Carpenters vs Electricians: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Electricians professionals earn $3,040 more per year than Carpenters professionals — that's 5.1% higher. At the 90th percentile, Carpenters earns $98,370 compared to $106,030 for Electricians.
Salary Range Comparison
Carpenters$38,760 – $98,370
Electricians$39,430 – $106,030
$38,760$106,030
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Carpenters | Electricians | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $38,760 | $39,430 | $-670 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,550 | $48,820 | $-1,270 |
| Median (50th) | $59,310 | $62,350 | $-3,040 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,620 | $81,730 | $-6,110 |
| 90th Percentile | $98,370 | $106,030 | $-7,660 |
| Mean (Average) | $64,040 | $69,630 | $-5,590 |
Employment Numbers
Carpenters
697,740
employed nationwide
Electricians
742,580
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 Electricians
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $102,070 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $101,600 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $99,540 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $95,090 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $95,020 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Carpenters or Electricians?
Electricians professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $3,040 (5.1% 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 Electricians?
Electricians salaries range from $39,430 (10th percentile) to $106,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $62,350.
How many Carpenters and Electricians jobs are there?
There are approximately 697,740 Carpenters positions and 742,580 Electricians positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Electricians to Carpenters?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Carpenters has a median salary of $59,310 while Electricians earns $62,350. 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