Carpenters Salary in Milwaukee, WI

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI

Median annual salary $62,260 +5% vs national
Median hourly $29.94
10th percentile $47,340
90th percentile $91,310
Employed locally 3,680
National median $59,310

Compare Carpenters salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Milwaukee, WI stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Carpenters
in
Milwaukee, WI
vs

    In Milwaukee, WI, the typical carpenter earns a median annual salary of $62,260, which translates to approximately $29.94 per hour. This figure is slightly above the national median for this occupation, which stands at $59,310. When comparing these earnings to local household income metrics, it becomes evident that carpenters in Milwaukee generally earn less than the area's median household income of $76,404. This discrepancy highlights a broader economic context where many households may rely on multiple earners or supplementary incomes to meet average living standards.

    The salary range for carpenters in Milwaukee varies significantly based on experience and expertise. Entry-level workers typically earn around the 10th percentile mark at approximately $47,340 annually, reflecting their initial stage of career development and limited practical exposure. On the other hand, experienced carpenters who have developed specialized skills or command more complex projects tend to earn salaries closer to the 75th percentile, which is about $83,610 per year, with some reaching the 90th percentile at around $91,310 annually. This substantial salary difference between entry-level and seasoned workers is driven by factors such as accumulated experience, proficiency in specialized techniques, leadership roles on projects, and often a demonstrated ability to manage more complex or larger-scale carpentry tasks efficiently.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $47,340
    25th
    $54,090
    50th (median)
    $62,260
    75th
    $83,610
    90th
    $91,310

    Milwaukee economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $76,404 2023 • Census ACS
    Carpenters salary vs area income 81% Median Carpenters salary is 19% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Carpenters make per hour in Milwaukee?

    The median hourly wage for Carpenters in Milwaukee, WI is $29.94, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $45.28 or more per hour.

    Is Milwaukee above or below average for Carpenters salaries?

    The median Carpenters salary in Milwaukee, WI is 5% above the national median of $59,310. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Carpenters in Milwaukee?

    Entry-level Carpenters (10th percentile) earn around $47,340 per year in Milwaukee, WI. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $54,090.