Carpenter in Concord, CA

The Salary Picture: Where Concord Stands

As a local, I’ve watched Concord’s housing and job market shift over the past decade. For a carpenter, the financial picture here is a mix of solid wages and the high cost of living that defines the entire Bay Area. The median salary for a carpenter in the Concord metro area is $60,027/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.86/hour. It’s important to note that this is a median, meaning half of all carpenters here earn more, and half earn less. Compared to the national average of $56,920/year, Concord offers a slight premium—a common theme for skilled trades in the region, though not as pronounced as in San Francisco or Silicon Valley.

The job market here is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 244 carpenter jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 5%. This is a manageable pace, suggesting steady demand tied to residential remodeling and commercial build-outs rather than a massive construction boom. For a carpenter, this means you can find work, but competition for the best projects and employers can be real.

Here’s a more detailed look at how salaries typically break down by experience level in the local market. These figures are based on aggregated local job postings and industry surveys, reflecting the Concord market specifically.

Experience Level	Typical Years in Trade	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Local Nuance
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000	Often starts with production framing or finish work for larger regional firms. Expect to be paired with a senior carpenter.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$55,000 - $68,000	You'll handle more complex tasks independently—think custom millwork, exterior trim, or supervising a small crew on a remodel.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$65,000 - $82,000	Project management, intricate custom builds, and mentoring. Your name gets passed around for high-end residential work in Clayton or Alamo.
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$75,000+	Running your own show as a master carpenter or specialty subcontractor (e.g., historical restoration). Top earners here can exceed $100k with a strong reputation and business.

Comparing to Other CA Cities:

• San Francisco: Salaries are 20-25% higher ($72,000+ median), but the cost of living is astronomically more, and the commute from Concord is brutal (90+ minutes each way).
• Sacramento: Salaries are slightly lower ($58,000 median), but the cost of living is significantly more approachable. Commuting from Concord to Sacramento is possible but not ideal (1.5+ hours).
• Stockton/Modesto: Salaries are closer to the national average, but the trade-off is a much lower cost of living. Many carpenters from the Central Valley work on projects in the Bay Area during the week and live there.
• Oakland/East Bay (overall): Concord sits in the middle of the East Bay salary range. It’s less than Berkeley or Orinda but more than Richmond or Antioch.

Insider Tip: The $28.86/hour rate is your baseline. Union carpenters (through Carpenters Local 180, which covers parts of the East Bay) often have rate schedules that can push total compensation (including benefits) higher, especially on public works projects. However, many residential carpenters here are non-union.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. A salary of $60,027/year sounds solid, but in Concord, it’s a tight budget. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, your take-home pay will be approximately $45,000 - $47,000 per year, or $3,750 - $3,917 per month, depending on your withholding and deductions.

Now, factor in housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Concord is $2,304/month. That’s a significant chunk of your take-home pay—over 60% for the higher end. This doesn’t include utilities, groceries, gas, or savings. A more realistic monthly budget for a carpenter earning the median salary looks like this:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Reality Check
Rent (1BR)	$2,304	This is the citywide average. Older complexes in Pleasant Hill or more units in North Concord will be closer to $2,000, while a new build downtown or near BART will be $2,500+.
Utilities	$150 - $250	PG&E is notoriously high. In summer, AC can spike this. Internet is another $60-80.
Groceries	$400 - $550	Shopping at Concord’s Walmart or the smaller markets on Willow Pass Rd. will save you money vs. shopping in Walnut Creek.
Transportation	$350 - $500	Most carpenters drive a truck/van. Gas for commuting to job sites (which could be in Walnut Creek, Lafayette, or even San Ramon) adds up. Insurance is costly for vehicles used for work.
Health Insurance	$200 - $400	This varies wildly if you have employer coverage or are on the Marketplace.
Misc. & Savings	$200 - $400	This is the "buffer" for tools, clothes, eating out, and any savings. It’s dangerously thin.
Total Estimated	$3,604 - $4,404	Your take-home is $3,750 - $3,917. This budget is extremely tight and leaves little room for error or savings.

Can they afford to buy a home?
On a $60,027 salary, buying a home in Concord is a significant challenge. The median home price in Concord is over $750,000. A 20% down payment would be $150,000. Even with an FHA loan (3.5% down, ~$26,250), the monthly mortgage payment (including taxes, insurance, and PMI) would likely exceed $4,500/month, which is unsustainable on this income. Homeownership here typically requires dual incomes, a substantial down payment from savings or equity, or a move to a more affordable neighboring city like Pittsburg or Antioch.

The Jobs Are: Concord's Major Employers

The job market for carpenters in Concord is driven by residential remodeling, commercial tenant improvements, and a handful of large institutional builders. You’re not going to find massive skyscraper projects, but you will find consistent work. Here are the key players:

1. David Weekley Homes: A major national homebuilder with a significant presence in the East Bay. They build in communities like The Crossings in Concord and in nearby Clayton. They hire for production framing and finish carpentry. Hiring trends are steady, tied to the new home market.
2. Hoffman Construction: A well-established Bay Area commercial contractor with offices in Concord and Walnut Creek. They specialize in tenant improvements for office, retail, and medical clients. Great for carpenters skilled in metal studs, drywall, and millwork. They often post jobs on their website and through local trade unions.
3. Swinerton Builders: While based in San Francisco, Swinerton has a major office in Walnut Creek and is active in Concord for projects like the The Veranda shopping center and medical office buildings. They are a top-tier commercial builder and look for experienced carpenters with a strong safety record.
4. Concord Unified School District (CUSD): The school district has its own maintenance and operations department, which employs carpenters for repairs, upgrades to schools (like Concord High or Mt. Diablo High), and new construction projects. These are stable, public sector jobs with good benefits but can be competitive to get into.
5. Local Design-Build Firms: Many of the best jobs aren't advertised on big boards. Firms like Gonsalves & Stroncz Construction or Forthright Design + Build focus on high-end residential remodels in neighborhoods like The Grove or Tice Valley. These are often found through word-of-mouth on job sites or at local lumber yards like Carter's Lumber on Willow Pass Rd.
6. Union Contractors (Carpenters Local 180): For union work, you’ll be dispatched to contractors like Rudolph & Sletten (for the medical campus at John Muir Health) or Devcon Construction. The work is often on public works or large commercial jobs. The hiring trend here is cyclical and tied to the union's "out of work" list.
7. Self-Employment & Small Crews: A significant portion of Concord’s carpenters are self-employed, working on local remodeling projects. Platforms like Nextdoor (in neighborhoods like Four Corners or Monument Blvd.) and local Facebook groups are key for finding these gigs. This path offers flexibility but requires business savvy.

Insider Tip: The most reliable way to find work here isn't always online. Spend a morning at Carter's Lumber or ProBuild on Willow Pass. Talk to the counter staff and other contractors picking up materials. Many jobs are filled before they're ever posted.

Getting Licensed in CA

In California, carpenters do not need a state-issued license to perform most carpentry work. However, there are critical distinctions and requirements you must understand.

• Handyman Contractor License (B): If you plan to work on projects valued at $500 or more (labor and materials), you must have a contractor's license. This requires passing a two-part exam (Law & Business and a trade exam), proving at least 4 years of journeyman-level experience, and obtaining a bond. The total cost for the application, exam, and bond can run $500 - $1,000.
• Carpentry as a Specialty: While there isn't a specific "carpentry" license, you can fall under the C-2 (Insulation and Acoustical) or D-21 (Window, Door, and Glass) classifications if that's your focus. The general B license is the most common for full-scope carpenters.
• Timeline: From the moment you decide to get licensed to actually having the certificate in hand can take 6 to 12 months. This includes studying for the exams (using resources from the Contractors State License Board - CSLB), submitting your application, and waiting for processing.
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction Card: While not state-mandated for all sites, it is often required by employers and on most union job sites. It's a 1-2 day course costing $100 - $150. It's a non-negotiable credential today.
• Trade School/Apprenticeship: While not a license, completing a carpentry program at a local community college like Contra Costa College (in San Pablo) or an apprenticeship through the Carpenters Training Committee for Northern California (CTCNC) provides structured training and often leads directly to union jobs.

Insider Tip: If you're starting out, focus on getting your OSHA 10 and building a portfolio of work. The license becomes critical when you strike out on your own. Many successful solo carpenters in Concord start by working under another licensed contractor's license (as a subcontractor) until they're ready to apply for their own.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Choosing where to live in Concord depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of key areas:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why a Carpenter Might Live Here
North Concord	Quieter, more residential, close to Mt. Diablo State Recreation Area for weekend hikes. Commute to downtown Concord jobs is short (5-10 mins).	$1,900 - $2,200	More affordable, older apartment complexes. Close to the BART station if you need to commute to Oakland or SF for work.
Pleasant Hill (in Concord)	The area around Contra Costa Blvd. has a suburban feel with easy access to shopping. Commute to Walnut Creek is easy via SR-24.	$2,200 - $2,500	Good balance. Close to the Pleasant Hill BART for commuting. Many remodel projects happen in these older suburbs.
Downtown/West Concord	Walkable, with a mix of older homes and new apartments. Close to restaurants and the Todos Santos Plaza. Can be noisier.	$2,300 - $2,700+	Ideal if you work on downtown projects or want to be near the action. Less driving, more walking.
Four Corners	A classic Concord neighborhood with post-war bungalows and ranch homes. Strong community feel.	$2,100 - $2,400	Prime spot for residential remodel work. You'll be living where many of the jobs are.
Clayton/Concord Border	Upscale, quiet, with larger homes. The commute to most Concord job sites is 10-15 minutes.	$2,500 - $3,000+	If you land a high-end job or work for yourself, living here puts you near your clientele. Rent reflects the premium.

Insider Tip: If you’re working union jobs, proximity to BART is less critical. If you’re doing residential remodels, living near the neighborhoods where you work (like Four Corners or The Grove) saves immense time and gas money.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A carpenter’s career in Concord isn’t just about nailing boards; it’s about specialization and business acumen. The 5% 10-year job growth means you must create your own opportunities.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest earners here are specialists.
  • Custom Millwork & Fine Finish: Mastering intricate trim, built-ins, and cabinetry. This skill is in demand in the high-end homes of Alamo and Lafayette. You can command $50+/hour.
  • Historical Restoration: Concord has a few historic districts. Work on preserving older homes requires specific skills and can pay a premium.
  • Project Management: Moving from a tool belt to a clipboard. This path leads to superintendent roles with general contractors like Swinerton or Hoffman, with salaries potentially exceeding $85,000.
  • Green Building/Net Zero: With California’s strict energy codes, carpenters skilled in advanced framing, insulation detailing, and installing solar-ready structures are increasingly valuable.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Journeyman to Lead Carpenter: Take on more responsibility, mentor apprentices, and handle client communication.
  2. Lead to Superintendent: Manage entire job sites, schedules, and subcontractors for a general contractor.
  3. Specialist to Business Owner: Start your own small company focusing on a niche (e.g., bathroom remodels, deck building). This is where the highest income potential lies, but also the most risk.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% growth is steady. The demand will be driven by:
  • Aging Housing Stock: Concord’s homes built in the 1960s-80s are due for major system updates (electrical, plumbing, windows).
  • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): A booming market. Many homeowners are adding ADUs in their backyards, requiring skilled carpenters for the framing and finish work.
  • Commercial Retrofit: As offices adapt to hybrid work, there’s constant need for tenant improvements.

Insider Tip: The best way to grow is to network at the Concord Chamber of Commerce or through trade associations. Relationships with architects and designers in Walnut Creek can lead to the most lucrative projects.

The Verdict: Is Concord Right for You?

Concord offers a solid, stable environment for a carpenter, but it’s a trade-off. It provides access to the robust East Bay job market without the extreme price tag of San Francisco or the Peninsula. However, the cost of living is still high relative to the median salary.

Pros	Cons
Access to a Diverse Job Market: From high-end residential to commercial and institutional work.	High Cost of Living: Rent and utilities consume a large portion of the $60,027 median salary.
Central Location in the Bay Area: Easy access to job sites in Walnut Creek, Lafayette, and even San Ramon. BART provides a commute option.	Competitive Market: The 244 jobs mean you need a strong reputation and good networking.
Stable, Predictable Demand: The 5% growth indicates steady work in remodeling and light commercial.	Path to Homeownership is Long: Buying a home in Concord itself is likely out of reach on a single carpenter's income.
No State License Required for Basic Work: Lower barrier to entry compared to electricians or plumbers.	Traffic & Commutes: Getting to job sites in the Lamorinda area (Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda) can