carpenter salary in seattle (2026)
Carpenters in Seattle earn a median of $75,400 per year in 2026 — +45% versus the national median of $52,000. Seattle's market is shaped by tech, boeing, port, and dense urban commercial.
Seattle is the tightest skilled trade market in the Pacific Northwest. Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing drive enormous construction volume, and prevailing wage laws apply broadly.
Seattle market: Seattle is the tightest skilled trade market in the Pacific Northwest. Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing drive enormous construction volume, and prevailing wage laws apply broadly.
salary range breakdown in seattle
| experience level | annual salary | notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice / Entry | $55,796–$66,352 | First 1–2 years, working under a journeyman |
| Journeyman (3–5 years) | $69,368–$84,448 | Licensed, working independently on permitted jobs |
| Senior Journeyman | $82,940–$98,020 | 5+ years, specialized sector or union foreman |
| Master / Contractor | $101,790–$116,870 | Licensed to pull permits, run crews, or own a business |
what drives carpenter pay in seattle
industry sector
The highest-paying carpenter work in Seattle is in industrial and large commercial construction — tech, boeing, port, and dense urban commercial. These projects often pay 15–25% above residential work, and many require additional certifications.
union vs. non-union
King County has strong union activity. Union carpenters in Seattle typically earn $7,540–$15,080/year more than non-union equivalents, plus benefits. No state income tax.
licensing level
Licensing is administered by the Washington State Dept of Labor and Industries. 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 seattle a good place to start a carpenter career?
Seattle is the tightest skilled trade market in the Pacific Northwest. Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing drive enormous construction volume, and prevailing wage laws apply broadly. BLS projects 2% job growth nationally for carpenters through 2032. Seattle 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 Seattle: The fastest path is through a union apprenticeship or an accredited trade school that places graduates into apprenticeships. Programs in King 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 Seattle?
Carpenters in Seattle earn a median of $75,400 per year in 2026. Entry-level apprentices start around $55,796, while experienced master-licensed tradespeople can earn $116,870 or more.
Is Seattle a good place to work as a carpenter?
Yes — Seattle's market is driven by tech, boeing, port, and dense urban commercial. Seattle is the tightest skilled trade market in the Pacific Northwest. Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing drive enormous construction volume, and prevailing wage laws apply broadly.
Do you need a license to work as a carpenter in Seattle?
Yes. Seattle falls under WA state licensing, administered by the Washington State Dept of Labor and Industries. Requirements include apprenticeship hours, a written trade exam, and continuing education.
How does Seattle carpenter pay compare to the national average?
Seattle carpenters earn $75,400/year versus the national median of $52,000 — that's +45% the national average. The premium is driven by tech, boeing, port, and dense urban commercial.
carpenter salary in other states
other trades in seattle