carpenter salary in virginia (2026)
Virginia carpenters earn a median of $56,160 per year in 2026 — +8% versus the national median of $52,000. The gap reflects virginia's market dynamics: northern va tech corridor, federal contractors, data centers.
But Virginia isn't one market. Wages vary significantly across metros. Here's the full breakdown.
carpenter salary by city in virginia
Salary varies considerably across Virginia metros, driven by construction activity, industrial sector concentration, and union density.
| city | median salary | vs. VA median | key driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Virginia Beach | $50,960 | -9% | military, tourism, residential |
| 2 Norfolk | $49,400 | -12% | naval station, port, military |
| 3 Chesapeake | $49,920 | -11% | military proximity, residential, commercial |
| 4 Richmond | $52,000 | -7% | state capital, healthcare, commercial |
| 5 Newport News | $47,840 | -15% | shipbuilding, military, aerospace |
| 6 Alexandria | $62,400 | +11% | federal contractors, DC proximity, commercial |
| 7 Hampton | $46,800 | -17% | NASA Langley, military, healthcare |
Virginia market note: Northern Virginia's data center alley is the densest concentration of data centers in the world — electrical demand here is extraordinary.
what moves your salary in virginia
taxes and take-home pay
Virginia has a state income tax up to 5.75%. Northern Virginia wages are the highest in the state due to federal contractor density.
union vs. non-union
Northern Virginia has strong union activity given its proximity to DC. Federal prevailing wage applies to a large share of projects.
licensing
To work legally as a licensed carpenter in Virginia, you'll need to meet requirements set by the Virginia Dept of Professional and Occupational Regulation. 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 virginia compares to other states
| state | median salary | vs. virginia | 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 |
| National median | $52,900 | -6% | BLS OEWS 2024 |
| Texas | $50,200 | 0% | no state income tax |
| Virginia | $56,160 | — | DC metro spillover |
| Florida | $46,800 | -17% | no state income tax, lower COL |
is carpenter a good career in virginia right now?
Northern Virginia's data center alley is the densest concentration of data centers in the world — electrical demand here is extraordinary. BLS projects 2% job growth for carpenters nationally through 2032, and Virginia 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 Virginia?
Carpenters in Virginia 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 Virginia pays carpenters the most?
Virginia Beach pays the highest carpenter salaries in Virginia — around $50,960 median — driven by military, tourism, residential.
Do you need a license to be a carpenter in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia requires licensure through the Virginia Dept of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Requirements include documented experience, passing a written trade exam, and in many cases continuing education hours.
Is there demand for carpenters in Virginia?
Virginia's carpenter market is driven by northern va tech corridor, federal contractors, data centers. BLS projects 2% national job growth through 2032, and Virginia consistently matches or exceeds that pace.
How long does it take to become a carpenter in Virginia?
Typically 3–4 years — trade school plus the apprenticeship hours required to sit for the journeyman exam. Licensing is handled by the Virginia Dept of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
carpenter salary in other states
other trades in virginia