Carpenters in Inglewood, CA: A Career Guide

If you’re a carpenter thinking about moving to Inglewood, you’re looking at a city that’s in the middle of a major transformation. Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles County, Inglewood is home to the SoFi Stadium, the YouTube Theater, and a revitalized downtown. For a carpenter, this means a steady stream of potential work, but it also means navigating a competitive market with a high cost of living. This guide is designed to give you a clear, data-driven look at what your career looks like here, using the most current local data and on-the-ground insights.

The Salary Picture: Where Inglewood Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter most. For a carpenter in Inglewood, the median salary is $59,566/year, or $28.64/hour. This is slightly above the national average for carpenters, which sits at $56,920/year. However, it’s crucial to understand that this is a median—meaning half of all carpenters earn more, and half earn less. Your actual earnings will depend heavily on your experience, specialization, and the type of projects you work on.

The Greater Los Angeles metro area, which includes Inglewood, has an estimated 205 jobs for carpenters listed on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed at any given time. The 10-year job growth projection for carpenters in the region is 5%, a modest but steady rate driven by ongoing construction, renovations, and the massive infrastructure projects in and around the area (from new housing developments to commercial fit-outs).

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in the Inglewood area. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Factors for Inglewood
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $55,000	Often hired by larger framing crews or as apprentices. Focus is on residential build-outs and basic repairs.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$58,000 - $72,000	This is where the median of $59,566 falls. Can lead small crews, work on custom homes, and handle finish carpentry.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$73,000 - $90,000	Specialization in areas like commercial trim, historical restoration, or complex staircases. Often a foreman or project lead.
Expert/Management (15+ years)	$92,000+	Runs their own small business, becomes a master carpenter, or moves into a construction manager role.

Comparison to Other CA Cities

While Inglewood pays slightly above the national average, it’s important to see how it stacks up against other cities in California, where costs and opportunities vary widely.

City	Median Salary (Carpenter)	Average 1BR Rent	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)
Inglewood, CA	$59,566	$2,252	115.5
Los Angeles, CA	$62,000 - $68,000	$2,400+	176.5
San Francisco, CA	$85,000 - $95,000	$3,500+	269.3
San Diego, CA	$60,000 - $66,000	$2,300	160.1
Sacramento, CA	$57,000 - $63,000	$1,800	142.2

Insider Tip: Inglewood’s key advantage is its location. You’re a 20-30 minute drive (in good traffic) from high-wage jobs in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Culver City, where custom home projects often pay a premium. Many local carpenters work on projects across the Westside while maintaining a home base in Inglewood.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you factor in taxes and living expenses. In California, the state income tax is progressive, meaning higher earners pay a higher percentage. For a carpenter earning the median salary of $59,566, here’s a realistic monthly breakdown.

Assumptions: Single filer, taking the standard deduction, and living in a standard 1BR apartment.

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,963
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + CA State + FICA): ~$1,100/month
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,863/month
• Average 1BR Rent in Inglewood: $2,252/month
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: ~$1,611/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Carpenter Earning $59,566:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$2,252	This is the city average. Older buildings in more central areas can be slightly cheaper.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200 - $300	Southern California Edison and LADWP are the main providers.
Groceries & Food	$400 - $600	Inglewood has several affordable grocery chains (Food 4 Less, Superior Grocers) and a major Costco.
Transportation	$300 - $500	Car insurance is high in LA County. Assuming a paid-off vehicle. Gas costs add up if you commute to job sites.
Health Insurance	$150 - $400	Varies widely. Many carpenters are part of unions (like the United Brotherhood of Carpenters) or use Covered California plans.
Savings & Misc.	$200 - $400	This is the tight margin. Building an emergency fund or saving for a tool purchase requires careful budgeting.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

With a net monthly income of ~$3,863 and rent at $2,252, a carpenter earning the median salary would have about $1,611 left over after housing. Saving a 20% down payment on a median-priced home in Inglewood (currently around $650,000) would require $130,000. At a savings rate of $500/month, that would take over 21 years. Buying a home in Inglewood on a single carpenter’s median salary is not feasible without a significant second income or a substantial increase in earnings. Renting is the practical choice for most.

Where the Jobs Are: Inglewood's Major Employers

Inglewood's job market for carpenters is a mix of large-scale commercial projects, residential developments, and smaller, independent contractors. The city's growth is a major driver.

1. Hollywood Park Land Company: The developer behind the entire 298-acre site that includes SoFi Stadium. They oversee all construction and long-term development projects. Hiring is often through their general contractor partners, but they maintain a large list of preferred subcontractors.
2. Turner Construction / PCL Construction: These national giants have been primary contractors on major projects in the area, including SoFi Stadium and the adjacent Hollywood Park redevelopment. They hire for specific projects and often need skilled finish carpenters and formwork specialists.
3. Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD): IUSD has ongoing projects for school modernizations, new construction, and maintenance. These are often public works projects that require licensed and bonded subcontractors.
4. Residential Development Firms (e.g., The Olson Company, KB Home): Several developers are actively building new townhomes and single-family houses in Inglewood, especially in the Morningside Park and Arbor Vitae areas. These projects create steady work for framing, finish, and cabinetry carpenters.
5. Local High-End Custom Home Builders: In neighborhoods like Morningside Park and the "North Inglewood" area near The Forum, there is a steady demand for carpenters to work on custom renovations and additions. These jobs often pay above median and require a high level of finish work.
6. Union Contractors (Local 250, United Brotherhood of Carpenters): The local union hall is a primary source of work, especially for larger commercial and infrastructure projects. Apprenticeship programs provide a clear path to higher wages and benefits.
7. Independent Contractor Networks: Many carpenters in Inglewood work as independent contractors, finding jobs through word-of-mouth, Thumbtack, or Angi (formerly Angie's List). Building a reputation is key here.

Hiring Trends: The demand is strongest for carpenters who can handle both rough and finish work. There’s a particular shortage of skilled finish carpenters who can work with high-end materials like custom millwork, hardwood flooring, and intricate trim. Knowledge of sustainable building practices (like using low-VOC materials) is also becoming a valued skill.

Getting Licensed in CA

In California, carpentry is not a state-licensed trade in the same way as electrical or plumbing. However, there are critical requirements, especially if you plan to work as an independent contractor.

• State-Specific Requirements:

  • No State-Level "Carpenter" License: California does not have a state license specifically for carpentry.
  • Contractor’s License (CSLB): If you plan to work for yourself on projects valued at $500 or more (including labor and materials), you must obtain a Contractor’s State License Board (CSLB) license. The most relevant category is the "A" General Engineering or "B" General Building contractor license. To qualify, you need at least 4 years of experience in the trade (or a combination of experience and education) and must pass a two-part exam.
  • Workers’ Compensation Insurance: If you have employees, you are required by state law to carry workers’ comp insurance.
  • Local Permits: For any work in Inglewood, you will need to pull permits through the City of Inglewood’s Building and Safety Division. This is often handled by the general contractor.

• Costs and Timeline:

  • CSLB Application Fee: $330
  • License Exam Fee: $250
  • License Bond: A $15,000 surety bond is required for most licenses (costs vary based on credit, but expect $1,000 - $2,500 in annual premiums).
  • Timeline: The entire process, from gathering experience documentation to passing exams, can take 6 to 12 months.

Insider Tip: Many carpenters start by working under a licensed contractor to gain the necessary documented experience. This is often more feasible than trying to document 4 years of independent work. The Carpenters Local 250 union also offers a state-approved apprenticeship program, which provides structured training and leads to a journeyman card.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live in Inglewood affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. As a carpenter, you’ll likely be driving to job sites across the city and beyond, so access to major freeways is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for a Carpenter
Downtown Inglewood	Urban, walkable, central. Close to the Inglewood Transit Connector (future).	$2,200 - $2,500	Perfect for in-city work. You’re close to major job sites (SoFi, Hollywood Park) and can often bike or walk to smaller projects. Good access to the 405 and 105 freeways.
Morningside Park	Quiet, residential, slightly upscale. Tree-lined streets.	$2,300 - $2,600	A popular area for custom home projects. Living here means you’re in the neighborhood where you might be working. Less commute time for residential jobs.
Arbor Vitae / North Inglewood	Family-oriented, near The Forum. More single-family homes.	$2,000 - $2,300	More affordable rent. Close to the 405 and 110 freeways, making commutes to other South Bay cities (like Torrance or Redondo Beach) manageable.
Westchester (adjacent)	Upscale, beach-proximate. Commercially mixed.	$2,600 - $3,000	Not Inglewood, but a key commuter area. Many carpenters live here for the slightly better amenities but work in Inglewood. A longer, expensive commute.
Lennox (adjacent)	Working-class, densely populated, close to LAX.	$1,900 - $2,200	The most affordable option nearby. A short drive to Inglewood job sites. The downside is higher noise and traffic from LAX, but the lower rent is a major draw.

Insider Tip: If you work primarily on commercial projects, living in Downtown Inglewood or Arbor Vitae gives you the best access. If you focus on residential, Morningside Park puts you in the heart of the action.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Inglewood offers a solid foundation for a carpenter, but long-term growth requires specialization and strategic thinking.

• Specialty Premiums: Moving beyond general carpentry into a niche can significantly boost your income.

  • Finish Carpentry/Custom Millwork: Can command $35-$50/hour or more.
  • Historical Restoration: Working on Inglewood’s historic buildings (like the Inglewood Library or older homes in Morningside Park) is a specialized, high-paying field.
  • Sustainable Building (Green Carpenters): Expertise in energy-efficient framing, non-toxic materials, and LEED-certified projects is increasingly in demand.
  • Cabinetmaking: A subset of finish carpentry that can be very profitable, especially if you work with high-end designers.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Journeyman to Foreman: Within a union or large non-union shop, this is a natural progression, adding supervisory responsibilities and pay.
  2. Independent Contractor to Business Owner: The most common path for ambitious carpenters. Start with small projects, build a client list, and eventually hire your own crew.
  3. Construction Management: With additional education (like an associate's degree in construction management) or extensive experience, you can move off the tools and into planning, scheduling, and budgeting.

• 10-Year Outlook: With a 5% growth rate, the market is stable. The biggest opportunities lie in the continued development of Hollywood Park, the potential for more high-density housing near the future transit lines, and the ongoing need for renovation work in Inglewood’s older housing stock. Carpenters who adapt to modern construction methods and materials will have the most job security.

The Verdict: Is Inglewood Right for You?

Inglewood presents a classic "high opportunity, high cost" scenario. It’s a city on the rise, offering a deep well of potential work, but the financial math is challenging for a single earner at the median income.

Pros	Cons
Steady Work Pipeline: Major projects (Hollywood Park) and residential growth ensure consistent demand.	High Cost of Living: Rent and general expenses are significantly above the national average.
Strategic Location: Prime position for commuting to higher-wage job markets on LA’s Westside.	Commuting Traffic: Getting across LA County can be time-consuming and costly, even for short distances.
No State Carpenter License: Lower barrier to entry for starting your own business compared to licensed trades.	Competitive Market: You’re competing with a large pool of skilled carpenters from across the LA metro area.
Diverse Job Types: From massive commercial sites to custom residential projects.	Home Ownership is a Major Hurdle: On a single carpenter’s median salary, buying a home here is not realistic.
Union Presence: Clear path to apprenticeship, training, and benefits through Local 250.	Air Quality & Noise: Proximity to LAX and major freeways can be a quality-of-life factor.

Final Recommendation: Inglewood is a strong choice for a carpenter who is not planning to buy a home immediately and is willing to actively seek higher-paying specialized work or union jobs. It’s ideal for someone early-to-mid career looking to build experience and a network. If you have a partner with a second income, it becomes much more viable. If your primary goal is to buy a home quickly or live on a tight budget, you might consider looking at cities like Sacramento or the Inland Empire, but you’d be sacrificing the sheer volume and diversity of work that the Inglewood/LA area offers.

FAQs

1. Is it better to join a union or work non-union in Inglewood?
It depends on your goals. The United Brotherhood of Carpenters (Local 250) offers structured training, defined wage scales (often higher than non-union for equivalent work), and benefits like health insurance and a pension. It’s excellent for