How much do carpenters charge per hour?
How much do carpenters charge per hour?
$30 – $100 hourly rate for standard carpenter
$100 – $200 cost per hour for master carpenter
Carpenter hourly rates
A carpenter’s hourly rates are $30 to $100 per hour for a standard self-employed carpenter and $100 to $200 per hour for a skilled master carpenter. Framing, trim, and finish carpenters perform different services and vary in price. The average salary for a carpenter is $35,000 to $100,000 per year.
| Title | Billed hourly rate | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Standard self-employed carpenter | $30 – $100 | 3 – 4+ years |
| Master carpenter | $100 – $200 | 10 – 15+ years |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Average cost to hire a carpenter per hour
The cost to hire a carpenter depends on the project and carpenter type, as shown in the table below.
| Type | Billed cost per hour | Typical projects |
|---|---|---|
| Finish carpenter | $40 – $100 | Cabinets, floors, shelves, furniture |
| Trim carpenter | $30 – $70 | Trim or molding on cabinets, windows, doors |
| Framing carpenter | $20 – $60 | Home, roof, or joist frames |
The following factors may affect your costs:
Skill level – Carpenters and millwork companies with more experience tend to charge more regardless of the project.
Union vs. non-union – Union and non-union carpenters typically charge similar rates. Prices depend more on experience and project type than union membership.
Subcontractor – Carpenters hired by general contractors may cost more than direct hires.
Travel fees – Carpenters may charge a fee for travel time for projects outside their standard service area.
Finish carpenter hourly rates
Finish carpenters charge $40 to $100 per hour, depending on experience. Common finishing projects include custom cabinets, wood flooring, doors, built-in shelves, stairways, and custom furniture.
Framing carpenter cost per hour
A framing carpenter costs $20 to $60 per hour and is also known as a rough carpenter or framer. This type of carpenter builds wooden frames for roofs, walls, and joists.
Trim carpenter charges
A trim carpenter charges $30 to $70 per hour and is often subcontracted by a finish carpenter to complete the trim on custom projects. This includes crown molding and trim around windows, doors, cabinets, or baseboards.
Searching for a specific type of carpenter can save you time during the hiring process.
Carpentry work price guide
| Project | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Build staircase | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Built-in bookshelf | $2,000 – $7,500 |
| Cabinet repair | $120 – $600 |
| Crown molding installation | $670 – $1,700 |
| Custom cabinetry | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Custom closet | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| Deck installation | $4,400 – $10,100 |
| Deck or porch repair | $500 – $2,500 |
| Door frame replacement | $110 – $380 |
| Framing a basement | $2,300 – $6,000 |
| Framing a whole house | $22,000 – $60,000 |
| Framing a roof | $9,000 – $37,500 |
| Framing a wall | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Framing a partition wall | $300 – $3,600 |
| Install gazebo | $8,600 – $14,400 |
| Install support beam | $1,200 – $4,200 |
| Pergola installation | $4,300 – $9,400 |
| Roof truss installation | $7,500 – $35,000 |
| Subfloor replacement | $440 – $7,100 |
| Trim installation or repair | $400 – $2,000 |
Carpenter labor rates by wage type
Carpenters charge $30 to $200 per hour depending on their skill level, or $5 to $15 per square foot on some projects. Most carpenters charge a $50 to $400 minimum fee, even for a short visit.
| Wage type | Average rate |
|---|---|
| Per hour | $30 – $200 |
| Per day | $240 – $1,600 |
| Per square foot | $5 – $15 |
| Minimum charge | $50 – $400 |
Frequently asked questions
What does a carpenter do?
A carpenter designs and shapes wood structures. This includes home framing, decks, gazebos, cabinets, or furniture.
How much do carpenters make?
A carpenter makes $35,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on their skill level, experience, and specialty. Master carpenters make more than standard or apprentice carpenters.
Getting estimates from carpenters
When hiring a carpenter near you, remember to:
Get at least 3 itemized estimates to compare.
Have a carpenter take measurements in person.
Select a licensed, insured, and bonded carpenter that has been in business for 5+ years.
Browse reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get a contract and warranty in writing before work begins.
Avoid the lowest quote, which may indicate low-quality materials or workmanship.
Never pay in full before the project begins.
Questions to ask
Asking the right questions can help you find the best contractor for your project:
How many carpentry projects have you worked on?
Can you give me references with contact information?
Do you have a portfolio with recent photos I can review?
Do you charge a fee for in-home estimates? If so, do you apply it to the final price?
Does the estimate include materials, labor, and cleanup?
How long will this project take?
Can I stay in my home during the job?
Do you offer a warranty? If so, what does it include?