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Carpenter Salary in Winston-Salem, NC β€” 2026 Guide

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

Carpenter Salary in Winston-Salem 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%
Winston-Salem median household income$52,600
vs. City household income-5.7%

Cost of Living in Winston-Salem

Cost of Living Index
88(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$950/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio23.0%
Annual rent cost$11,400
Median Home Price$230,000
Home Price / Salary4.6Γ—
20% Down Payment$46,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.6 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 Winston-Salem

4.2%
Unemployment Rate
680,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
35.7
Median Age

Winston-Salem has a metro population of 680,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.2% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Carpenter make in Winston-Salem, NC?

The estimated median salary for a Carpenter in Winston-Salem is $49,588 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $56,350 adjusted by Winston-Salem'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 Winston-Salem affordable for a Carpenter?

On a $49,588 annual salary, a Carpenter in Winston-Salem would spend approximately 23.0% of gross monthly income on median rent ($950/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Winston-Salem relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $230,000 is 4.6Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Carpenter's salary compare to Winston-Salem's overall income?

Winston-Salem's median household income is $52,600. A Carpenter earning the city-adjusted median of $49,588 earns 5.7% less than the typical Winston-Salem household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Winston-Salem 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.