Salary distribution
Where San Francisco carpenters fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $61,850 and $102,630, with a median of $80,950.
Typical entry
Education
High school diploma
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Apprenticeship
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Building and Construction
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Administration and Management
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Visualization
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 3.6 / 5
Manual Dexterity
Ability
- 3.6 / 5
Finger Dexterity
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
- 02
Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.
- 03
Assemble and fasten materials to make frameworks or props, using hand tools and wood screws, nails, dowel pins, or glue.
- 04
Study specifications in blueprints, sketches, or building plans to prepare project layout and determine dimensions and materials required.
- 05
Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.
- 06
Verify trueness of structure, using plumb bob and level.
- 07
Cover subfloors with building paper to keep out moisture and lay hardwood, parquet, or wood-strip-block floors by nailing floors to subfloor or cementing them to mastic or asphalt base.
- 08
Construct forms or chutes for pouring concrete.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for carpenters.
- San Jose$78,090
- Sacramento$77,100
- Los Angeles$73,840
- San Diego$73,690
- Riverside$65,050
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Carpenters in San Francisco, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Carpenters in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $80,950.
- Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Carpenters?
- The San Francisco metro median is +8.2% versus the California state median of $74,820.
- How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Carpenters?
- The San Francisco metro median is +33.2% versus the BLS national figure of $60,794.
- What is the salary range for Carpenters in San Francisco?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $51,310 and the 90th-percentile at $133,040 for the San Francisco metro area.
- What education is required for Carpenters?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as High school diploma. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Francisco CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.