Carpenter wages in Kentucky
— Kentucky wage guide · Updated for 2026
See what carpenters really earn across Kentucky by experience level, license status, and sector — built from current Skillit hiring data, not outdated survey averages.
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Base pay ranges are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for state, license status, experience, and sector. Actual offers vary by employer, project, and union agreements. Job listings shown are illustrative of the type of roles posted on Skillit and update based on live openings on the platform.
Kentucky carpenter pay by level
— By experience
These are statewide averages across every experience level — apprentice through master, all blended together. They don't reflect your years of experience, license status, or sector. For your actual number, run it through the wage calculator.
0–2 years
Apprentice
$19 – $24/hr
$39,500 – $50,000 / year
Working toward journeyman hours
Supervised on-site tasks
Pay rises with each certification milestone
3–9 years
Journeyman
$26 – $34/hr
$54,600 – $70,700 / year
Fully licensed, independent work
Most common level hired on Skillit
Eligible for per diem / travel roles
10+ years
Master
$32 – $41/hr
$66,600 – $85,300 / year
Crew lead / foreman-track roles
Can train and sign off apprentices
Highest demand on industrial projects
Top hiring markets for carpenters in Kentucky
— By city
Rates reflect local demand and cost of living within the state.
These are city-wide averages across every experience level — they don't account for your years of experience, license status, or sector. For your actual number, run it through the calculator.
Carpenter jobs open in Kentucky right now
— Open roles
DPR Construction
Carpenter — Commercial
Louisville, KY
Journeyman level · Local project
$29–$35/hr
Mortenson
Carpenter — Commercial
Lexington, KY
Journeyman level · Per diem
$30–$37/hr
Swinerton
Carpenter — Commercial
Bowling Green, KY
Master level · Local project
$33–$40/hr
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Frequently asked
— Questions
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Kentucky doesn't require a statewide carpenter license, but many contractors prefer or require trade certifications, and some cities have local permitting requirements. Licensed status still affects pay — it typically adds a premium of roughly 8% in our data.
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We combine a national base rate per trade with live adjustments for state, experience, license status, and sector (residential, commercial, industrial), then cross-check against recent hiring activity on the Skillit platform.
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No — the ranges above are base hourly and annual pay only. Traveling carpenter roles typically add per diem and travel pay on top; use the calculator above and toggle for a traveling estimate.
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This page refreshes monthly using current hiring data across Skillit's Kentucky job postings, plus regional labor market indicators.
Explore more trades in Kentucky
Carpenter wages in nearby states
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