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Carpenter Salary in Bakersfield, CA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Bakersfield's cost of living (index: 104). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Carpenter Salary in Bakersfield β€” Key Numbers

$58,604
Median Salary
$42,422
25th Percentile
$77,178
75th Percentile
$99,653
90th Percentile
National median (Carpenter)$56,350
vs. National median+4.0%
Bakersfield median household income$65,200
vs. City household income-10.1%

Cost of Living in Bakersfield

Cost of Living Index
104(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,350/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio27.6%
Annual rent cost$16,200
Median Home Price$340,000
Home Price / Salary5.8Γ—
20% Down Payment$68,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.8 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Bakersfield

6.8%
Unemployment Rate
910,000
Metro Population
25 min
Avg Commute
31.2
Median Age

Bakersfield has a metro population of 910,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 6.8% unemployment rate is above the national average, which may reflect broader economic conditions in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Carpenter make in Bakersfield, CA?

The estimated median salary for a Carpenter in Bakersfield is $58,604 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $56,350 adjusted by Bakersfield's cost of living index (104). The typical salary range runs from $42,422 (25th percentile) to $77,178 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $99,653.

Is Bakersfield affordable for a Carpenter?

On a $58,604 annual salary, a Carpenter in Bakersfield would spend approximately 27.6% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,350/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Bakersfield relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $340,000 is 5.8Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Carpenter's salary compare to Bakersfield's overall income?

Bakersfield's median household income is $65,200. A Carpenter earning the city-adjusted median of $58,604 earns 10.1% less than the typical Bakersfield household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Bakersfield has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.