Quick answer: Carpenters in Washington typically bill $80–$105 per hour (2025). The median carpenter earns $35.67/hr ($74,190/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 Washington compares to other states.
Carpenter income in Washington (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Washington's ~26,960 carpenters:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $25.16 | ~$4,361 | ~$52,333 |
| Median (typical) | $35.67 | ~$6,182 | $74,190 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $57.65 | ~$9,993 | ~$119,912 |
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) | ~$36/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $80–$105/hr |
Where Washington ranks
Washington pays carpenters 22% above the national median, ranking 5th of 51 states — among the highest-paying states in the country:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — Hawaii | $41.00 |
| Washington (5th) | $35.67 |
| National median | $29.12 |
| Lowest — Oklahoma | $22.55 |
Carpenter rates by Washington metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median carpenter wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $36.74/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Bellingham | $35.22/hr | $75–$105/hr |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | $31.25/hr | $70–$95/hr |
| Kennewick-Richland | $30.92/hr | $70–$95/hr |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area | $30.63/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | $30.41/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | $29.76/hr | $65–$90/hr |
What common carpentry jobs cost in Washington
At Washington billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical Washington range |
|---|---|
| Small repair / punch-list job | $125–$500 |
| Interior door installation | $175–$600 + door |
| Custom shelving / built-ins | $600–$3,050 |
| Crown molding installation | $500–$1,850 |
| Deck construction | $3,500–$12,000 |
| Framing (per project) | $1,200–$6,100 |
| Stair repair / build | $600–$3,050 |
| Cabinet installation | $500–$1,850 + cabinets |
| Window trim / casing | $250–$975 |
| Subfloor repair | $375–$1,475 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How carpenters compare to other trades in Washington
Here's how carpenter pay lines up against Washington's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $45.78/hr | $100–$135/hr |
| Plumber | $38.96/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| HVAC technician | $36.38/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Carpenter | $35.67/hr | $80–$105/hr |
| Roofer | $29.16/hr | $65–$85/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 Washington?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See Washington contractor & trade licensing to check whether carpenters need a state license in Washington, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do carpenters charge per hour in Washington?
In 2025, most Washington carpenters bill $80–$105 per hour. That rate covers the worker's wage (a $36/hr median) plus overhead and profit.
What is the average carpenter salary in Washington?
The median carpenter in Washington earns about $74,190 a year ($35.67/hr). Entry-level carpenters earn around $52,000 and the most experienced earn $120,000 or more.
Do carpenters earn more in Washington than nationally?
Yes — Washington's median carpenter wage is about 22% above the national median of $29.12/hr, ranking 5th of 51 states.
Which Washington city pays carpenters the most?
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, at a $36.74/hr median wage, is among the highest-paying metros in the state.
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.