Carpenter vs Electrician: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Carpenter
Construct, install, and repair wooden structures and fixtures.
Electrician
Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential and commercial buildings.
Electrician earns more on average — the national median is $13,000/year (25%) higher than a Carpenter. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Carpenter vs Electrician — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Carpenter | Electrician | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $76,307 | $94,614 | Carpenter $18,307 |
| New York, NY | $64,440 | $77,366 | Carpenter $12,926 |
| Seattle, WA | $75,218 | $90,028 | Carpenter $14,810 |
| Austin, TX | $59,061 | $70,774 | Carpenter $11,713 |
| Chicago, IL | $56,032 | $68,874 | Carpenter $12,842 |
| Boston, MA | $66,267 | $84,512 | Carpenter $18,245 |
| London, UK | £39,442 | £50,415 | Carpenter $10,973 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$70,914 | CA$88,649 | Carpenter $17,735 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Carpenter or Electrician earn more?+
A Electrician earns more on average. The national median salary for a Carpenter is $52,000/year, compared to $65,000/year for a Electrician — a difference of $13,000 (25%).
Which has better career growth — Carpenter or Electrician?+
Carpenter roles are growing at 4% YoY while Electrician demand is growing at 11% YoY. Electrician has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Carpenter to Electrician?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Carpenter or Electrician?+
Electrician has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 12%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.