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Carpenter Salary in Portland, ME β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Portland's cost of living (index: 119). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Carpenter Salary in Portland β€” Key Numbers

$67,057
Median Salary
$48,540
25th Percentile
$88,310
75th Percentile
$114,026
90th Percentile
National median (Carpenter)$56,350
vs. National median+19.0%
Portland median household income$72,600
vs. City household income-7.6%

Cost of Living in Portland

Cost of Living Index
119(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,850/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio33.1%
Annual rent cost$22,200
Median Home Price$480,000
Home Price / Salary7.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$96,000
Years to save (20% rate)7.2 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 Portland

3.0%
Unemployment Rate
550,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
40.4
Median Age

Portland has a metro population of 550,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.0% 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 Portland, ME?

The estimated median salary for a Carpenter in Portland is $67,057 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $56,350 adjusted by Portland's cost of living index (119). The typical salary range runs from $48,540 (25th percentile) to $88,310 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $114,026.

Is Portland affordable for a Carpenter?

On a $67,057 annual salary, a Carpenter in Portland would spend approximately 33.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,850/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $480,000 is 7.2Γ— the annual salary.

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

Portland's median household income is $72,600. A Carpenter earning the city-adjusted median of $67,057 earns 7.6% less than the typical Portland household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Portland 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.