Carpenter Salary - Northeast
High union density, strong wages, competitive apprenticeship programs
Wage figures reflect all carpenters across all employment types -- union and non-union, residential and commercial, apprentice through master. Union journeymen typically earn above the state median. Non-union residential work typically falls below it. State figures are averages -- wages vary significantly between metro and rural markets within the same state. City-level data coming soon.
The Northeast is a strong UBC market for carpenters with Massachusetts, Maine, and Connecticut all paying significantly above the national median of $60,580. The region's dense commercial construction, historic renovation work, and strong union presence drive wages upward. Boston and Hartford are the dominant commercial markets with some of the most competitive carpenter apprenticeship programs in the country.
UBC regional councils dominate commercial carpentry across the Northeast. Boston, Hartford, and Providence are active commercial markets with strong union presence. Massachusetts UBC locals pay some of the highest carpenter scale rates in the country. Maine and Vermont have smaller markets but maintain solid UBC programs. Non-union residential framing is widespread but major commercial construction is predominantly UBC jurisdiction. Millwright work in the region's industrial facilities adds a high-paying specialty track.
Cost of living in the Northeast is high relative to carpenter wages. Massachusetts at 147.8 COL is the second most expensive state in the country -- the wage premium is real but housing costs are extreme. Maine at 114.6 and Connecticut at 114.2 are also above average. Vermont at 113.0 offers solid wages with more affordable rural options. New Hampshire at 110.1 provides the best value in the region for carpenters.
- →Life sciences and biotech facility construction in the Boston metro requiring precision interior work and cleanroom carpentry
- →Historic renovation and restoration work across New England's aging building stock -- premium rates for skilled finish carpenters
- →Commercial office and mixed-use construction across Boston, Hartford, and Providence
- →Higher education and hospital construction driving consistent demand for commercial interior carpentry
- →Residential construction in coastal markets driving demand for finish and trim carpenters
The Northeast is a solid destination for traveling carpenters, particularly Boston and Hartford. Massachusetts UBC locals pay strong scale rates and commercial construction runs year-round. Millwright travelers are in consistent demand in the region's industrial facilities. Winter slows outdoor work but interior commercial projects continue. Check RoadDog Jobs and Where2Bro for current openings.
Effective wage adjusts the BLS median for cost of living -- what your paycheck actually buys relative to the national average.
| State | Median Annual | COL Index | Effective Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $75,200 +$14,620 vs. national | 147.8 | $50,880 $-9,700 vs. national |
| Connecticut | $64,060 +$3,480 vs. national | 114.2 | $56,095 $-4,485 vs. national |
| Vermont | $62,400 +$1,820 vs. national | 113.0 | $55,221 $-5,359 vs. national |
| Maine | $62,160 +$1,580 vs. national | 114.6 | $54,241 $-6,339 vs. national |
| New Hampshire | $61,200 +$620 vs. national | 110.1 | $55,586 $-4,994 vs. national |
| Rhode Island | $60,840 +$260 vs. national | 111.2 | $54,712 $-5,868 vs. national |
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 - Carpenters - Cross-Industry, All Ownership
Cost of living data provided by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC). The data has been modified for use from its original source, which is the State of Missouri. THE STATE OF MISSOURI MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTY AS TO THE COMPLETENESS, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, OR CONTENT OF ANY DATA MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS SITE. THE STATE OF MISSOURI EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Data is subject to change as modifications and updates are complete. Use at your own risk.