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Carpenter Salary in Trenton, NJ β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Trenton's cost of living (index: 103). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Carpenter Salary in Trenton β€” Key Numbers

$58,041
Median Salary
$42,014
25th Percentile
$76,436
75th Percentile
$98,695
90th Percentile
National median (Carpenter)$56,350
vs. National median+3.0%
Trenton median household income$62,000
vs. City household income-6.4%

Cost of Living in Trenton

Cost of Living Index
103(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,300/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio26.9%
Annual rent cost$15,600
Median Home Price$270,000
Home Price / Salary4.7Γ—
20% Down Payment$54,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.7 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 Trenton

5.2%
Unemployment Rate
380,000
Metro Population
28 min
Avg Commute
35.6
Median Age

Trenton has a metro population of 380,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 5.2% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Carpenter Salary β€” Other New Jersey Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Carpenter make in Trenton, NJ?

The estimated median salary for a Carpenter in Trenton is $58,041 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $56,350 adjusted by Trenton's cost of living index (103). The typical salary range runs from $42,014 (25th percentile) to $76,436 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $98,695.

Is Trenton affordable for a Carpenter?

On a $58,041 annual salary, a Carpenter in Trenton would spend approximately 26.9% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,300/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Trenton relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $270,000 is 4.7Γ— the annual salary.

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

Trenton's median household income is $62,000. A Carpenter earning the city-adjusted median of $58,041 earns 6.4% less than the typical Trenton household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Trenton 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.