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Carpenter Salary in Buffalo, NY

U.S. median $59,310/yr ($28.51/hr)

Wondering what carpenters earn in Buffalo, New York? Rates here track the national median but shift with commercial versus residential work, union scale, and overtime. See current local openings below.

Checking live local pay...

National benchmarks

Median$59,310/yr ($28.51/hr)
Hourly range$19 to $47/hr
Bottom 10%under $38,760/yr (about $18.63/hr)
Top 10%over $98,370/yr (about $47.29/hr)

Local pay in Buffalo moves with cost of living, union presence, and demand. The live figure above reflects what Buffalo employers are posting right now.

Pay by experience

Apprentice / entry (0 to 2 years)Apprentices in a union program often start near 50% of journeyman scale and get raises every 6 months as hours and classroom credits add up. This lines up with the BLS bottom 10% of under $38,760 a year.$18 to $22/hr, about $38,000 to $46,000/yr
Journeyman / mid (3 to 7 years)A fully qualified journeyman sits around the national median of $59,310. Union locals in strong markets pay $30 to $45/hr in wages alone, plus a benefits package on top.$28 to $36/hr, about $55,000 to $68,000/yr
Experienced / master (8 or more years)Lead carpenters and specialists reach the BLS top 10%, over $98,370 a year. Finish carpentry, formwork, and industrial work carry the highest hourly rates.$40 to $48/hr, about $85,000 to $100,000/yr
Foreman / ownerForemen who run a crew and carpenters who own a contracting business earn the most. Owner income depends on jobs booked, but a busy crew leader clears six figures.$50/hr and up, about $100,000 to $135,000+/yr

Carpenter jobs in Buffalo

See Carpenter jobs hiring in Buffalo with pay shown upfront.

Carpenter pay in nearby cities

New York, NYRochester, NY

Carpenter pay in Buffalo: FAQs

How much do carpenters make?

As of May 2024, the median carpenter earns $59,310 a year, about $28.51 an hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most carpenters make between roughly $19 and $47 an hour depending on skill, sector, and region.

Do carpenters make good money?

Yes. The median carpenter wage of $59,310 is well above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs, and the trade needs no college degree. Union, industrial, and experienced carpenters earn considerably more.

Can you make $100,000 as a carpenter?

Yes. The top 10% of carpenters earn more than $98,370 a year, and foremen, business owners, union journeymen in high-wage metros, and travel workers with per-diem and overtime routinely clear $100,000.

How much do carpenters make an hour?

The median is $28.51 an hour as of May 2024. Entry-level and apprentice carpenters start around $18 to $22, while experienced and specialty carpenters earn $40 an hour or more.

What is the highest paying carpentry job?

Union foremen, industrial and heavy commercial carpenters, and specialists in formwork, finish carpentry, and pile driving pay the most. Pay is highest in Hawaii, Illinois, New York, and the San Francisco Bay Area.