Carpenters vs Computer Programmers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Programmers professionals earn $39,360 more per year than Carpenters professionals — that's 66.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Carpenters earns $98,370 compared to $162,090 for Computer Programmers.
Salary Range Comparison
Carpenters$38,760 – $98,370
Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
$38,760$162,090
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Carpenters | Computer Programmers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $38,760 | $52,190 | $-13,430 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,550 | $71,860 | $-24,310 |
| Median (50th) | $59,310 | $98,670 | $-39,360 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,620 | $128,960 | $-53,340 |
| 90th Percentile | $98,370 | $162,090 | $-63,720 |
| Mean (Average) | $64,040 | $103,640 | $-39,600 |
Employment Numbers
Carpenters
697,740
employed nationwide
Computer Programmers
109,870
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 Computer Programmers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $167,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $159,250 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,560 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $122,580 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $122,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Carpenters or Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $39,360 (66.4% 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 Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
How many Carpenters and Computer Programmers jobs are there?
There are approximately 697,740 Carpenters positions and 109,870 Computer Programmers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Computer Programmers to Carpenters?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Carpenters has a median salary of $59,310 while Computer Programmers earns $98,670. 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