What is the average salary of a carpenter in 2025?

The average salary of a carpenter in 2025 is projected to be around $56,000 per year, depending on various factors including experience and location.

What factors can affect a machinist's salary?

A machinist's salary can be influenced by multiple factors, including level of experience, geographic location, industry, and whether they have specific certifications.

Are carpenters and machinists required to have specific certifications?

While formal certifications are not always mandatory, they can enhance job prospects. Carpentry may require a journeyman's license in some areas, while machinists may benefit from CNC or specialized machine operation certifications.

What type of benefits do carpenters typically receive?

Carpenters generally receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and sometimes tools provided by their employer, depending on the company.

Can machinists work overtime, and does it affect their salary?

Yes, machinists often have opportunities for overtime, which can significantly increase their salary, as it is generally paid at a higher rate.

Which career has better job stability, carpentry or machining?

Both careers offer good job stability, although local demand can vary. Construction projects and manufacturing industries generally ensure a steady need for skilled tradespeople in both fields.

What educational path should one take to become a machinist?

To become a machinist, one may start with a high school diploma followed by vocational training or an associate degree in machining, alongside completing an apprenticeship for hands-on experience.

Are there opportunities for advancement in these professions?

Yes, both carpentry and machining offer advancement opportunities. Carpenters can move into supervisory roles or specialized crafts, whereas machinists can become CNC programmers or take on leadership positions in manufacturing.

Complete Carpenter vs Machinist Salary Comparison (2026)

Quick Comparison

Carpenter

$60,622

avg. annual salary

Machinist
pays more on average

Machinist

$61,164

avg. annual salary

When choosing a career in the skilled trades, understanding potential earnings is crucial. Carpenters and machinists are two essential professions, each offering unique rewards and challenges. Carpenters typically work with wood and other materials to construct, install, and maintain structures, while machinists operate machine tools to produce precision metal parts. With varied responsibilities and work environments, salaries can differ significantly. In this article, we examine and compare salaries, benefits, and career pathways of carpenters and machinists to help you make an informed decision about your future in these trades.

Salary by Experience Level

Carpenter Entry

$41,067

starting salary

Machinist Entry

$41,434

starting salary

Salary Difference

$542

avg. difference (1%)

Salary Overview

In 2025, the average salary for a carpenter is projected to be around $56,000 per year, with a typical range between $40,000 and $75,000 depending on experience, location, and specialization. On the other hand, machinists can expect to earn an average salary of approximately $58,000 annually, with a salary range from $43,000 to $80,000.

Both professions can benefit from overtime and union negotiations, which often enhance overall earnings.

Benefits Comparison

Carpenters and machinists not only earn competitive salaries but also enjoy a variety of benefits. Carpenters may receive health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and tools, whereas machinists often access similar benefits along with apprenticeships and skill development programs.

Both professions see varying benefits based on their employers and industry standards.

Career Prospects

Both carpentry and machining offer solid career prospects due to ongoing demand in construction and manufacturing sectors. Carpenters can specialize in areas such as residential, commercial, or industrial work.

Machinists might pursue roles as CNC operators or quality control inspectors. Advancing your skills through certifications or specialized training can open doors to higher-paying positions in either field.

Educational Requirements

Carpentry typically requires a high school diploma combined with completed apprenticeships, while machinists often undergo similar paths but may benefit from additional vocational training or associate degrees. Both fields emphasize hands-on experience, creating a skilled workforce capable of meeting demand.

Conclusion

In summary, both carpenters and machinists offer promising career opportunities with competitive salaries and benefits. Depending on your interest in working with wood or metal and your desired career path, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your personal and professional goals.

Detailed Salary Comparison: Carpenter vs Machinist (2025)

Carpenter and machinist pay overlaps but diverges by specialization and location. Typical U.

•Carpenters: $40,000–$75,000 annually (roughly $18–$36/hr). Entry-level apprentices often start $15–$20/hr; experienced finish or commercial carpenters in high-cost areas can exceed $40/hr.
•Machinists: $35,000–$85,000 annually (roughly $17–$41/hr). Manual machinists cluster near the lower end; CNC or aerospace machinists often command $30–$45/hr.

Concrete drivers of pay:

•Skill premium: CNC programming or 5-axis experience can raise machinist pay by 15–40%.
•Union vs non-union: union carpenters frequently earn 10–25% more plus benefits.
•Overtime/shift differentials: night shifts and emergency call-outs add 10–35% to base pay.

Actionable takeaway: target a niche (CNC for machinists; finish or commercial framing for carpenters) to boost earnings quickly.

Key Factors That Affect Salaries (and How to Improve Yours)

Consider these concrete factors when comparing or planning career moves:

•Location and cost of living: metropolitan areas (e.g., San Francisco, NYC) can pay 15–40% more than rural markets. Compare wages to local living costs before deciding.
•Certifications and training: NIMS credentials for machinists often add 10–20% to wages; NCCER or OSHA 10/30 for carpenters make candidates more hireable and may increase pay by 5–15%.
•Experience and portfolio: 3–5 years plus a documented project gallery or precision work samples justify mid-to-high pay bands.
•Industry sector: aerospace, medical device, and defense pay premium rates; residential remodels pay variable, often with more tips/bonuses.
•Employer type and benefits: unions, large manufacturers, and government contractors typically provide higher total compensation via retirement and health plans.

Actionable takeaway: pursue one targeted certification (e. g.

, NIMS for machinists or NCCER/OSHA for carpenters) and document 2–3 high-quality projects to raise your market value within 6–12 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to negotiate your salary? Use our salary calculator to determine your market value.