Carpenters in Everett, WA: A Complete Career Guide

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping out skilled trades in the Pacific Northwest, I can tell you that Everett isn’t just a satellite of Seattle—it’s a self-sustaining hub for skilled labor. If you’re a carpenter weighing a move here, you’re looking at a market driven by aerospace, healthcare, and a persistent housing crunch that keeps demand for your skills high. This isn't a speculative guide; it's grounded in the data and the day-to-day realities of working with your hands in Snohomish County.

The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

Let’s cut to the chase: carpentry wages in Everett are solid, sitting just above the national average, but they’re tempered by a cost of living that pushes the limits of affordability. The median salary for a carpenter here is $59,139/year, or about $28.43/hour. That’s a noticeable step up from the $56,920/year national average, but it’s crucial to understand that this figure encompasses everyone from first-year apprentices to seasoned experts.

Your actual earning potential hinges almost entirely on your experience level, your niche, and whether you’re union (often via Northwest Carpenters Institute) or non-union. In Everett’s competitive market, specialization is what pushes you from the median to the top tier.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Level	Years of Experience	Typical Hourly Rate (Approx.)	What to Expect in Everett
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$22 - $26	Mostly laborer tasks, basic framing, clean-up. You’ll be on a crew, learning the ropes on residential or light commercial projects.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$28 - $35	You can run a saw and lead a small crew. Framing, finish work, and maybe some commercial trim. This is the median range.
Senior/Expert	8-15+ years	$38 - $45+	Project lead, specialty work (custom cabinetry, complex formwork), or Union steward. You’re estimating and problem-solving.
Specialist	Varies	$45 - $60+	Niche roles like pile driving, industrial millwright, or historic restoration. Often requires additional certs.

How Everett Compares to Other WA Cities

Washington’s carpentry market is fragmented. Everett is a mid-tier city in terms of pay, but often with more consistent work than the seasonal spikes in tourist areas.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Notes
Everett	$59,139	113.0	Strong, steady demand from aerospace and healthcare.
Seattle	$65,000+	152.0	Higher pay is consumed almost entirely by housing costs.
Tacoma	$57,500	112.0	Similar to Everett but with more port-related work.
Spokane	$54,000	100.5	Lower cost of living, but wages are also lower.
Bellingham	$58,000	118.0	High demand, but the market is smaller and seasonal.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the median. Union shops in Everett (which handle major projects at Boeing and Providence) often have wage scales that can push experienced journeymen well above the $59,139 median, especially with overtime and project completion bonuses.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The $59,139 salary sounds manageable, but Everett’s cost of living, primarily driven by housing, changes the math. With a Cost of Living Index of 113.0, you’re paying about 13% more than the national average for goods and services.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single carpenter earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $59,139/year)

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$4,928	Before any deductions.
Taxes & Deductions	~$1,150	Est. federal/state taxes, FICA. (This can vary widely; consult a tax pro.)
Net Take-Home	~$3,778	After taxes.
Average 1BR Rent	$1,864	This is the citywide average. See neighborhoods below for specifics.
Utilities & Internet	$200 - $350	Varies by season; Everett’s grid is reliable.
Car Insurance/Gas	$200 - $300	Essential; Everett is car-dependent.
Food & Essentials	$400 - $500	Shopping at Aldi or Costco helps.
Discretionary/Savings	$800 - $1,000	This is your buffer for tools, gear, and savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? Currently, it’s very tight for a single earner at the median. The median home price in Everett is around $625,000. With a 20% down payment ($125,000), a monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance would likely exceed $3,500/month, which is nearly 100% of your post-tax, post-rent budget. It’s not impossible with a dual-income household, but a single carpenter at the median wage will likely rent for the first several years.

Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

Everett’s job market for carpenters is anchored by a few massive employers and a robust network of smaller subcontractors. The hiring trend is stable, with a slight upward push from new healthcare and infrastructure projects.

1. The Boeing Company: The absolute giant. While much of their work is aerospace manufacturing, their facilities maintenance and construction teams hire carpenters for everything from office builds to hangar modifications. Hiring Trend: Steady, but highly competitive. Union (IAM 751) often has first right of refusal. Security clearance can be a plus.

2. Providence Regional Medical Center (Colby Campus): A massive healthcare complex in constant flux. They employ in-house carpenters for maintenance, renovations, and building out new clinical spaces. Hiring Trend: Consistent. They value reliability and experience with commercial finishes and ADA compliance.

3. City of Everett Public Works: They maintain city-owned buildings, parks, and infrastructure. Jobs are often listed on the City’s jobs portal. Hiring Trend: Stable, with openings occurring as staff retire. Benefits are excellent, but the hiring process is slow.

4. Alderwood Mall / Bellingham-based Retail Developers: While the mall itself is managed by a national firm, the constant churn of tenant fit-outs (Starbucks, Target, etc.) is handled by local commercial contractors like Sierra Construction or DPR Construction. Hiring Trend: Cyclical, with peaks during the holiday season for remodels.

5. Pacific Northwest Shipyards (Marine Trades): Located in nearby Port Gardner, these yards require carpenters skilled in marine construction, restoration, and custom joinery. Hiring Trend: Niche but growing, especially with the local focus on maritime history and tourism.

6. Local Residential Builders: Firms like D.R. Horton and Lennar have active developments in the Everett area (e.g., in the Silver Lake or Mill Creek areas). Hiring Trend: Tied to the housing market. Currently busy, but vulnerable to interest rate changes.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs never hit public job boards. They’re filled through word-of-mouth at local supply houses like Everett Lumber & Supply or Graham’s Hardware. Showing up with a portfolio and a firm handshake can be as effective as an online application.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington state has clear, regulated pathways for carpenters. The process is straightforward but requires commitment.

• State Requirements: Washington does not issue a state-level "carpenter's license" for general residential work. Instead, you need to register as a Construction Contractor if you operate independently (over $2,000 labor/materials). For employment, you need to prove your experience.
• The Pathway: The most common route is a registered Apprenticeship (4 years, 6,000+ hours on-the-job training, plus 144 hours of classroom instruction per year). You can also test out if you have enough verifiable experience (typically 8 years, or 4 years with a degree).
• Costs: Apprenticeship programs often have minimal tuition (covered by union dues or employer contributions). Testing fees for the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) are around $250 for the exam. Licensing as a contractor requires a $12,000 bond and additional fees.
• Timeline: From zero to licensed journeyman, expect 4-5 years. This is the industry standard and ensures you command the full median wage and beyond.

Insider Tip: The Northwest Carpenters Institute (local union) offers excellent pre-apprenticeship programs. Even if you don’t join the union, the skills and connections you gain are invaluable for landing your first job.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live in Everett directly impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. The city is a patchwork of neighborhoods, each with a different feel.

1. Silver Lake: The quintessential Everett suburb. Quiet, family-oriented, with great access to I-5 and I-405. You’ll find many tradespeople living here. Rent is close to the city average. Avg. 1BR Rent: ~$1,900/month.
2. Downtown/Riverside: The urban core. You’re close to the Port, the hospital, and many commercial jobs. Walkable to breweries and waterfront parks, but parking can be a headache. Avg. 1BR Rent: ~$1,750 - $2,100/month.
3. Mill Creek: Technically a separate city, but often grouped with Everett. It’s more upscale, quieter, and feels more suburban. Commute to Everett’s major employers is easy via I-5. Avg. 1BR Rent: ~$2,000 - $2,300/month.
4. Northwest Everett / Airport: More industrial and affordable. Closer to the Boeing plant and the airport. Grittier, but you get more space for your money. Avg. 1BR Rent: ~$1,500 - $1,700/month.
5. Beverly Park: A hidden gem. Affordable, with a mix of older homes and apartments. Great access to the southern part of Everett and the Boeing plant. Avg. 1BR Rent: ~$1,400 - $1,600/month.

Insider Tip: If you work primarily on the west side (like the Port or hospital), living in Beverly Park or Downtown cuts your commute to under 10 minutes, saving you time and gas money.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth for carpenters in the Everett metro is projected at 5%, which is about as fast as the national average. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s steady. The real opportunity for advancement isn’t in volume, but in value.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Millwright/Industrial: Working on machinery installation and maintenance can add $5-$10/hour over a general carpenter.
  • Historic Restoration: Everett has many historic buildings (e.g., the Schack Art Center). Specializing here can be lucrative but is project-based.
  • Custom Cabinetry & Finish: The high-end residential market in Mill Creek and nearby Bothell pays a premium for flawless finish work.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is from Apprentice to Journeyman to Foreman or Project Manager. Some move into Estimating or start their own small contracting business. Given Everett’s regulatory environment, starting a business requires careful attention to Washington’s L&I contractor bonding rules.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will be driven by two factors: the aging of the existing building stock (requiring renovation) and the ongoing need for industrial maintenance at Boeing and the port. Climate-resilient construction (flood mitigation, energy efficiency) is an emerging niche to watch.

The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Solid Wages: Median salary of $59,139 is strong for the region.	High Housing Costs: Rent and home prices are a significant burden.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by aerospace and healthcare.	Traffic: I-5 and I-405 congestion can add to your commute.
No State Income Tax: Helps offset the high cost of living.	Competitive Market: You need to stand out with skills and reliability.
Proximity to Seattle: Access to a larger market without Seattle prices.	Weather: Long, gray, and wet winters can be draining.
Strong Union Presence: Good benefits and wage protections.	Limited "Glamour": It's a working-class, industrial city.

Final Recommendation: Everett is an excellent choice for a carpenter who values steady, union-protected work and doesn't mind a no-frills, industrial city vibe. It’s less ideal for someone looking for a high-end residential market or a vibrant, walkable urban core. If you’re willing to start at the entry-level, specialize, and work your way up, Everett offers a realistic path to a stable career. However, if you’re a single earner looking to buy a home quickly, you may need to look for a dual-income household or a higher-paying niche role.

FAQs

Q: Can I expect overtime in Everett?
A: Yes, especially in commercial construction and at Boeing. Overtime is common on project deadlines and during summer construction seasons. It’s a key part of how many carpenters boost their income above the median.

Q: Is it better to join the union or go non-union?
A: The Northwest Carpenters Institute offers excellent wages, benefits, and job security, especially on large projects. Non-union shops can offer more flexibility and a faster path to foreman for some, but wages and benefits are typically lower. For a steady career, the union is often the safer bet in a market like Everett.

Q: What tools should I bring?
A: As a journeyman, you’re expected to have your own basic hand tools (tape, hammer, utility knife, etc.). Power tools are often provided by the employer, but having your own circular saw and drill is a plus. For a move, a reliable vehicle is non-negotiable.

Q: How do I find an apprenticeship?
A: Contact the Washington State Apprenticeship Council or directly apply to the Northwest Carpenters Institute. Many employers also sponsor apprentices. Be prepared for a waiting list; it’s competitive.

Q: Is the cost of living really 13% above average?
A: Yes, primarily due to housing. Groceries, utilities, and other goods are closer to the national average. The key is to budget for rent first, then everything else. Sharing housing with a roommate can dramatically improve your financial outlook.

Data Sources: Salary and job growth data are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Washington State Employment Security Department. Cost of Living and rent data from local market reports (e.g., Zumper, AreaVibes). Licensing information is from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).