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Carpenter Salary in Indianapolis, IN β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Indianapolis's cost of living (index: 88). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Carpenter Salary in Indianapolis β€” Key Numbers

$49,588
Median Salary
$35,895
25th Percentile
$65,305
75th Percentile
$84,322
90th Percentile
National median (Carpenter)$56,350
vs. National median-12.0%
Indianapolis median household income$64,200
vs. City household income-22.8%

Cost of Living in Indianapolis

Cost of Living Index
88(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$915/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio22.1%
Annual rent cost$10,980
Median Home Price$260,000
Home Price / Salary5.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$52,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.2 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 Indianapolis

3.7%
Unemployment Rate
2,130,000
Metro Population
24 min
Avg Commute
34.6
Median Age

Indianapolis has a metro population of 2,130,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.7% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Carpenter Salary β€” Other Indiana Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Carpenter make in Indianapolis, IN?

The estimated median salary for a Carpenter in Indianapolis is $49,588 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $56,350 adjusted by Indianapolis's cost of living index (88). The typical salary range runs from $35,895 (25th percentile) to $65,305 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $84,322.

Is Indianapolis affordable for a Carpenter?

On a $49,588 annual salary, a Carpenter in Indianapolis would spend approximately 22.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($915/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Indianapolis relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $260,000 is 5.2Γ— the annual salary.

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

Indianapolis's median household income is $64,200. A Carpenter earning the city-adjusted median of $49,588 earns 22.8% less than the typical Indianapolis household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Indianapolis 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.