Carpenter Salary · Updated May 2026

Carpenter salary in Alaska

The median carpenter salary in Alaska is $73,860 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025) — 22% above the national median of $60,580. Most carpenters in Alaska earn between $49,060 and $151,530, and the state ranks #6 of 51 for carpenter pay.

Median

$73,860

Entry (10th)

$49,060

Top (90th)

$151,530

State rank

#6/51

Annual wages, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Alaska vs. the national average

PercentileAlaskaNational
10th percentile (entry)$49,060$40,410
Median (50th)$73,860$60,580
90th percentile (top)$151,530$99,910

For context, the highest-paying state for carpenters is Hawaii ($85,280 median) and the lowest is Oklahoma ($46,910).

Licensing & taxes for carpenters

Carpentry is rarely licensed at the individual level — only about 22 states regulate it directly. Far more common is a general contractor license required once a job exceeds a set dollar threshold, so most self-employed carpenters need a contractor license to bid larger work.

Whether you charge sales tax on your labor depends on the state and the type of job. Several states tax services by default, and many distinguish a real-property improvement (often not taxed to the customer) from a repair of tangible property (often taxed). This isn't tax advice — confirm with your state revenue department.

For the full state-by-state licensing, reciprocity, and sales-tax breakdown, see the carpenter salary & licensing guide.

Carpenter pay in Alaska: FAQ

How much does a carpenter make in Alaska?
The median carpenter salary in Alaska is $73,860 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025) — 22% above the national median of $60,580. Most carpenters in the state earn between $49,060 and $151,530.
What is the starting salary for carpenters in Alaska?
Entry-level carpenters in Alaska — the bottom 10% — earn around $49,060 a year. Pay rises with licensing, experience, and specialization.
What do the top carpenters earn in Alaska?
The highest-paid 10% of carpenters in Alaska make about $151,530 or more per year — typically licensed masters, specialists, or business owners.
Does Alaska pay carpenters well?
Alaska ranks #6 of 51 states and D.C. for carpenter pay, making it one of the higher-paying states for the trade. Its median of $73,860 is 22% above the U.S. median of $60,580.

Other trades in Alaska

Compare carpenters pay in every state

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS OEWS, May 2025, via the BLS public API (SOC 47-2031). Wages are annual and vary by experience, licensing, certification, and local demand. See all carpenters by state or trade salaries by state.