Carpenter in Beaverton, OR

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Carpenters considering a move to Beaverton, Oregon.

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The Salary Picture: Where Beaverton Stands

If you're a carpenter looking at Beaverton, you're stepping into a solid, stable market. It’s not the booming frenzy of some West Coast cities, but it’s consistent and offers a living wage that aligns well with the local cost of living. The median salary for a carpenter here is $58,047/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $27.91/hour. This sits just above the national average of $56,920/year, giving you a slight premium for your skills in the Pacific Northwest. The metro area supports 193 active carpenter jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at a steady 5%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates a resilient demand that won't disappear in an economic downturn.

To give you a clearer picture of your earning potential based on where you are in your career, here’s a breakdown.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities in Beaverton
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$45,000 - $52,000	Basic framing, finishing work, assisting journeymen, material handling.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$55,000 - $65,000	Independent project work, complex framing, cabinet installation, window/door setting.
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$65,000 - $75,000+	Leading job sites, custom millwork, complex renovations, mentoring apprentices.
Expert/Specialist (15+ yrs)	$75,000 - $90,000+	Historic restoration, high-end finish carpentry, project management, business owner.

Insider Tip: Many senior carpenters in the Beaverton area supplement their income by taking on small side jobs (e.g., custom furniture, deck builds) for cash. The local homeowner demographic has disposable income, and word-of-mouth is powerful. A skilled finish carpenter can easily charge $45-$60/hour for direct-to-client work.

How Beaverton Compares to Other Oregon Cities

Beaverton offers a unique balance. It’s more affordable than Portland but has better job density than smaller Oregon cities.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living (Index)	Job Market Vibe
Beaverton	$58,047	106.6	Steady, residential & commercial mix.
Portland	$62,100	130.8	Highly competitive, higher pay, but much higher rent.
Salem	$54,800	104.1	Government-heavy, slower growth, lower cost.
Eugene	$52,300	109.5	University town, seasonal work, arts-focused.
Bend	$59,200	135.0	Booming but volatile, high cost, luxury builds.

Personal Insight: Beaverton’s advantage is its proximity to Portland without the Portland price tag. Many carpenters live here and commute to the city for higher-paying union jobs or specialized projects, while enjoying slightly cheaper housing and a quieter suburban life.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. The median salary of $58,047/year breaks down to about $4,837/month before taxes. Oregon has a progressive income tax (9.9% top bracket) and no sales tax, but federal taxes and payroll deductions (FICA, etc.) will take a chunk.

After estimated taxes (roughly 22-25% effective rate), a carpenter’s take-home pay is approximately $3,600 - $3,800/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary Scenario)

• Gross Monthly: ~$4,837
• Net Monthly (after taxes): ~$3,700
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,545
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $250
• Groceries: $350
• Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance): $300
• Health Insurance (Employer/State Plan): $250
• Food/Entertainment: $300
• Tools & Maintenance: $150
• Savings/Debt/Other: $555

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
This is the big question. The median home price in Beaverton is around $550,000. For a 20% down payment, you’d need $110,000. On a $58,047 salary, a lender might approve a mortgage of around $250,000-$280,000, which is far below the median price.

Verdict: Buying a home on a single carpenter’s median income in Beaverton is challenging without a significant down payment (from savings, family, or a partner's income) or looking at condos or older homes in need of renovation. However, the strong rental market means you can live comfortably without owning.

Where the Jobs Are: Beaverton's Major Employers

Beaverton’s economy is fueled by a mix of large corporations, healthcare, and a robust residential market. Carpenters are needed for new builds, commercial interiors, and a constant stream of renovations.

1. Jeld-Wen (Headquartered in Beaverton): One of the world’s largest door and window manufacturers. While many jobs are in manufacturing, they also have a significant presence in local construction projects and offer apprenticeships. Hiring is steady, with a focus on production and installation specialists.
2. Legacy Health (Tuality Healthcare): The local hospital system (Tuality is now part of Legacy) is always expanding. They hire carpenters for everything from building out new clinics to maintaining historic hospital buildings. These jobs often come with excellent benefits and union-scale pay.
3. Portland Metro Area Residential Builders: Beaverton is a hotspot for mid-to-large-scale home builders. Companies like Pahlisch Homes, Lennar, and Drake Homes have ongoing projects in neighborhoods like Bethany, Tanasbourne, and Bull Mountain. These are prime employers for framers and finish carpenters.
4. Nike World Headquarters (Just over the border in unincorporated Washington County): This is a massive, continuous source of work. Nike’s campus is in a constant state of renovation, expansion, and building new facilities. They hire through a network of general contractors. Insider Tip: Getting on a contractor’s roster that services Nike is a golden ticket. The work is high-profile, and the pay is top-tier.
5. Local Specialty & Restoration Firms: Companies like Beaverton Flooring & Cabinetry or Historic Restoration Inc. (serving the wider metro) cater to high-end residential clients. These are ideal for finish carpenters with an eye for detail. Hiring is often based on portfolio and reputation.
6. The City of Beaverton Public Works: Municipal jobs are stable and offer great pensions. They maintain public buildings, parks, and infrastructure. Check the city’s job board regularly; openings for skilled maintenance carpenters are posted a few times a year.

Hiring Trend: There's a noticeable shift toward "green building" and energy-efficient retrofits. Carpenters with experience in advanced framing techniques or installing high-performance windows/doors have an edge. Commercial interior work (office build-outs for tech companies) is also a growing niche.

Getting Licensed in OR

Oregon does not have a state-issued journeyman carpenter license. However, if you want to work legally, you must register as a Construction Contractor if you contract directly with homeowners or manage projects.

• For Employees (W-2): No state license is required. Your employer should be licensed. You will need an OSHA 10 or 30 certification, which most employers provide.
• For Independent Contractors: You must obtain a Construction Contractor License from the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB).
  • Cost: $200 application fee, plus a $15,000 surety bond (or a $10,000 personal bond). Total startup cost: ~$500-$800.
  • Requirements: Proof of experience (typically 4 years as a journeyman or foreman), pass a business law exam, and provide financial statements.
  • Timeline: The process can take 4-8 weeks once you have all your paperwork.
• Apprenticeship: The standard path is a 4-year apprenticeship through an approved program, like the Oregon-Columbia Carpenters Institute. You earn while you learn, and it’s the fastest way to journeyman status.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live will define your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of top areas, factoring in rent and proximity to job sites.

1. Central Beaverton (Downtown Core):

   • Commute: Minimal. You can bike or walk to local sites. Easy access to MAX light rail for jobs in Portland.
   • Lifestyle: Urban-suburban mix. Walkable to restaurants, bars, and the Beaverton Farmers Market.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,450 - $1,650
   • Best For: Carpenters who value time over space and want to be in the heart of the action.

2. Tanasbourne / Bethany:

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most Beaverton job sites. 20 minutes to Nike HQ. Easy highway access.
   • Lifestyle: Modern, master-planned communities. Great for families. Lots of shopping (Cedar Hills Crossing, Bethany Village).
   • Rent (1BR): $1,600 - $1,800
   • Best For: Those seeking newer housing stock and a quiet, suburban feel. High demand for residential carpenters in these neighborhoods.

3. Aloha:

   • Commute: Central to Beaverton and Hillsboro. 15 minutes to Nike, 20 to Intel.
   • Lifestyle: Older, established suburb with more affordable housing. Less pretentious, very community-oriented.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,350 - $1,550
   • Best For: Carpenters on a budget who want a central location without the premium price of Tanasbourne.

4. Raleigh Hills / Progress Ridge:

   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to downtown Beaverton, 15-20 to Portland.
   • Lifestyle: A bit more upscale, with great access to the "Big Box" stores (Home Depot, Lowes) for quick material runs. Very convenient.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,500 - $1,700
   • Best For: The practical carpenter who values convenience and easy access to suppliers.

Insider Tip: Look for rentals in the older apartment complexes along Walker Road or Baseline Road. They are often more affordable and have better soundproofing than the new luxury builds, which is a gift after a noisy day on the job site.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A carpenter’s career in Beaverton doesn’t have to plateau at journeyman. The region’s mix of tech wealth and historic homes creates unique opportunities.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Finish Carpentry / Millwork: +15-25% above base. Custom built-ins, wainscoting, and high-end trim are in constant demand from homeowners and design firms.
  • Green Building / Energy Retrofit: +10-20%. As Oregon pushes for energy efficiency, carpenters who understand airtight construction, advanced framing, and window installation are highly sought after.
  • Disaster Restoration: +20%+. Oregon’s wildfire and rainy season create a need for skilled rebuilders. Companies like Servpro or local restoration firms pay a premium for this work.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Foreman/Project Manager: Move from tools to management. Requires strong communication and organizational skills. Pay jumps to $70,000 - $90,000+.
  2. Business Owner: Start your own small firm. The biggest earner, but with the most risk. Most successful local owners specialize (e.g., "Beaverton Decks & Patios" or "Kitchen Magic").
  3. Niche Specialist: Become the go-to person for a specific skill—historical window restoration, custom wine cellars, or timber framing. This allows you to command top rates and choose your projects.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% growth is solid, driven by an aging housing stock (renovation demand) and continued corporate expansion. The biggest threat is a recession that cools the residential market. However, the commercial and institutional sectors (hospitals, schools, Nike) provide a buffer. The carpenters who will thrive are those who adapt—learning to read blueprints on tablets, understanding new materials, and building a reputation for quality and reliability.

The Verdict: Is Beaverton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average pay relative to national average.	High cost of living, especially housing.
Stable job market with diverse employers.	Competitive for the best union and high-end jobs.
Proximity to Portland for more opportunities.	Traffic on Highway 26 and 217 can be brutal during rush hour.
No sales tax helps with large tool purchases.	Rainy, gray winters can be tough if you're used to sun.
Strong rental market if buying is out of reach.	Union presence isn't as strong as in Portland proper.

Final Recommendation:
Beaverton is an excellent choice for a carpenter who wants a stable career without the intensity of a major city core. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals and journeymen specializing in residential or commercial interior work. If you’re an entry-level apprentice, this is a great place to learn, but be prepared for a tight budget. If you’re a business owner targeting the high-end residential market, Beaverton’s affluent neighborhoods are a goldmine. For the specialist looking for the highest possible pay, Portland or Bend might offer more, but at a much higher cost of living. For a balanced, sustainable career, Beaverton hits the sweet spot.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to join a union to work as a carpenter in Beaverton?
A: No. Oregon is an open-shop state. Many excellent jobs are non-union, especially with residential builders and small contractors. However, union jobs (through the Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute) often pay higher wages and offer superior benefits. It’s worth exploring both paths.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job here before I move?
A: Use local job boards like Indeed and ZipRecruiter, but also check the Oregon-Columbia Carpenters Institute website for union opportunities and LinkedIn for corporate roles (Jeld-Wen, Nike). Network on local Facebook groups like "Portland Construction Jobs" or "Oregon Tradespeople." Many employers prefer to hire locally to see you can handle the commute and climate.

Q: How competitive is the market for a new arrival?
A: It’s moderately competitive. The key is to highlight any specialized skills (e.g., cabinetmaking, framing certifications) and be flexible on the type of work. A portfolio of past projects, even from another state, is invaluable. Be prepared for a probationary period where you prove your skills.

Q: Are there seasonal slowdowns?
A: Yes, but they’re manageable. Residential construction can slow in the winter (Nov-Feb), but commercial and renovation work is year-round. Many carpenters use the slower months to do side jobs, sharpen their skills, or take on maintenance work. Having a financial cushion for 2-3 months is a smart move.

Q: What should I budget for tools if I move?
A: If you’re a journeyman, you likely own your core tools. Budget $500-$1,000 for initial setup if you’re starting fresh or need to replace items for the local climate (e.g., a good rain jacket for the job site is non-negotiable). The lack of sales tax in Oregon is a major perk when buying large items like saws or compressors locally from stores like Bartell’s or Ace Hardware.