Carpenters in Burbank, CA: A Complete Career Guide

The Salary Picture: Where Burbank Stands

Burbank’s carpentry market offers a stable, mid-range salary that, while not the highest in California, is buoyed by the city’s unique position in the entertainment and construction industries. For a carpenter here, the median salary of $59,566/year translates to an hourly rate of $28.64/hour. This is slightly above the national average for carpenters, which sits at $56,920/year, reflecting the higher cost of living in the Los Angeles metro area.

The job market here is niche but consistent. The metro area (which includes Burbank and its immediate neighbors) has approximately 205 carpenter jobs. This isn't a boomtown for carpentry like some Sunbelt cities, but it’s a reliable market for skilled hands. Over the next decade, the field is projected to grow by 5%, which is stable but not explosive. The real driver here isn't new construction on a massive scale; it's the constant need for renovation, maintenance, and specialized work in the city's unique infrastructure—from soundstages to historic homes.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the median. Carpenters who specialize in high-end finish work, custom cabinetry for entertainment industry clients, or historical restoration can command rates 15-25% above the median. The base is solid, but your skill set dictates where you land on the spectrum.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Burbank)	Hourly Rate	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$45,000 - $52,000	$21.63 - $25.00	Assist senior carpenters, material handling, basic framing, safety compliance
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$59,566 (Median)	$28.64	Independent framing, finish carpentry, blueprint reading, subcontractor coordination
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$68,000 - $80,000	$32.69 - $38.46	Project management, complex installations, mentoring junior staff, client interaction
Expert/Specialist (10+ yrs)	$85,000+	$40.87+	Custom millwork, historical restoration, entertainment set construction, business ownership

Comparison to Other CA Cities

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Take-Home Value
Burbank	$59,566	115.5	Moderate
Los Angeles	$61,200	136.2	Lower (higher costs)
San Francisco	$75,000	245.0	Much Lower (extreme costs)
Sacramento	$58,000	114.5	Similar, slightly better value
Fresno	$52,000	98.5	Higher relative value

While San Francisco offers a higher nominal salary, the cost of living makes it a poor comparison. Compared to the larger Los Angeles metro, Burbank’s salary is competitive, and its more manageable size and slightly lower rent (compared to central LA) can offer a better quality of life for a tradesperson.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down the monthly budget for a mid-level carpenter earning the median salary. We’ll assume a single filer with standard deductions, a 401(k) contribution of 5%, and California state income tax.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Carpenter earning $59,566/year)

Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,964	$59,566 / 12
Taxes & Deductions	-$1,150	(Federal, CA state tax, FICA, 401k)
Net Take-Home Pay	$3,814
Rent (1BR Avg)	-$2,252	45% of net pay - very high
Utilities	-$150	Electricity, gas, water, trash
Car Payment/Insurance	-$400	Essential in LA metro
Groceries	-$350
Health Insurance	-$200	Employer-sponsored plan
Misc/Discretionary	-$300	Tools, clothing, leisure
Total Expenses	-$3,652
Monthly Savings	$162	Tight, but manageable

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
In short, not on a single income at the median salary. The median home price in Burbank is approximately $1.1 million. A 20% down payment is $220,000. With a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) likely exceeding $5,500/month, it's far beyond the budget of a solo earner at this level.

Insider Tip: The only path to homeownership for a carpenter in Burbank is through dual income (a partner with a significant salary) or by building a business that scales your income well beyond the median. Many local carpenters rent in Burbank but own in the cheaper, outlying areas of the San Fernando Valley (e.g., Sun Valley, Pacoima).

Where the Jobs Are: Burbank's Major Employers

Burbank’s economy is a unique blend of media, aerospace, and traditional construction. Carpenters find work in three main sectors: commercial/industrial, residential, and the entertainment industry.

1. Warner Bros. Entertainment & NBCUniversal: These massive studios in Burbank are in a constant state of repair, renovation, and construction. They need carpenters for building sets, office remodels, and maintaining their historic soundstages. Hiring is often project-based, but union (IATSE) carpenters can find steady work. It's a high-paced, deadline-driven environment.

2. The Walt Disney Company: Disney’s corporate campus and animation studios in Burbank require ongoing facilities maintenance and special projects. They have a dedicated real estate and facilities team that often contracts with local carpentry firms for tenant improvements and capital projects.

3. Los Angeles County Hospitals (Providence St. Joseph Medical Center): Located in Burbank, this major hospital requires specialized contractors for medical office build-outs, patient room updates, and strict code-compliant construction. These projects pay well due to the complexity and regulatory requirements.

4. Residential Construction & Remodeling Firms: Small to mid-sized firms like Burbank Development Group or San Fernando Valley Construction focus on the city's housing stock—1920s-1950s bungalows and post-war tract homes. Work is in high demand for kitchen remodels, ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) construction, and seismic retrofitting.

5. Local Government & Schools: The City of Burbank Public Works Department and the Burbank Unified School District hire carpenters for maintaining city-owned buildings, libraries, and school facilities. These jobs offer stability and benefits but are highly competitive.

6. Specialty Millwork & Cabinet Shops: Companies like Burbank Cabinet & Millwork provide custom solutions for high-end homes and commercial spaces. This is where finish carpenters and cabinetmakers can find steady, skilled work away from the job site.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable shift toward contractors who are proficient with building information modeling (BIM) software and sustainable building practices. The push for ADUs and seismic retrofits (a legal requirement for many older LA homes) is creating consistent, mid-sized project pipelines.

Getting Licensed in CA

California has specific requirements for carpenters, though the state does not issue a general "carpenter's license." The path depends on your role.

• For General Carpentry (Employed): No state license is required to work as an employee for a licensed contractor. However, you must have a valid Contractor's License if you are bidding on jobs over $500 or managing your own projects. The most relevant license is the C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry or C-6 Cabinet, Millwork, and Finish Carpentry.
• For Starting Your Own Business: You need a state-issued Contractor's License (CSLB).
  • Requirements: 4 years of journeyman-level experience, passing the law and trade exams, a $25,000 bond, and insurance.
  • Costs: Exam fees ($250), license fee ($450), bond, and insurance. Total startup cost: $2,500 - $4,000.
  • Timeline: From starting the application process to holding the license can take 6-9 months.

Insider Tip: The CSLB (Contractors State License Board) website is your bible. Apprenticeship programs through the Los Angeles County Carpenters Training Committee are the gold standard for training and often lead directly to union jobs with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) Local 250. Union wages are typically 20-30% above the non-union median.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Choosing where to live in Burbank depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Most carpenters commute by truck, so parking and freeway access are key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Carpenters
Downtown Burbank	Urban, walkable, near studios. Easy access to I-5 & 134.	$2,400	Central to everything. Close to Warner Bros. & Disney. Best for those without a huge tool collection.
Magnolia Park	Quiet, residential, family-oriented. Close to the 5 & 170.	$2,100	More affordable, older garages often fit a work van. Great for those who work in North Hollywood or Studio City.
The Rancho	Suburban, spacious lots, newer homes. Near the 134/5 interchange.	$2,300	Good for contractors with a home office. Easier parking for work vehicles.
Hillside (Burbank Hills)	Scenic, hilly, more affluent. Narrower streets.	$2,500+	Proximity to high-end residential clients. Challenging for large work trucks, but great for finish carpenters with vans.
North of Verdugo	More affordable, mixed-use, closer to Glendale.	$1,900	Best budget option. Slightly longer commute to central Burbank but more space for your money.

Insider Tip: If you're driving a large work truck or van, avoid the Hillside and Downtown areas. Parking can be a nightmare. Magnolia Park and North of Verdugo offer better street parking and more affordable rents.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A carpenter’s career in Burbank can evolve in several directions, each with its own earning potential.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Entertainment/Stage Carpentry: Can earn $40-$60/hour (union scale) for set construction. Requires experience with rapid builds and safety protocols.
  • Historical Restoration: Experts in period-appropriate techniques can charge premium rates for projects in Burbank’s historic districts.
  • Green Building: LEED AP or Passive House certification can open doors to high-end, sustainable residential projects.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Foreman/Project Manager: Move from tools to management. Salaries range from $75,000 - $95,000+.
  2. Business Owner: Start your own small contracting firm. Income is variable but can far exceed the median; successful owners in the LA area report incomes of $120,000+.
  3. Niche Specialist: Become the go-to expert for a specific type of work (e.g., custom wine cellars, earthquake-resistant framing).

• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% growth is steady. The demand will be driven by the aging housing stock needing renovation and the constant churn in the entertainment industry. Carpenters who adapt to new technologies (like CNC machines for millwork) and sustainable practices will see the best opportunities.

The Verdict: Is Burbank Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Diverse Job Market with unique entertainment sector opportunities.	High Cost of Living (Rent eats ~45% of median income).
Above-National-Average Salary ($59,566 vs. $56,920).	Homeownership is a Remote Dream on a single median income.
Central Location in the LA metro, with access to varied projects.	Traffic & Commutes can be long, even within the valley.
Strong Union Presence (UBC Local 250) offers good wages and benefits.	Competitive Market for skilled, licensed contractors.
Unique Specialization Potential in film/TV sets and historic renovation.	Job Growth is Modest (5%); not a boomtown.

Final Recommendation:
Burbank is an excellent choice for a carpenter who values stability, niche opportunities, and a location at the heart of the entertainment industry. It's ideal for those who are:

• Early in their career, looking to join a union or apprenticeship.
• Specializing in finish work, custom cabinetry, or set construction.
• Willing to rent long-term or be part of a dual-income household for homeownership.

It is not the best choice for a carpenter seeking the highest possible salary without a high cost of living, or for those with a singular goal of quick, standalone homeownership. The path here is about building a skilled career, not just earning a paycheck.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be in the union to get work in Burbank?
No, but it helps. Many of the best-paying jobs, especially in commercial and entertainment construction, are unionized. The UBC Local 250 has a strong presence. Non-union work is plentiful in residential remodeling, but wages and benefits are typically lower.

2. How competitive is the job market for a new carpenter?
It's competitive for entry-level positions, but the demand for skilled, reliable journeyman carpenters is consistent. The key is having a solid portfolio, reliable transportation, and a clean driving record. Networking through trade schools or apprenticeship programs is the most effective way to break in.

3. What's the best way to find carpentry jobs in Burbank?
Beyond standard job boards, check:

• Union Hiring Halls: UBC Local 250.
• Company Websites: Direct applications to Warner Bros., Disney, and major local contractors.
• Trade Associations: The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of California, LA Chapter.
• Word of Mouth: The Burbank construction community is tight-knit. Join local trade groups on social media.

4. Can I make a living as a solo carpenter/contractor in Burbank?
Yes, but it requires business acumen. You’ll need to secure your own jobs, manage finances, carry insurance, and market yourself. Many successful solo contractors in Burbank focus on a niche (e.g., kitchen remodels) and build a reputation through referrals. Expect the first 1-2 years to be financially tight while building a client base.

5. How does the cost of tools and vehicle maintenance factor in?
Significantly. A basic set of power tools can cost $2,000-$4,000. Vehicle costs (fuel, insurance, maintenance) are high in the LA area. Factor in $300-$500/month for vehicle expenses if you're using a truck/van for work. These are business expenses you can deduct, but they impact your cash flow upfront.