +44% | 9.3% state income tax |
| New York | $72,600 | +33% | NYC drives wages up; high COL |
| Illinois | $69,800 | +28% | Chicago union rates |
| Pennsylvania | $54,600 | — | Philadelphia/Pittsburgh metro wages |
| National median | $52,900 | -3% | BLS OEWS 2024 |
| Texas | $50,200 | -8% | no state income tax |
| Florida | $46,800 | -14% | no state income tax, lower COL |
is carpenter a good career in pennsylvania right now?
Philly's healthcare construction boom and Pittsburgh's tech renaissance are driving steady trade demand well into the decade. BLS projects 2% job growth for carpenters nationally through 2032, and Pennsylvania tracks at or above that rate given its market conditions.
Hardhat's AI survival score for carpenters is 72/100 — the physical, site-specific, judgment-intensive nature of this work makes it genuinely difficult to automate. The job is not going anywhere.
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How much does a Carpenter make in Pennsylvania?
Carpenters in Pennsylvania earn a median of $54,600 per year in 2026, ranging from around $40,404 for apprentices to $84,630 or more for licensed journeymen and contractors.
What city in Pennsylvania pays carpenters the most?
Philadelphia pays the highest carpenter salaries in Pennsylvania — around $63,440 median — driven by union-dominant, commercial, healthcare.
Do you need a license to be a carpenter in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania requires licensure through the Pennsylvania Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. Requirements include documented experience, passing a written trade exam, and in many cases continuing education hours.
Is there demand for carpenters in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's carpenter market is driven by philly union wages, manufacturing revival. BLS projects 2% national job growth through 2032, and Pennsylvania consistently matches or exceeds that pace.
How long does it take to become a carpenter in Pennsylvania?
Typically 3–4 years — trade school plus the apprenticeship hours required to sit for the journeyman exam. Licensing is handled by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs.
carpenter salary in other states
other trades in pennsylvania