How Much Does a Carpenter Cost per Hour in 2025?
Hiring a carpenter costs an average of $100
The average carpenter cost per hour is between $75 and $125, with an average hourly rate of $100.
Factors affecting the total cost include their specialization, experience level, project size, project type, and complexity.
A trim carpenter can start at $40 per hour, while a master carpenter may charge up to $200 per hour.
Hiring a professional carpenter ensures quality workmanship and adherence to local codes.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
It costs between $40 and $200 per hour to hire a carpenter, with an average carpenter cost per hour of $75 and $125. Factors such as project size and complexity, materials, and the carpenter's expertise will all affect the final price. By building these numbers into your budget now, you’ll be prepared when carpentry needs arise later on. A trusted professional carpenter delivers code-compliant work on schedule, saving you time and costly do-overs.
Carpentry Cost Factors
When hiring a carpenter, the final price fluctuates based on the scope of work, materials, and overall complexity of the project. Use the breakdown below to see how each factor can sway your budget.
Cost by Project Type
A significant part of your carpentry cost depends on the type of project you’re hiring a carpenter to do. The table below outlines some common carpentry projects and their average costs.
| Project Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Frame a wall | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Build a Deck | $4,000–$10,000 |
| Build a Closet | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Custom Shelving | $250–$450 per shelf |
| Doors | $300–$2,000 per door |
| Home addition | $6,000–$8,000 |
| Custom furniture | $200–$12,000 per item |
| Windows | $50–$200 per window |
Labor Rates
Set aside 20% to 40% of your total budget for carpenter labor, or 10% to 20% when a general contractor oversees the job. Labor costs rise with crew size and project duration, so ask each pro how staffing and timelines will affect your bottom line.
Materials
Lean on your carpenter to nail down a material list, as they can often find reduced rates and give you tips on ways to save. Costs climb with premium picks—laying mahogany across 3,000 square feet runs far more than installing budget-friendly pine.
Project Size and Complexity
Bigger, more complex jobs require additional hours, materials, and expertise. Framing an entire house, for instance, carries a higher hourly rate than adding deck railings, resulting in higher carpentry costs.
Changes
Lock in your design before the first board is cut. Redesigns—such as relocating a wall or kitchen island—add time, materials, and dollars, especially once construction is underway. Flag potential changes for your carpenter as soon as possible.
Carpenter Cost per Hour by Specialization
Try to match the pro’s specialty to your project for the best results. Here’s what different types of carpenters charge per hour.
| Specialization | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Master | $75–$200 |
| Finish | $80–$200 |
| Trim | $40–$75 |
| Framing | $40–$60 |
| Rough | $40–$60 |
| General | $75–$125 |
| Cabinetry | $75–$200 |
| Roofing | $40–$60 |
Master Carpenter
Master carpenters bill $75 to $200 per hour and often impose a 90-minute to two-hour minimum. Bring one in for high-stakes projects that demand top-tier skill and training.
Finish Carpenter
Finish carpenters handle detailed, decorative work and charge $80 to $200 per hour. For custom cabinets or intricate trim, ask a finish pro for a line-item quote tailored to your design.
Trim Carpenter
Trim carpenters install molding and other finishing touches for $40 to $75 per hour. Expect the cost to install trim to start at $610 and increase with the complexity of the design.
Framing Carpenter
Framing carpenters build a home’s structural skeleton and charge $40 to $60 per hour. Remember, that rate is only part of the picture—framing a house costs $7 to $16 per square foot once labor and materials are included.
What to Look for in a Carpenter
Before you sign a contract, vet each carpenter’s credentials to make sure you’re hiring the right professional for the job.
Qualifications and Training
Ensure that you match the carpenter’s portfolio to your project when hiring. Structural jobs, such as house framing, call for functional expertise, while a custom mantel demands fine woodworking skills.
License
Even if your state doesn’t mandate a license, hiring a licensed carpenter boosts your odds of code-compliant work and proper insurance. Confirm the credentials with your state’s labor department.
Insurance
Ask for proof of both liability and workers’ compensation coverage when inquiring with carpenters. Liability protects your home; workers’ comp shields you from costs if the crew is injured on site.
Recommendations
Lean on word-of-mouth and online reviews to build your shortlist. Before hiring, ask for photos of similar projects to help align your expectations.
DIY vs. Hiring a Carpenter
With the right tools—and confidence—you might tackle smaller carpentry jobs yourself. A local handyperson can also step in for budget-friendly tasks, such as building a simple bench or storage cabinet. Hiring a handyman costs an average of $390 per project.
Reserve structural or code-heavy work for professional carpenters in your area. A seasoned pro understands local zoning, licensing, and safety rules. Issues like sagging floors, walls, or ceilings can cost at least $500 to repair, and expert help is well worth the investment.
Ready to get started? Contact a top-rated carpenter in your area today.
Ways to Save on Carpentry Projects
Managing costs effectively can help you obtain high-quality carpentry work without incurring excessive expenses. Here are several strategies to save on carpentry services:
Get multiple quotes from different carpenters to compare rates and ensure competitive pricing for your project.
Consider scheduling work during the off-season (typically winter months) when many carpenters offer discounted rates to maintain steady business.
Purchase materials yourself when possible, as some carpenters mark up material costs when they handle procurement.
Break larger projects into phases to spread costs over time while still making progress on your renovation goals.
For simpler aspects of complex projects, ask if you can handle the prep work or finishing tasks yourself to reduce billable hour
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
A master carpenter represents the trade’s top tier. After an average of four years as an apprentice and 10 as a journeyperson, these pros accrue broad, advanced skills across multiple disciplines. While “master” isn’t a formal license, many carpenters back up the title with certifications from national woodworking or builders’ associations.
Finish carpenters handle the refined, decorative details that make a space look polished and refined. Consider hiring these pros when installing hardwood floors, built-in bookshelves, custom closets, wainscoting, and trim features such as crown molding or baseboards. Their precision and expert craftsmanship boost both the room’s appearance and its day-to-day functionality.
Most homeowners can hire a general carpenter for everyday improvements, but the ideal pro still depends on your project’s scope. Verify each candidate’s résumé, certifications, and past work—then compare at least three bids and discuss timelines, materials, and specialty skills. This extra legwork helps you land the best match and price for jobs ranging from rough framing to custom cabinetry.
In most markets, union and non-union carpenters fall within the same $40 to $90 per hour range. Focus less on membership status and more on proven experience, up-to-date certifications, solid references, and insurance coverage—the factors that truly predict workmanship and value. Review several portfolios and confirm credentials before signing a contract.
Start by confirming the carpenter’s state license, followed by any trade-specific certifications. Next, request proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. These documents demonstrate up-to-date skills, code compliance, and financial protection for you and the crew. Spending a few minutes on credential checks now can spare you costly headaches later.
- Carpentry Framing - Repair
- Closet - Build
- Wood Paneling - Install or Repair
- Fireplace Mantel - Install
- Wood Stairs and Railings - Install or Replace
- Interior Trim and Decorative Moldings - Repair
- Interior Trim and Decorative Moldings - Install
- Wood Stairs and Railings - Repair
- Wainscoting - Install
- Exterior Shutters - Install or Replace
- Arbor, Pergola or Trellis - Build Custom
Get our Angi-powered app
