Carpenters vs Graphic Designers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Graphic Designers professionals earn $1,990 more per year than Carpenters professionals — that's 3.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Carpenters earns $98,370 compared to $103,030 for Graphic Designers.
Salary Range Comparison
Carpenters$38,760 – $98,370
Graphic Designers$37,600 – $103,030
$37,600$103,030
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Carpenters | Graphic Designers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $38,760 | $37,600 | +$1,160 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,550 | $47,200 | +$350 |
| Median (50th) | $59,310 | $61,300 | $-1,990 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,620 | $79,000 | $-3,380 |
| 90th Percentile | $98,370 | $103,030 | $-4,660 |
| Mean (Average) | $64,040 | $68,610 | $-4,570 |
Employment Numbers
Carpenters
697,740
employed nationwide
Graphic Designers
214,260
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 Graphic Designers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $98,530 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $89,490 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $82,630 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $82,360 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $78,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Carpenters or Graphic Designers?
Graphic Designers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $1,990 (3.4% 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 Graphic Designers?
Graphic Designers salaries range from $37,600 (10th percentile) to $103,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $61,300.
How many Carpenters and Graphic Designers jobs are there?
There are approximately 697,740 Carpenters positions and 214,260 Graphic Designers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Graphic Designers to Carpenters?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Carpenters has a median salary of $59,310 while Graphic Designers earns $61,300. 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