Carpenter in Augusta-Richmond County, GA

The Salary Picture: Where Augusta-Richmond County Stands

As a local who’s watched the construction scene here for years, I can tell you that Augusta-Richmond County offers a solid, if not spectacular, earning potential for carpenters. The key is understanding how your experience level stacks up against the local market. The median salary of $56,356/year and hourly rate of $27.09/hour are strong benchmarks, especially given the area's lower cost of living. Compared to the national average of $56,920/year, Augusta is nearly neck-and-neck, which is a significant advantage when you factor in our more affordable lifestyle.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect based on experience. These figures are compiled from local job postings, union wage sheets, and conversations with contractors in the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area).

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Hourly Rate	Local Context
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$38,000 - $45,000	$18.25 - $21.65	Often starts with production framing, basic remodels, or as a helper to a journeyman. Many local contractors offer on-the-job training.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$50,000 - $62,000	$24.00 - $29.80	This is where most Carpenters land. You'll be running crews for spec homes, working on commercial finishes, or specializing in areas like cabinets or trim.
Senior (8-15 years)	$62,000 - $75,000	$29.80 - $36.05	Leads large projects, mentors apprentices, and often works for major regional builders or high-end custom shops. Commanding the median and above.
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$75,000+	$36.05+	Project superintendents, master carpenters for luxury custom builds, or business owners. Top earners often cross the $80k mark with overtime and bonuses.

How does this compare to other Georgia cities?

• Atlanta: Salaries are higher (often 15-20% premium), but rent and cost of living are drastically higher. A carpenter in Atlanta might clear $65k+, but a comparable apartment could cost $1,500+.
• Savannah: Similar salary range to Augusta, but the market is more seasonal and heavily tied to tourism and historic preservation. The skilled trade network is tight.
• Columbus: Slightly lower median salary (closer to $52k), but with a very strong military and industrial base (Fort Benning, now Fort Moore) driving steady commercial work.
• Macon: Lower salaries overall, with less consistent large-scale residential development compared to Augusta's growth corridors.

Insider Tip: The $56,356 median is your target. If you have specialized skills—like finish carpentry for golf course communities (Augusta National influence), commercial framing for medical facilities (like the new hospital expansions), or certified master carpenter status—you can push well into the $65k+ range. The Jobs in Metro: 405 and 10-Year Job Growth: 5% indicate a stable, not booming, market. Demand is steady, especially from retrofitting older homes and ongoing military-related construction.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down the monthly budget for a carpenter earning the median salary of $56,356/year. This is a practical look at what you can actually afford, not just what you earn.

For a single filer in Georgia, after federal and state taxes (assuming standard deduction, no dependents), your take-home pay is approximately $43,500/year, or about $3,625/month.

Monthly Budget Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Rent)	$961	This is the average 1BR rent in Augusta-Richmond County. You can find units from $750 in older areas to $1,200+ in newer complexes near Surrey Center or Riverwalk.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	$250	Varies by season (AC in summer is a must).
Food	$400	Groceries for one. Augusta has competitive prices at Kroger, Publix, and Walmart.
Transportation	$350	Car payment, insurance, gas. Public transit (RTA) is limited; a reliable vehicle is essential.
Health Insurance	$200	If provided through an employer, your share may be less.
Tools/Maintenance	$150	As a carpenter, this is a non-negotiable business expense.
Miscellaneous/Savings	$314	Covers everything from entertainment to savings.
TOTAL	$2,625	Leaves a $1,000/month buffer for savings, debt, or lifestyle.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. The Augusta market is one of the more affordable in the Southeast for homeownership. The median home price in the metro area is around $225,000. With a $56,356 salary, a down payment (5-10%), and manageable debt, a carpenter can comfortably qualify for a mortgage in the $1,500-$1,700/month range, which includes principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI). Neighborhoods like North Augusta (SC side), Hephzibah, or Grovetown offer particularly good value for starter homes.

Where the Jobs Are: Augusta-Richmond County's Major Employers

The job market here is a mix of large-scale developers, military contractors, and custom shop artisans. The 405 jobs in the metro are spread across these key players.

1. Richmond County School System: The largest local employer, constantly needing carpenters for facility maintenance, new school construction (like the recent updates to Butler High and Tutt Middle), and renovation projects. Stable, union-protected (through Teamsters or local trades), and offers great benefits.
2. Augusta University/Wellstar MCG Health: With a major medical district centered on "the Hill" and new facilities like the Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center (opened 2023), there's steady demand for commercial carpenters for interior finishes, millwork, and specialized healthcare construction. These jobs often pay a premium.
3. Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) & Military Installations: Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon) and the VA Hospital are massive drivers. The Army's continued investment in barracks, training facilities (like the Cyber Center of Excellence), and hospital expansions means consistent commercial framing and finish work. Contractors like Brasfield & Gorrie and Robins & Morton are frequently on base.
4. Privately-Held Home Builders: The CSRA's residential growth is fueled by companies like D.R. Horton, Lennar, and local giants A.H. Stephens Construction and Augusta Custom Builders. These are your primary employers for production framing and trim work. Hiring is often cyclical but robust.
5. Industrial & Manufacturing: The Savannah River Site (just south of Augusta in Aiken County) and local manufacturing plants (like Club Car in Evans) require industrial carpenters for building maintenance, crane runways, and specialized structures. These jobs often come with higher hourly rates and overtime.

Hiring Trends: The demand is shifting. There's less focus on pure new-build residential and more on commercial retrofits, medical facilities, and "smart home" integration. Carpenters with experience in green building techniques (insulation, energy-efficient framing) or OSHA 30 certification are getting first look. The military construction (MILCON) pipeline is the most stable source of long-term projects.

Getting Licensed in GA

Georgia is a friendly state for carpenters—you don't need a state-issued journeyman license to work as a carpenter. However, you do need to meet specific requirements for certain jobs and to advance your career.

• No State License Required: To work as a general carpenter, you can start right away. However, if you want to pull permits for projects, you must be a licensed Residential Builder or General Contractor. This requires passing the state exam, proving financial stability, and having insurance.
• Apprenticeship: While not mandatory, completing a 2-4 year apprenticeship through a local union (International Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 1263) or a non-union program is the fastest path to journeyman status and higher wages. The union's training center in Augusta offers courses.
• Certifications (The Smart Move):
  • OSHA 10/30: Often required for commercial and industrial work. Costs $150-$300 online.
  • NCCER Certification: A nationally recognized standard. Many local employers (like D.R. Horton) prefer or require it. Training can be done at Augusta Technical College (check their Workforce Development & Economic Development division).
  • CPR/First Aid: Required for many commercial sites.
• Cost & Timeline: Getting basic certifications (OSHA, CPR) can cost $300-$500 and take a few weeks. A formal apprenticeship is a 2-4 year commitment with paid on-the-job training and related instruction. For a residential builder license, expect to study for 2-3 months and budget $500+ for exams and fees.

Insider Tip: Check the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors website. If you're working under a licensed contractor, you're covered. To go out on your own, that license is non-negotiable.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Location matters for commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s breakdown of where Carpenters are setting down roots.

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why Carpenters Love It
North Augusta, SC	Just across the river. Family-friendly, strong community feel. 10-20 min commute to downtown Augusta jobs.	$900 - $1,100	Lower SC taxes, excellent public schools (Aiken County), and a booming residential market with new builds. Quiet after work.
Evans/Grovetown, GA	Suburban sprawl, top-rated Columbia County schools. 15-25 min to Augusta.	$950 - $1,200	The epicenter of new residential construction. If you work for a production builder, you might live and work in the same zip code.
Downtown Augusta/The Hill	Urban, historic, walkable. Close to the medical district and jobs. Older buildings, some grit.	$850 - $1,300	Ideal for those who want to be near the action and don't mind a longer commute to suburbs. Walking to the Riverwalk after work.
Hephzibah/Blythe	Rural, lower cost. 20-30 min commute. More land, spacious yards.	$700 - $900	For those who want a workshop at home, a quiet life, and don't mind the drive. Housing is very affordable here.
Surrey Center/West Augusta	Established, established suburb. Good shopping, restaurants. 10-15 min to downtown.	$1,000 - $1,400	Central location. Easy access to I-20 and I-520 to get to jobs anywhere in the metro. More amenities, slightly higher rent.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career as a carpenter in Augusta can evolve in several directions, each with its own earning potential.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Finish Carpenter: Specialists in intricate millwork, staircases, and custom cabinetry can command $35+/hour. The demand is high in historic districts and with high-end custom builders.
  • Commercial Superintendent: Overseeing large jobs for companies like Brasfield & Gorrie or Robins & Morton can push salary into the $80k-$100k+ range, including bonuses.
  • Self-Employed/Small Business Owner: With a Residential Builder license and a network, you can scale. Many successful local carpenters start by doing side jobs and build a reputation. Profit potential is high, but so is risk.

• 10-Year Outlook (The 5% Growth): The 5% job growth is steady, not explosive. It will be driven by:

  1. Aging Infrastructure: Retrofitting older homes in historic Augusta (Summerville, the Old Town) for energy efficiency.
  2. Healthcare Expansion: Wellstar and the VA will continue to expand, requiring skilled finish work.
  3. Military Spending: Fort Eisenhower's budget is a reliable source for commercial construction.
  4. Retirement Community Boom: The CSRA is a retirement destination, leading to demand for accessible home modifications and new senior living facilities.

Insider Tip: The key to long-term growth is diversification. Learn commercial framing and residential finish carpentry. Get your builder's license. Network with other trades (electricians, plumbers) on job sites. The carpenters who become project managers or business owners are the ones who understand the entire build process.

The Verdict: Is Augusta-Richmond County Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $56,356 salary goes much further here. The Cost of Living Index of 96.7 (US avg = 100) is a real benefit.	Limited Public Transit: A reliable vehicle is a must. This is a car-dependent city.
Stable, Diverse Job Market: Military, healthcare, education, and residential sectors provide multiple safety nets.	Wage Ceiling: While the median is good, top-end salaries in Augusta may trail behind Atlanta, Nashville, or Raleigh.
Moderate Climate: Longer building seasons than the Northeast or Midwest. Less downtime due to weather.	"Small-Town" Network: The trades community is tight-knit. Building a reputation is crucial, but it can also mean less anonymity.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Proximity to the Savannah River, lakes, and golf courses offers great work-life balance.	Growth is Steady, Not Spectacular: The 5% growth means competition for the best jobs is real. You need to be skilled and reliable.
Lower Housing Costs: The ability to buy a home is a major draw compared to many metros.	Heat and Humidity: Summers can be brutal for outdoor work, requiring careful hydration and schedule management.

Final Recommendation: If you're a mid-career carpenter looking for a place where your skills are valued, you can afford a home, and you want a stable, diverse work environment without big-city chaos, Augusta-Richmond County is an excellent choice. It's less ideal for those chasing the highest possible salary or who rely heavily on public transit. The insider tip is to arrive with a solid skill set, get your certifications quickly, and start networking with the Richmond County School System or Fort Eisenhower contractors for the most stable long-term gigs.

FAQs

1. What’s the biggest misconception about being a carpenter in Augusta?
That it's all residential framing. The real money and stability are in the commercial sector—hospitals, military bases, and schools. Don't ignore the industrial side; the Savannah River Site pays premium rates for skilled tradespeople.

2. How hard is it to find consistent work during the winter?
In Augusta, winter is mild. You may lose a week or two to extreme cold, but the building season is effectively year-round. The bigger factor is the market cycle; commercial projects (school, hospital) keep going regardless of season.

3. Do I need to join the union?
No, but it helps. Local 1263 offers strong wage rates, benefits, and training. Many non-union jobs pay competitively, especially in residential construction. It's a personal choice; research both paths. The union's training center is a great resource regardless.

4. What's the best way to get started if I'm new to the area?
Hit the pavement. Walk into the offices of local builders like A.H. Stephens or Augusta Custom Builders with a portfolio (even if it's just photos of your work). Also, check the job boards at Augusta Technical College and the Georgia Department of Labor. The "help wanted" signs on commercial sites are still a reliable method.

5. Is Augusta a good place to start my own carpentry business?
Yes, but with caution. The low cost of living helps with startup costs. The key is building a network before you go full-time. Start by doing side jobs for friends, get your Residential Builder license, and secure insurance. The market is healthy enough for a new business, but you must be organized and reputable. The 5% growth means there's room for a new player, but you'll compete with established firms.