TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Carpenter Salary in Chicago
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$73,045/yr
Typical range: $83,931 – $98,904
P75 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $50,376 | $4,198 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $60,171 | $5,014 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $66,701 | $5,558 | +32% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $73,045 | $6,087 | +45% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $85,359 | $7,113 | +69% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $94,314 | $7,860 | +87% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $96,553 | $8,046 | +92% |
Current Salary
$73,045
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $35/hr
Next Level Target
$85,359
Staff · 10
+$12Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Carpenter salary in Chicago, IL?
Senior Carpenters in Chicago, IL earn approximately $73K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Carpenter make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $73K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $35/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Carpenter in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Carpenter in Chicago, IL earns $84K–$99K/yr.