Carpenter Salary - Southwest
Massive construction growth driving demand, wages below national median
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 Southwest is a volume market for carpenters with wages below the national median. Texas employs over 33,000 carpenters -- one of the largest state workforces -- but the median of $48,900 is well below the national average. Arizona at $58,580 is the strongest performer in the region. Rapid population growth and construction activity create consistent demand but right-to-work environments keep wages suppressed.
The Southwest is predominantly non-union territory for carpentry. Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Mexico are all right-to-work states with limited UBC market share outside major metros. Non-union residential framing dominates the market. UBC regional councils have limited commercial market share. Millwright work in Texas industrial facilities is the exception -- refinery and petrochemical plant millwright work involves union contractors and pays significantly above the state median.
The Southwest offers below-average cost of living except Arizona. Texas at 90.7 and Oklahoma at 83.5 are well below the national average. New Mexico at 89.9 is affordable. Arizona at 107.6 has appreciated significantly in recent years. For carpenters, Texas and Oklahoma offer the best combination of steady work volume and affordable living despite below-median wages.
- →Massive residential framing across Phoenix, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin metros
- →Commercial construction in rapidly growing Southwest metros
- →Semiconductor fabrication plant construction in Arizona requiring precision millwright installation
- →Industrial millwright work in Texas refineries and petrochemical facilities
- →Resort and hospitality construction in Phoenix and Las Vegas-adjacent markets
The Southwest offers steady work but wages below union market rates. Texas industrial millwright work is the standout exception -- refinery and petrochemical projects pay well above the state median. Arizona's semiconductor construction has drawn millwright contractors from across the country. Check RoadDog Jobs and Where2Bro for current Texas industrial and Arizona construction 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $59,720 $-860 vs. national | 89.9 | $66,429 +$5,849 vs. national |
| Arizona | $58,580 $-2,000 vs. national | 107.6 | $54,442 $-6,138 vs. national |
| Texas | $48,900 $-11,680 vs. national | 90.7 | $53,914 $-6,666 vs. national |
| Oklahoma | $46,910 $-13,670 vs. national | 83.5 | $56,180 $-4,400 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.