How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Carpenter in 2025?

Fill out the form to compare prices and estimates from local carpenters.

Depending on your home project, carpenters will charge between $50 – $95 per hour, plus the cost of supplies. Cost will be determined by skill level, project scope, and total labor time.

Are you looking to hire a carpenter? Here’s what you need to know about carpenter cost and how to find construction carpenters near you.

professional carpenter cost

You have a huge construction project at your house, and you’ve no idea who to contract out to.
We don’t recommend the Ghostbusters for this job (unless you suspect your cabinets are haunted), but we do know some handy ways to find the carpenters you need.
Are you ready to get that kitchen refurbished or to frame the house of your dreams? We’ll help you find out exactly which carpenter is right for you and give you some idea of carpenter cost along the way.

What Kinds of Work Do Carpenters Do?

Carpenters are nothing if not versatile. They handle a variety of workloads in almost every type of setting you can mention:

Mines
Bridges
Buildings
Sewers

Furthermore, carpenters don’t always work only with wood, although that is their specialty. These professionals also work with drywall, insulation, fiberglass, and plastics.
Math and precision are essential for successful carpentry. Therefore, all of the construction tasks a carpenter undertakes involves lots of measuring.

Carpentry Types

The realm of carpenters falls into three categories.

Framing
Installation
Repairs

Rough carpentry deals with structural issues, such as framing a house. Finish carpentry is the second. It involves installation.
The final category involves repairs.
When hiring a carpenter, it’s important to understand that there are different terms that imply what the carpenter does.
General carpenters are perfect for most residential jobs. They have completed an apprenticeship and, therefore, have the knowledge to complete most jobs.
Finish carpenters handle more specific work, such as making custom furniture.

Common Jobs Performed By Carpenters

Examples of some jobs a carpenter fulfills include:

Creating scaffolding
Repairing structures
Replacing or adding doors and windows
Installing cabinets
Installing molding
Installing stairs
Remodeling or refurbishing interiors
Adding tunnel bracing
Laying hardwood flooring

If you have a job that requires precision and involves assembling, installing, repairing or creating a structure that is mostly wood, a carpenter is your person of choice.

COMPARE QUOTES

Hiring a Local Carpenter

Depending on type of wLike most services, carpenter cost varies. There are numerous factors that affect the costs associated with one of these professionals. However, in order to understand what to expect, homeowners and business owners should first comprehend how a carpenter is hired.

Hiring a Professional

Hiring a carpenter involves a more intricate process than simply visiting a store and asking for service. In most cases, carpenters are engaged by individuals or companies through a competitive bidding process. Those in need of carpentry services describe the required work, prompting carpenters to offer estimates that include the cost of labor and materials. Based on these estimates, customers select the carpenter they wish to hire. Consequently, instead of receiving an hourly wage, carpenters are compensated based on the scope of the job they complete.

Factors Affecting Carpenter Pay

Before soliciting estimates, there are several important factors to take into account, as they significantly influence pricing. Firstly, the nature and complexity of the job itself is a key consideration. Larger or more complex tasks typically lead to higher prices due to the increased costs and longer time frames involved.

Another crucial aspect is the level of expertise of the professional. Experienced carpenters with a well-established reputation usually command higher fees compared to those who are new to the field.

Geographical location also plays a role in determining costs. In regions with a higher cost of living, the charges for services tend to be greater.

Lastly, the state of competition in the sector should be considered. In areas with intense competition, companies and individual carpenters might offer lower bids to attract customers. Conversely, in regions with less competition, prices may be higher.

What Price to Expect

When broken down to an hourly rate, most jobs a general carpenter takes pay anywhere from $50 to $95 an hour.
However, if customers require a finish or repair carpenter, the price jumps significantly.
For specialized carpentry involving very specific niches, the price may reach up to $100+ per hour.
If you’re blanching right now, just remember: these are experts. If you want beautiful work, no one is better equipped to handle it.

Are Licenses Required?

It’s essential to thoroughly investigate your state’s specific legal requirements related to the carpentry work you need. Regulations can differ significantly from state to state. In some states, carpenters must possess a valid license to operate. In others, while carpentry itself may not require licensing, certain tasks undertaken by carpenters, like roofing, might need one.

There are also states where no licensing is mandated for carpentry, but they may require proof of a certain amount of practical experience or successful completion of competency tests. To ensure compliance with the law, it’s important to be well-informed about these regulations and choose a carpenter who meets the necessary legal criteria.

Do Carpenters Need To Be Insured?

Like licensing, the regulations on insurance vary by state.
Alabama, for instance, requires carpenters to have liability insurance.
Ask any contractor you’re interested in hiring to provide proof of insurance if it’s required by your state.
Even if it’s not, keep in mind that contractors who purchase insurance are the best route. If something happens and results in injury or damage to your property, this insurance protects you from unwanted litigations.

Tips for Hiring the Right Carpenter

When hiring a carpenter, consider the following three tips to ensure you select the right professional for your project:

Check Qualifications and Experience: It’s important to verify the carpenter’s qualifications and experience. Look for someone who has a proven track record in the type of work you need. If your project requires specialized skills, such as fine woodworking or custom cabinetry, ensure the carpenter has experience in these areas. Asking for references or a portfolio of past work can provide insight into their expertise and craftsmanship.
Understand Licensing and Insurance: Make sure the carpenter is properly licensed and insured. This is crucial for compliance with local regulations and for your protection in case of accidents or damages during the project. A licensed carpenter is more likely to be knowledgeable about building codes and regulations, while insurance coverage means you won’t be liable for any on-site injuries or damages.
Get a Detailed Estimate and Contract: Before finalizing the hire, ask for a detailed estimate that breaks down the costs of materials and labor. This will help you understand the scope and cost of the project and avoid surprises later. Also, insist on a written contract that outlines the project details, timeline, payment schedule, and any warranties or guarantees. This document serves as a legal agreement and helps ensure both parties have clear expectations.

Get Connected With Carpenter Pricing

Now that you understand carpenter cost, licensing, insurance and more, you’re ready to pick up that phone and make the call. But we’ve made your job much easier. Submit your information to our website and receive quotes from up to five contractors in your area. It’s that easy.