Carpenter salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Carpenters in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $61,360 a year ($29.50 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,810 workers.
Pay ranges from $44,560 for the lowest-paid 10% to $76,670 for the top 10%. That is 1% higher than the national median of $60,580. Pay here is 6% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $57,710. There are 4.5 carpenters per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $61,450, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for carpenters in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $44,560 | $21.42 |
| 25th percentile | $49,990 | $24.03 |
| Median | $61,360 | $29.50 |
| 75th percentile | $74,220 | $35.68 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $76,670 | $36.86 |
| Average (mean) | $61,450 | $29.54 |
Half of carpenters earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,113.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,556.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,360 |
| Weekly | $1,180 |
| Hourly | $29.50 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $61,360 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Carpenter salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $60,440 | 670 |
| Dubuque, IA | $60,090 | 260 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $58,920 | 530 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $55,840 | 260 |
| Ames, IA | $55,640 | 210 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $52,800 | 3,230 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $51,100 | 350 |
| Iowa City, IA | $49,680 | 360 |
Highest-paying states for carpenters
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $85,280 |
| Illinois | $79,000 |
| California | $75,920 |
| Massachusetts | $75,200 |
| Washington | $74,190 |
| Alaska | $73,860 |
| New York | $72,330 |
| Minnesota | $64,930 |
| Connecticut | $64,060 |
| New Jersey | $64,010 |
See Carpenter pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Laborer | $49,980 | $24.03 |
| Electrician | $62,840 | $30.21 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $75,040 | $36.08 |
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | $62,610 | $30.10 |
| Painters, Construction and Maintenance | $57,410 | $27.60 |
| Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers | $59,700 | $28.70 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $66,000 | $31.73 |
| Roofer | $49,510 | $23.80 |
| Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall | $70,410 | $33.85 |
| Glazier | $62,590 | $30.09 |
| Brickmasons and Blockmasons | $75,810 | $36.45 |
| Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers | $49,670 | $23.88 |
| Taper | $67,050 | $32.24 |
| Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles | $63,200 | $30.39 |
More: Construction and Extraction Occupations · all salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 47-2031. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a carpenter make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for carpenters in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $61,360 a year, or $29.50 an hour. Pay ranges from $44,560 for the lowest-paid 10% to $76,670 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid carpenters make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of carpenters in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $76,670 a year. The top 25% earn $74,220 or more.
What is the starting pay for carpenters in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $44,560 a year, and a quarter of carpenters earn $49,990 or less.
How many carpenters work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 1,810 carpenters are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.