Carpenters vs Civil Engineers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Civil Engineers professionals earn $40,280 more per year than Carpenters professionals — that's 67.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Carpenters earns $98,370 compared to $160,990 for Civil Engineers.
Salary Range Comparison
Carpenters$38,760 – $98,370
Civil Engineers$65,920 – $160,990
$38,760$160,990
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Carpenters | Civil Engineers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $38,760 | $65,920 | $-27,160 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,550 | $78,790 | $-31,240 |
| Median (50th) | $59,310 | $99,590 | $-40,280 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,620 | $128,290 | $-52,670 |
| 90th Percentile | $98,370 | $160,990 | $-62,620 |
| Mean (Average) | $64,040 | $107,050 | $-43,010 |
Employment Numbers
Carpenters
697,740
employed nationwide
Civil Engineers
355,410
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Carpenters
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $80,950 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $78,090 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $77,100 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $76,760 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $76,510 |
Best Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $130,310 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $129,260 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $126,560 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $109,250 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $108,010 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Carpenters or Civil Engineers?
Civil Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $40,280 (67.9% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Carpenters?
Carpenters salaries range from $38,760 (10th percentile) to $98,370 (90th percentile), with a median of $59,310.
What is the salary range for Civil Engineers?
Civil Engineers salaries range from $65,920 (10th percentile) to $160,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $99,590.
How many Carpenters and Civil Engineers jobs are there?
There are approximately 697,740 Carpenters positions and 355,410 Civil Engineers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Civil Engineers to Carpenters?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Carpenters has a median salary of $59,310 while Civil Engineers earns $99,590. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS