Quick answer: The median carpenter in New Jersey earns $30.77/hr — about $64,010 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025), and the most experienced earn $121,000+. To hire one, a carpentry business typically bills $70–$90 per hour — roughly 2–3× the worker's wage, 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 New Jersey compares to other states.
Carpenter income in New Jersey (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for New Jersey's ~14,230 carpenters:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $21.00 | ~$3,640 | ~$43,680 |
| Median (typical) | $30.77 | ~$5,334 | $64,010 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $58.41 | ~$10,124 | ~$121,493 |
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) | ~$31/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $70–$90/hr |
Where New Jersey ranks
New Jersey pays carpenters 6% above the national median, ranking 10th of 51 states — among the highest-paying states in the country:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — Hawaii | $41.00 |
| New Jersey (10th) | $30.77 |
| National median | $29.12 |
| Lowest — Oklahoma | $22.55 |
Carpenter rates by New Jersey metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median carpenter wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton | $31.58/hr | $70–$95/hr |
| Vineland | $30.50/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton | $29.25/hr | $65–$90/hr |
What common carpentry jobs cost in New Jersey
At New Jersey billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical New Jersey range |
|---|---|
| Small repair / punch-list job | $100–$425 |
| Interior door installation | $150–$525 + door |
| Custom shelving / built-ins | $550–$2,650 |
| Crown molding installation | $400–$1,600 |
| Deck construction | $3,000–$10,500 |
| Framing (per project) | $1,100–$5,300 |
| Stair repair / build | $550–$2,650 |
| Cabinet installation | $400–$1,600 + cabinets |
| Window trim / casing | $200–$850 |
| Subfloor repair | $325–$1,275 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How carpenters compare to other trades in New Jersey
Here's how carpenter pay lines up against New Jersey's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $37.61/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| Electrician | $37.14/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Roofer | $36.83/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| HVAC technician | $35.79/hr | $80–$105/hr |
| Carpenter | $30.77/hr | $70–$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 New Jersey?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See New Jersey contractor & trade licensing to check whether carpenters need a state license in New Jersey, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do carpenters make in New Jersey?
The median carpenter in New Jersey earns about $64,010 a year ($30.77/hr) per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Entry-level carpenters earn around $44,000 and the most experienced earn $121,000 or more.
Can a carpenter make $100,000 a year in New Jersey?
Yes — experienced carpenters in New Jersey can. The top 10% earn about $121,000 a year, above $100,000. Running your own carpentry business and billing $70–$90/hr can push earnings higher still.
How much do carpenters charge per hour in New Jersey?
In 2025, most New Jersey carpenters bill $70–$90 per hour. That billed rate covers the worker's wage (a $31/hr median) plus overhead and profit — it is not take-home pay.
Do carpenters earn more in New Jersey than nationally?
Yes — New Jersey's median carpenter wage is about 6% above the national median of $29.12/hr, ranking 10th of 51 states.
Which New Jersey city pays carpenters the most?
Trenton-Princeton, at a $31.58/hr median wage, is among the highest-paying metros in the state for carpenters.
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. Updated August 2026.