Carpenter in Fort Worth, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Fort Worth Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Fort Worth’s carpentry market is steady, not booming, but reliable. The median salary for a Carpenter here is $57,483/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.64/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $56,920/year, giving you a small but meaningful edge. The metro area supports about 1,953 carpentry jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 5%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s stable, driven by the steady expansion of residential and commercial construction across the DFW metroplex.

Here’s how experience typically translates into pay in Fort Worth:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Field	Approx. Hourly Rate	Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$18 - $22	$37,440 - $45,760
Mid-Level	2-7 years	$24 - $30	$49,920 - $62,400
Senior	7-15 years	$28 - $35	$58,240 - $72,800
Expert/Lead	15+ years / Specialist	$32 - $45+	$66,560 - $93,600+

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior often hinges on your ability to read blueprints independently and manage a small crew on-site. In Fort Worth, having OSHA 30 certification can push you toward the higher end of the mid-level range faster.

Compared to other major Texas cities, Fort Worth offers a solid middle ground. Austin, with its high cost of living and relentless tech-fueled construction, sees carpenter salaries averaging $58,500, but rent is significantly higher. Dallas is closer to Fort Worth's median, but the commute from Dallas proper to Fort Worth job sites can be brutal. San Antonio and Houston have similar median salaries (around $56,000-$58,000), but Fort Worth's unique blend of historic preservation projects and new suburban development provides a more diverse portfolio of work. You’re not just building tract homes; you might be restoring a 1920s bungalow in Ryan Place one week and framing a new medical office in Alliance the next.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. A single Carpenter earning the median $57,483/year faces the realities of Texas’s lack of state income tax, but with federal taxes and FICA (Social Security & Medicare) deducted. After taxes, your take-home pay is roughly $44,500 - $45,800/year, or about $3,700 - $3,800/month.

Fort Worth’s cost of living index is 103.3 (US avg = 100), meaning it’s slightly more expensive than the national average, primarily due to housing. The average 1-bedroom rent is $1,384/month. Here’s a sample monthly budget for a Carpenter earning the median:

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,750	After federal taxes & FICA
Rent (1BR)	$1,384	Average, varies by neighborhood
Utilities	$150 - $200	Electricity is key in TX summers.
Groceries	$350
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Essential in Fort Worth.
Gas/Transport	$200	Commutes are long; gas prices matter.
Tools & Maintenance	$150	Your tools are your livelihood.
Health Insurance	$250	Varies wildly; often employer-subsidized.
Misc/Entertainment	$300
Remaining	$266

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s tight but possible on a single income. The median home price in Fort Worth is around $320,000. With a 10% down payment ($32,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (~6.5%) would be about $1,900/month before property taxes and insurance. Property taxes in Tarrant County are high (often 2.2-2.5% of assessed value). A $320,000 home could mean $600-$700/month in property taxes alone. This pushes the total monthly housing cost over $2,500, which is over 65% of your take-home pay. Verdict: Buying on a single carpenter's median income is very challenging unless you have significant savings, a spouse with income, or are willing to live in a suburb with lower home prices (like parts of Burleson or Crowley).

Insider Tip: Many local carpenters buy homes in emerging neighborhoods like Stop Six or Rosemont, where prices are lower but the commute to major job sites in the Stockyards or Downtown Fort Worth is manageable.

The Where the Jobs Are: Fort Worth's Major Employers

The job market for carpenters in Fort Worth is diverse. You’re not locked into one sector. Here are the key local employers and trends:

1. Lincoln Property Company (LPC): A giant in multifamily development. They have massive projects in Fort Worth, like the new urban village development in the Historic Southside. LPC hires directly for large-scale interior finish carpentry and framing crews. Hiring Trend: Steady, focused on large, multi-year projects.

2. McShane Construction: Heavy on commercial and institutional work. They’re the ones building new medical office buildings for Texas Health Resources or distribution centers in the Alliance area. Hiring Trend: Strong; they need reliable carpenters for concrete formwork and rough framing.

3. Hensel Phelps: Another major commercial and federal contractor with a significant presence in North Texas. They often lead high-profile projects like airport expansions (DFW) and hospital additions (e.g., Edwards Ranch medical campus). Hiring Trend: Project-based, but they maintain a core crew. Getting on with them is a mark of credibility.

4. Local Residential Builders (Perry, Gehan, HistoryMaker): These are the big-volume home builders in Tarrant and Johnson counties. They operate on tight production schedules. Hiring Trend: Cyclical with the housing market, but they are always hiring framers and finish carpenters for their model homes and punch lists.

5. Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD): FWISD has a constant need for in-house carpenters for facility maintenance, classroom modifications, and athletic facility updates. Hiring Trend: Government-stable. Job postings are on their career site. This is a great route for work-life balance and benefits.

6. Historic Preservation Projects & Custom Builders: This is a niche but valuable market. Firms like Marty Leonard or architects specializing in Ryan Place and Fairmount often seek skilled finish carpenters for bespoke work. Hiring Trend: Steady demand for specialized skills. Networking with local architects and attending Fort Worth Modern Home Tour events is key.

Insider Tip: The best jobs often aren’t posted on Indeed. Join the Fort Worth Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC). The monthly meetings are where foremen and superintendents go to find skilled labor.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas is a great state for carpenters because there is no statewide license for general carpentry. However, this doesn’t mean it’s unregulated. Here’s the breakdown:

• General Carpenter: No state license. You can work on residential projects under $10,000 without a license. For projects over $10,000, the contractor must be licensed.
• Specialty Licenses: If you want to move beyond framing and finish, you’ll need a license for specific trades:
  • Residential Appliance Installation: Requires a license through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
  • Window/Door Installation: Requires a license.
  • HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical: Entirely separate licenses with their own requirements.
• Cost & Timeline: Obtaining a specialty license (like for appliance installation) typically requires:
  1. Experience: 2-4 years of full-time work (documented with tax forms).
  2. Exam: Passing a state exam (cost: $200-$400 for the exam itself).
  3. Application Fee: $230 for the license application.
  4. Bond/Insurance: You’ll need to secure a surety bond (typically $5,000 - $10,000) and general liability insurance. Total startup cost for a specialty license: $1,500 - $3,000.
  5. Timeline: From starting the application to having your license in hand can take 3-6 months.

Insider Tip: Even without a license, having an OSHA 30 certification (online course, ~$60) is a huge plus. Many commercial contractors require it. Also, consider a CPR/First Aid certification—it’s often a requirement for large corporate sites.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live in Fort Worth drastically affects your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Key Employer Proximity
Stop Six	Historic, diverse, up-and-coming. Close to I-35W.	$1,100 - $1,250	Easy commute to Downtown, Fairmount, & Southside.
Rosemont	Working-class, affordable, strong community. Near I-30.	$1,050 - $1,200	Central to the Stockyards, Downtown, & Eastside.
Alliance	Newer, suburban, less character but modern amenities.	$1,400 - $1,600	Ideal for jobs in the Alliance commercial corridor (McShane, Hensel Phelps projects).
Historic Southside	Trendy, walkable, near the Cultural District.	$1,500 - $1,700	Close to high-end custom home projects & LPC developments. Longer commute to suburbs.
Burleson (South)	Family-friendly, lower home prices, longer commute.	$1,200 - $1,350	Good for building a family; works if you have a work truck and don’t mind the drive.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate downtown core if you have a work truck. Parking is a nightmare and expensive. Look at the Ryan Place or Fairmount areas for a blend of charm and slightly better parking options, though rents are higher.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 5% 10-year job growth is modest, but your personal growth can be much faster if you specialize.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Finish Carpenter/Custom Millwork: Can command $35-$40/hour on complex projects.
  • Concrete Formwork Carpenter: High demand in commercial; pays $30-$38/hour.
  • Foreman/Superintendent: With 5+ years experience and leadership skills, you move to a salary of $70,000 - $90,000+. This involves managing crews, budgets, and timelines.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Carpenter → Lead Carpenter: Requires mastering all phases and training apprentices.
  2. Lead Carpenter → Foreman: Requires learning scheduling, material ordering, and basic blueprint reading for the entire site.
  3. Foreman → Superintendent: Requires understanding contracts, OSHA compliance, and client relations. Many superintendents in Fort Worth earn $85,000+.
  4. Alternative Path: Start Your Own Business. After 7-10 years, many carpenters start small LLCs focusing on kitchen remodels, deck building, or historical restoration. This is where the real money is, but it requires business acumen.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% growth will be driven by:

  • Residential: Continued demand for new homes in suburbs like Burleson, Crowley, and Justin.
  • Commercial: The Tarrant County College expansion and Texas Health Resources new facilities.
  • Infrastructure: Ongoing road projects and airport work at DFW (which is in Fort Worth’s orbit).
  • Threats: High interest rates slowing new home starts. An economic downturn could hit construction first.

The Verdict: Is Fort Worth Right for You?

Fort Worth is a fantastic option for a carpenter who values stability, a lower cost of living than Austin, and a diverse job market without the intense competition of Dallas. It’s a city with a strong blue-collar identity, and skilled tradespeople are respected.

Pros	Cons
Median salary ($57,483) is above national average.	5% job growth is slow; career advancement requires hustle.
Lower cost of living than Austin/Dallas; no state income tax.	High property taxes if you buy a home.
Diverse work: from historic restoration to new commercial.	Summers are brutally hot, impacting outdoor work.
Strong local employer base (LPC, McShane, FWISD).	The "carpenter" title can be broad; you must specialize to earn more.
Good quality of life with a laid-back, authentic vibe.	Public transportation is poor; a reliable vehicle is mandatory.

Final Recommendation: Fort Worth is highly recommended for mid-career carpenters (3-10 years experience) who are ready to specialize or step into a leadership role. It’s also a great place for beginners to get solid experience without the overwhelming cost of coastal cities. If you’re an expert looking for the absolute highest salary, you might find more in Austin or Dallas, but you’ll sacrifice quality of life and affordability. For most, Fort Worth hits the sweet spot.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own tools in Fort Worth?
Absolutely. For framing, you’ll need power tools (circular saw, impact driver, sawzall). For finish carpentry, a good miter saw and table saw are essential. Most companies provide larger tools, but your hand tools and basic power tools are your responsibility. Budget $1,000-$2,000 for a solid starter set.

2. Is the work seasonal?
Commercial work is more consistent year-round. Residential work can slow down in the winter months (Dec-Feb) when temperatures drop, but builders often use this time for interior finish work. Having a mix of both types of employers can provide steady income.

3. What’s the best way to find a job here?

1. Network: Join the Fort Worth AGC.
2. Board: Check the Fort Worth Star-Telegram job section (yes, it’s still used for trades).
3. Direct: Contact the HR departments of the major builders and contractors listed above.
4. Word of Mouth: Tell every foreman you meet you’re looking. In this town, reputation is everything.

4. How do I stand out in an interview?
Be ready to show photos of your work. Have a clean, well-organized tool belt. Mention specific certifications (OSHA 30, First Aid). Most importantly, emphasize reliability. In Fort Worth, a carpenter who shows up on time, every day, is worth their weight in gold.

5. Is it worth getting a contractor’s license?
If you plan to start your own business, yes. The process is outlined above. If you want to stay as an employee, a specialty license (like for appliance installation) can make you more valuable to a large contractor, but it’s not a requirement for most carpentry roles. Start by excelling as a carpenter, then consider the license as your next step.