Quick answer: Carpenters in District of Columbia typically bill $65–$90 per hour (2025). The median carpenter earns $29.67/hr ($61,710/year) per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data — a carpentry business charges roughly 2–3× that to cover overhead and profit.
Here's the full picture: what carpenters earn, what shops bill, what common jobs cost, how pay varies by metro, and how District of Columbia compares to other states.
Carpenter income in District of Columbia (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for District of Columbia's ~1,540 carpenters:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $23.00 | ~$3,987 | ~$47,840 |
| Median (typical) | $29.67 | ~$5,142 | $61,710 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $38.81 | ~$6,727 | ~$80,725 |
Monthly and annual figures assume full-time work (about 2,080 hours a year).
What you earn vs. what you charge
The wages above are what a carpenter takes home. What a carpentry business bills the customer is higher — it has to cover the truck, tools, insurance, licensing, fuel, office time, and profit. A shop typically bills 2.2–3× the worker's wage:
| Rate | |
|---|---|
| Median carpenter wage (earned) | ~$30/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $65–$90/hr |
Where District of Columbia ranks
District of Columbia pays carpenters 2% above the national median, ranking 18th of 51 states — in the upper tier nationally:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — Hawaii | $41.00 |
| District of Columbia (18th) | $29.67 |
| National median | $29.12 |
| Lowest — Oklahoma | $22.55 |
What common carpentry jobs cost in District of Columbia
At District of Columbia billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical District of Columbia range |
|---|---|
| Small repair / punch-list job | $100–$400 |
| Interior door installation | $150–$500 + door |
| Custom shelving / built-ins | $500–$2,550 |
| Crown molding installation | $400–$1,550 |
| Deck construction | $3,000–$10,000 |
| Framing (per project) | $1,000–$5,100 |
| Stair repair / build | $500–$2,550 |
| Cabinet installation | $400–$1,550 + cabinets |
| Window trim / casing | $200–$825 |
| Subfloor repair | $300–$1,225 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How carpenters compare to other trades in District of Columbia
Here's how carpenter pay lines up against District of Columbia's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $48.57/hr | $105–$145/hr |
| HVAC technician | $40.57/hr | $90–$120/hr |
| Electrician | $37.97/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| Roofer | $29.69/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Carpenter | $29.67/hr | $65–$90/hr |
Setting your own rate
Use these as benchmarks, not rules — your rate has to cover your real overhead and the profit margin you need. See how to price a job to run the math, then build a quote with the free carpenter estimate generator, or download BIG INVOICE to invoice from your phone with your rates saved.
Do carpenters need a license in District of Columbia?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See District of Columbia contractor & trade licensing to check whether carpenters need a state license in District of Columbia, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do carpenters charge per hour in District of Columbia?
In 2025, most District of Columbia carpenters bill $65–$90 per hour. That rate covers the worker's wage (a $30/hr median) plus overhead and profit.
What is the average carpenter salary in District of Columbia?
The median carpenter in District of Columbia earns about $61,710 a year ($29.67/hr). Entry-level carpenters earn around $48,000 and the most experienced earn $81,000 or more.
Do carpenters earn more in District of Columbia than nationally?
Yes — District of Columbia's median carpenter wage is about 2% above the national median of $29.12/hr, ranking 18th of 51 states.
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Billed rates and job-cost ranges are illustrative estimates (median wage × 2.2–3.0 overhead-and-profit markup), not quotes.