I'm 18 and have always loved working with wood. I'm really considering a career in carpentry, but I want to know how much I can expect to earn on average each month. What are your experiences?
3 Answers
There’s definitely potential to make money in carpentry, but a lot of it depends on your role. The people managing jobs or selling the contracts tend to make the real cash. The ones actually doing the labor? Not so much, but they’re the backbone of the operation.
I've been a professional woodworker for almost 5 years now, and I make around $20 an hour. Pay can really vary depending on your location and experience. I've heard some folks get lucky and can charge $30, $50, or even $80+ an hour if they have high demand and quality work. Generally, I'd say a good average is between $15 and $25 an hour. If you're looking to boost your earnings, consider whether you want to work for someone else or start your own business, but starting a business can be tough without tools and a shop. Check out local furniture or cabinet shops and apply there. Good luck! I started where you are and it’s worth it!
Where you're located plays a big role in how much you can earn. In my area, workers get anywhere from $30 to $65 an hour depending on their skill level. If you’re employed by someone, you can still make decent money, and if you're self-employed, you can sometimes charge even more.
It's tough out there. Honestly, getting a stable 40-hour week is a pipe dream. A lot of competition, especially with cheaper labor around, can really drive down pay. You gotta figure out if you can be better or cheaper, but just pick one.