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Salary Guides / District of Columbia
Carpenter Salary in District of Columbia
Discover D.C. carpenter hourly rates, annual salaries, certifications, and factors affecting earning potential.
What carpenters earn in District of Columbia
Carpenters in the District of Columbia build, install, repair, and finish structures across residential, commercial, and public construction projects. May 2025 BLS data puts D.C. carpenter wages at $23.00–$38.81 per hour, or approximately $47,840–$80,720 annually from the 10th to 90th percentile. The median carpenter earns $29.67 per hour, equivalent to $61,710 annually. D.C. wages are influenced by experience, project type, employer, and whether work falls under prevailing-wage requirements. Federal construction projects can carry substantially different compensation because prevailing-wage rules may apply.
Hourly rates by level in District of Columbia
Rates typically increase with experience, skills, and responsibility.
Where do you stand?
Enter your hourly rate to see how it compares to other carpenters in District of Columbia.
What are you making?
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Use your base rate, not what you take home after overtime.
You're right around the middle
$28.00 is above roughly 46% of this market. The top quarter starts at $36.00, and the median sits at $29.00.
Calculate pay with extra credentials
Pick your level, add certifications, select shift — the estimate updates live.
1Your level
2Certifications you hold
3Shift & work type
4Overtime & per diem
An estimate, not an offer. Overtime is paid at time and a half past forty hours.
Who pays the most in District of Columbia
Commercial, federal, and specialty projects lead D.C. wages.
Federal & Public Works
Federal construction and public projects can operate under prevailing-wage requirements with higher compensation structures.
Commercial Construction
Office buildings, retail developments, hotels, and major commercial projects create opportunities for experienced carpenters.
Institutional Construction
Hospitals, schools, universities, and government facilities require skilled carpentry across new builds and renovations.
Historic Restoration
D.C.'s historic properties create demand for carpenters skilled in restoration, preservation, trim, and traditional construction methods.
Residential Remodeling
Renovations, additions, interior improvements, and property upgrades provide steady opportunities across the District.
Finish Carpentry
rim, doors, cabinets, stairs, and detailed interior installations reward precision and advanced craftsmanship.
Which states pay carpenters the most
Median hourly across every state with a published guide for this trade. Cost of living is not netted out — compare take-home, not just the rate.
What each certification is worth
Sorted by payback speed.
| Certification | Rate bump | Extra / year | Cost | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OSHA 10 | +$0.25 | $520 | $60 | 2 weeks |
| OSHA 30 | +$0.50 | $1,040 | $150 | 8 weeks |
| NCCER Carpentry Level 1 | +$0.75 | $1,560 | $120 | 8 weeks |
| NCCER Carpentry Level 2 | +$1 | $2,080 | $120 | 10 weeks |
| Flagger Certification | +$0.75 | $1,560 | $50 | 2 weeks |
| CPR / First Aid / AED | +$0.50 | $1,040 | $75 | 4 weeks |
What overtime actually adds
Past forty hours the rate is time and a half. Built from the rate above. At $29.67/hr.
Questions workers ask
Do carpenters need a specific carpenter license in D.C.?▾
Can apprentices earn while training?▾
Are federal construction jobs different from private jobs?▾
Does D.C. recognize NCCER carpentry credentials?▾
What training can help someone enter carpentry in D.C.?▾
See Open Carpenter Jobs in District of Columbia
Verified positions matching this trade and location.
Last updated September 23, 2026. Rates are market estimates, not guarantees.