Carpenters vs Childcare Workers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Carpenters professionals earn $27,260 more per year than Childcare Workers professionals — that's 85.1% higher. At the 90th percentile, Carpenters earns $98,370 compared to $44,560 for Childcare Workers.
Salary Range Comparison
Carpenters$38,760 – $98,370
Childcare Workers$22,900 – $44,560
$22,900$98,370
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Carpenters | Childcare Workers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $38,760 | $22,900 | +$15,860 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,550 | $28,000 | +$19,550 |
| Median (50th) | $59,310 | $32,050 | +$27,260 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,620 | $36,960 | +$38,660 |
| 90th Percentile | $98,370 | $44,560 | +$53,810 |
| Mean (Average) | $64,040 | $33,140 | +$30,900 |
Employment Numbers
Carpenters
697,740
employed nationwide
Childcare Workers
520,180
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Carpenters
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $80,950 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $78,090 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $77,100 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $76,760 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $76,510 |
Best Cities for Childcare Workers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $44,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $43,640 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $40,180 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $39,290 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $38,720 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Carpenters or Childcare Workers?
Carpenters professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $27,260 (85.1% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Carpenters?
Carpenters salaries range from $38,760 (10th percentile) to $98,370 (90th percentile), with a median of $59,310.
What is the salary range for Childcare Workers?
Childcare Workers salaries range from $22,900 (10th percentile) to $44,560 (90th percentile), with a median of $32,050.
How many Carpenters and Childcare Workers jobs are there?
There are approximately 697,740 Carpenters positions and 520,180 Childcare Workers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Childcare Workers to Carpenters?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Carpenters has a median salary of $59,310 while Childcare Workers earns $32,050. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS