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Carpenter Salary in Grand Rapids, MI β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Grand Rapids's cost of living (index: 94). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Carpenter Salary in Grand Rapids β€” Key Numbers

$52,969
Median Salary
$38,343
25th Percentile
$69,757
75th Percentile
$90,071
90th Percentile
National median (Carpenter)$56,350
vs. National median-6.0%
Grand Rapids median household income$65,800
vs. City household income-19.5%

Cost of Living in Grand Rapids

Cost of Living Index
94(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,157/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio26.2%
Annual rent cost$13,884
Median Home Price$285,000
Home Price / Salary5.4Γ—
20% Down Payment$57,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.4 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 Grand Rapids

3.6%
Unemployment Rate
1,100,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
32.5
Median Age

Grand Rapids has a metro population of 1,100,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.6% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Carpenter make in Grand Rapids, MI?

The estimated median salary for a Carpenter in Grand Rapids is $52,969 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $56,350 adjusted by Grand Rapids's cost of living index (94). The typical salary range runs from $38,343 (25th percentile) to $69,757 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $90,071.

Is Grand Rapids affordable for a Carpenter?

On a $52,969 annual salary, a Carpenter in Grand Rapids would spend approximately 26.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,157/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Grand Rapids relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $285,000 is 5.4Γ— the annual salary.

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

Grand Rapids's median household income is $65,800. A Carpenter earning the city-adjusted median of $52,969 earns 19.5% less than the typical Grand Rapids household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Grand Rapids 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.