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Carpenter Salary in Riverside, CA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Riverside's cost of living (index: 122). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Carpenter Salary in Riverside β€” Key Numbers

$68,747
Median Salary
$49,764
25th Percentile
$90,536
75th Percentile
$116,900
90th Percentile
National median (Carpenter)$56,350
vs. National median+22.0%
Riverside median household income$75,800
vs. City household income-9.3%

Cost of Living in Riverside

Cost of Living Index
122(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,750/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio30.5%
Annual rent cost$21,000
Median Home Price$560,000
Home Price / Salary8.1Γ—
20% Down Payment$112,000
Years to save (20% rate)8.1 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 Riverside

5.3%
Unemployment Rate
4,650,000
Metro Population
32 min
Avg Commute
33.9
Median Age

Riverside has a metro population of 4,650,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 5.3% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Carpenter make in Riverside, CA?

The estimated median salary for a Carpenter in Riverside is $68,747 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $56,350 adjusted by Riverside's cost of living index (122). The typical salary range runs from $49,764 (25th percentile) to $90,536 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $116,900.

Is Riverside affordable for a Carpenter?

On a $68,747 annual salary, a Carpenter in Riverside would spend approximately 30.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,750/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $560,000 is 8.1Γ— the annual salary.

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

Riverside's median household income is $75,800. A Carpenter earning the city-adjusted median of $68,747 earns 9.3% less than the typical Riverside household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Riverside 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.