carpenter salary in texas (2026)
Texas carpenters earn a median of $56,160 per year in 2026 — +8% versus the national median of $52,000. The gap reflects texas's market dynamics: population boom, petrochemical, data centers.
But Texas isn't one market. Wages vary significantly across metros. Here's the full breakdown.
carpenter salary by city in texas
Salary varies considerably across Texas metros, driven by construction activity, industrial sector concentration, and union density.
| city | median salary | vs. TX median | key driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Houston | $58,240 | +4% | petrochemical, port, industrial |
| 2 Dallas | $54,600 | -3% | commercial construction, corporate HQs |
| 3 Austin | $61,360 | +9% | tech sector, data centers, rapid buildout |
| 4 San Antonio | $50,960 | -9% | military bases, healthcare, steady residential |
| 5 Fort Worth | $53,040 | -6% | logistics, manufacturing, rail |
| 6 El Paso | $45,760 | -19% | border manufacturing, government contracts |
| 7 Arlington | $52,000 | -7% | stadiums, entertainment, mixed commercial |
Texas market note: ERCOT grid modernization, EV charging buildout, and relentless population growth are driving exceptional demand through 2028.
what moves your salary in texas
taxes and take-home pay
Texas has no state income tax. A median salary here takes home roughly the same as 15% more in California after accounting for state taxes.
union vs. non-union
Texas is a right-to-work state. trade union locals operate in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio — union wages run $5–$12/hr higher than non-union.
licensing
To work legally as a licensed carpenter in Texas, you'll need to meet requirements set by the TDLR. 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 texas compares to other states
| state | median salary | vs. texas | note |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $78,400 | +40% | 9.3% state income tax |
| New York | $72,600 | +29% | NYC drives wages up; high COL |
| Illinois | $69,800 | +24% | Chicago union rates |
| Washington | $68,400 | +22% | no state income tax; Seattle COL |
| National median | $52,900 | -6% | BLS OEWS 2024 |
| Texas | $56,160 | — | no state income tax |
| Florida | $46,800 | -17% | no state income tax, lower COL |
is carpenter a good career in texas right now?
ERCOT grid modernization, EV charging buildout, and relentless population growth are driving exceptional demand through 2028. BLS projects 2% job growth for carpenters nationally through 2032, and Texas 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 Texas?
Carpenters in Texas earn a median of $56,160 per year in 2026, ranging from around $41,558 for apprentices to $87,048 or more for licensed journeymen and contractors.
What city in Texas pays carpenters the most?
Houston pays the highest carpenter salaries in Texas — around $58,240 median — driven by petrochemical, port, industrial.
Do you need a license to be a carpenter in Texas?
Yes. Texas requires licensure through the TDLR. Requirements include documented experience, passing a written trade exam, and in many cases continuing education hours.
Is there demand for carpenters in Texas?
Texas's carpenter market is driven by population boom, petrochemical, data centers. BLS projects 2% national job growth through 2032, and Texas consistently matches or exceeds that pace.
How long does it take to become a carpenter in Texas?
Typically 3–4 years — trade school plus the apprenticeship hours required to sit for the journeyman exam. Licensing is handled by the TDLR.
carpenter salary in other states
other trades in texas