carpenter salary in tennessee (2026)
Tennessee carpenters earn a median of $47,840 per year in 2026 — -8% versus the national median of $52,000. The gap reflects tennessee's market dynamics: nashville boom, automotive plants, logistics hub.
But Tennessee isn't one market. Wages vary significantly across metros. Here's the full breakdown.
carpenter salary by city in tennessee
Salary varies considerably across Tennessee metros, driven by construction activity, industrial sector concentration, and union density.
| city | median salary | vs. TN median | key driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Nashville | $54,600 | +14% | music city boom, corporate relocation, healthcare |
| 2 Memphis | $45,760 | -4% | logistics, FedEx hub, healthcare |
| 3 Knoxville | $44,200 | -8% | University of Tennessee, TVA, healthcare |
| 4 Chattanooga | $45,760 | -4% | Volkswagen, logistics, growing tech scene |
| 5 Clarksville | $42,640 | -11% | Fort Campbell, residential growth |
| 6 Murfreesboro | $46,800 | -2% | suburban Nashville spillover, healthcare |
| 7 Franklin | $50,960 | +7% | corporate HQs, affluent commercial |
Tennessee market note: Nashville's explosive corporate relocation wave (Oracle, Amazon, AllianceBernstein) and Tennessee's automotive cluster (Volkswagen, GM, Ford) are driving trade demand.
what moves your salary in tennessee
taxes and take-home pay
Tennessee has no state income tax on wages. Despite lower gross salaries than coastal states, take-home pay is competitive.
union vs. non-union
Tennessee is a right-to-work state. Union presence is minimal except on specific federal and public projects.
licensing
To work legally as a licensed carpenter in Tennessee, you'll need to meet requirements set by the Tennessee Dept of Commerce and Insurance. 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 tennessee compares to other states
| state | median salary | vs. tennessee | note |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $78,400 | +64% | 9.3% state income tax |
| New York | $72,600 | +52% | NYC drives wages up; high COL |
| Illinois | $69,800 | +46% | Chicago union rates |
| National median | $52,900 | +11% | BLS OEWS 2024 |
| Texas | $50,200 | +5% | no state income tax |
| Florida | $46,800 | -2% | no state income tax, lower COL |
| Tennessee | $47,840 | — | no state income tax; Nashville growing |
is carpenter a good career in tennessee right now?
Nashville's explosive corporate relocation wave (Oracle, Amazon, AllianceBernstein) and Tennessee's automotive cluster (Volkswagen, GM, Ford) are driving trade demand. BLS projects 2% job growth for carpenters nationally through 2032, and Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
Carpenters in Tennessee earn a median of $47,840 per year in 2026, ranging from around $35,401 for apprentices to $74,152 or more for licensed journeymen and contractors.
What city in Tennessee pays carpenters the most?
Nashville pays the highest carpenter salaries in Tennessee — around $54,600 median — driven by music city boom, corporate relocation, healthcare.
Do you need a license to be a carpenter in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee requires licensure through the Tennessee Dept of Commerce and Insurance. Requirements include documented experience, passing a written trade exam, and in many cases continuing education hours.
Is there demand for carpenters in Tennessee?
Tennessee's carpenter market is driven by nashville boom, automotive plants, logistics hub. BLS projects 2% national job growth through 2032, and Tennessee consistently matches or exceeds that pace.
How long does it take to become a carpenter in Tennessee?
Typically 3–4 years — trade school plus the apprenticeship hours required to sit for the journeyman exam. Licensing is handled by the Tennessee Dept of Commerce and Insurance.
carpenter salary in other states
other trades in tennessee