TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Carpenter Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$47,002/yr
Typical range: $46,181 – $54,419
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Carpenter salary by experience level in Chicago
Carpenter Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $47,002 | $3,917 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $56,142 | $4,679 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $62,235 | $5,186 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $68,153 | $5,679 | +45% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $79,643 | $6,637 | +69% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $87,999 | $7,333 | +87% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $90,088 | $7,507 | +92% |
Current Salary
$47,002
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $23/hr
Next Level Target
$56,142
Junior · 2
+$9Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Carpenter salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Carpenters in Chicago, IL earn approximately $47K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Carpenter make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $47K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $23/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Carpenter in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Carpenter in Chicago, IL earns $78K–$92K/yr.