Carpenter in Irving, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Irving Stands

As a career analyst who’s lived in the DFW metroplex for over a decade, I can tell you that Irving is a unique market for tradespeople. It’s not Dallas, and it’s not Fort Worth—it’s a corporate hub with pockets of single-family homes and apartment complexes, all requiring constant maintenance and new construction. For a carpenter, this means a steady stream of work, but the pay can be a mixed bag depending on who you’re working for.

Let’s start with the hard numbers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market analyses, the median salary for a carpenter in Irving is $57,483 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.64. This is actually slightly above the national average of $56,920 per year, a small but important advantage that suggests Irving’s construction market is competitive enough to pay a premium over the national median.

However, that median number doesn’t tell the whole story. Your earning potential in Irving is heavily influenced by your experience level, your specialty (residential vs. commercial), and whether you’re working for a union shop. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Experience Level	Typical Hourly Rate (Irving)	Annual Salary Range	Key Projects in Irving
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$18 - $22	$37,440 - $45,760	Framing for new subdivisions, basic remodels, pre-fab installation.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$23 - $30	$47,840 - $62,400	Custom trim work, finish carpentry, complex remodels, commercial tenant improvements.
Senior (8-15 years)	$31 - $40	$64,480 - $83,200	Project lead, commercial structural work, high-end residential, specialty millwork.
Expert/Foreman (15+ years)	$42+	$87,360+	Crew management, estimating, complex commercial builds (e.g., data centers, hospitals).

Insider Tip: Union carpenters (if you join the North Texas Carpenters & Joiners Union, Local 118) often have a higher base wage and better benefits package. However, non-union custom home builders in areas like Valley Ranch or Hackberry Creek can also pay top dollar for finish carpenters with a portfolio.

Compared to Other Texas Cities:

• Dallas: Slightly higher median (~$60,100), but cost of living is also higher, especially for property tax and rent.
• Fort Worth: Slightly lower median (~$55,800), with a more industrial and residential focus.
• Austin: Significantly higher median (~$65,000+), but extreme competition and a volatile market.
• Houston: Similar to Dallas, but with more commercial and industrial work tied to the port and energy sector.

Irving offers a "Goldilocks" scenario: pay is competitive with Dallas, but the cost of living is more manageable than Austin or Houston's core.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A $57,483 annual salary sounds solid, but what does it look like in your bank account after Uncle Sam and Irving’s landlords take their share?

For a single carpenter filing as a single filer in Texas (no state income tax, but federal taxes apply), the take-home pay is approximately $44,000 - $46,000 per year, or about $3,666 - $3,833 per month, after federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. This is a simplified estimate, but it’s the ballpark you’re working in.

Now, let’s build a monthly budget. The average 1-bedroom rent in Irving is $1,291/month. This is your biggest variable.

Monthly Budget Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,750	Midpoint estimate
Rent (1BR)	($1,291)	Average for Irving
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas)	($150)	Can be higher in summer with AC
Groceries	($300)	Shop at HEB or Kroger for value
Car Payment/Insurance	($450)	Essential in Irving; public transit is limited
Fuel	($200)	Commute to job sites across DFW
Health Insurance	($250)	If not provided by employer
Misc./Savings	($1,109)	This is your buffer for tools, boots, savings, life

Can you afford to buy a home in Irving?
The short answer is: maybe, but it’s tight. The median home price in Irving is hovering around $320,000 - $350,000. With a $57,483 salary, you’d be at the high end of what lenders consider affordable (typically 3x your annual salary, so ~$172,449 is the ideal target). A $57,483 salary gets you a loan in the $250,000 - $280,000 range with a decent down payment.

Insider Tip: Look in neighborhoods like Coppell (bordering Irving) or Las Colinas for older, smaller homes. You’ll need to be handy, as you’ll likely be doing your own repairs. The Cost of Living Index is 103.3 (US avg = 100), meaning Irving is 3.3% more expensive than the national average, primarily due to housing and utilities. This makes homeownership a stretch on a single income unless you have a spouse working or are a senior-level carpenter.

Where the Jobs Are: Irving's Major Employers

Irving is a corporate town, but the construction industry feeds off it. You won't find a single "carpenter factory," but you'll find consistent work with these types of employers. The metro area has 508 carpenter jobs, and with a 10-year job growth of 5%, it’s a stable, if not exploding, market.

1. Lincoln Property Company & Granite Properties: These are major commercial real estate firms that manage and develop office buildings in Las Colinas and the Irving CBD. They hire carpenters for tenant improvements (TIs)—building out offices, which is a constant, high-margin specialty.
2. The General Contractor Ecosystem (Balfour Beatty, DPR Construction, HKS): While these are national firms, they have major offices in DFW (often in Irving or nearby Las Colinas). They handle large-scale commercial projects (corporate HQs, hospitals, schools). Getting on with a GC as a lead carpenter is a career-making move.
3. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Irving & Las Colinas: Hospitals are always under construction or renovation. They need carpenters for specialized millwork, hospital-grade fixtures, and long-term maintenance. Union shops often hold these contracts.
4. Public Schools (Irving ISD & Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD): School districts have their own construction and maintenance departments. These are stable, government jobs with benefits, though the pay might be on the lower end of the mid-level scale.
5. Custom Home Builders (e.g., Highland Homes, HistoryClassic Homes): While most high-end building is in Frisco or Southlake, the luxury market in Irving’s Las Colinas and Hackberry Creek areas requires top-tier finish carpenters. This is where you find the $40+/hour work.
6. The "Gig" Network: Irving’s proximity to DFW Airport and major logistics hubs (like the Alliance area) creates a need for carpenter-vendors for warehouse/storage unit fit-outs. Platforms like Thumbtack and Nextdoor are active here for skilled trades.

Hiring Trend: The most consistent hiring is for commercial TI and hospital renovation. Residential is steady but more seasonal. The 5% growth is tied to Irving’s role as a corporate hub—when companies expand, they build or remodel their offices.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a somewhat unique stance on carpenter licensing. For general carpentry work, the state of Texas does not require a specific carpenter's license. This is a double-edged sword: it’s easy to start, but it also means anyone with a hammer can call themselves a carpenter, making reputation critical.

However, if you want to advance or work on specific projects, you’ll need certifications.

1. Journeyman Carpenter (The Gold Standard): While not a state license, completing a 3-year registered apprenticeship with the North Texas Carpenters & Joiners Union or a non-union program is the industry standard. This gives you a journeyman card, which most reputable GCs and unions require.
2. Contractor's License: If you plan to run your own business (take on projects over $10,000), you’ll need a Texas Residential Contractor License or a Commercial Contractor License from the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR). This requires:
   • Proof of financial stability.
   • Passing an exam.
   • A bond (often $10,000+).
   • Cost: $500 - $1,000 in fees and study materials.
3. OSHA 30 Certification: Almost mandatory for commercial work. Many employers will pay for this. It’s a 30-hour course focused on construction safety. Cost: $50 - $150 if you pay yourself.
4. EPA Lead Certification: Required for any renovation work in homes built before 1978 (common in old Irving neighborhoods like Williamsburg). Cost: $250 - $400.

Timeline to Get Started: You can start working immediately as a helper. To become a journeyman, expect a 3-4 year commitment (apprenticeship). To get your contractor’s license, you need at least 2-4 years of proven experience, so plan for a 5-year timeline to be a fully licensed, independent carpenter.

Insider Tip: Join the Texas Construction Association or the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America local chapter. The networking here is worth more than the membership fee.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live in Irving matters for your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown from a local’s perspective:

1. Las Colinas: The corporate heart of Irving. High-rise offices, upscale apartments, and luxury townhomes. Best for carpenters specializing in commercial TI or high-end residential trim work.

   • Commute: Excellent access to major job sites in Las Colinas, but traffic on 635 and 114 can be brutal during rush hour.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,800/month for a 1BR.
   • Lifestyle: Walkable, corporate, upscale.

2. Hackberry Creek: A large master-planned community with country clubs, golf courses, and larger homes. Ideal for finish carpenters working with custom home builders.

   • Commute: Central, but can be congested. Easy access to the airport and major highways.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,500/month for a 1BR.
   • Lifestyle: Family-oriented, quiet, green spaces.

3. Williamsburg: An older, established neighborhood with small, 1950s-era homes. This is a goldmine for remodel carpenters. The houses are small but full of character, and owners are constantly updating.

   • Commute: Central Irving, 15-20 minutes to most job sites.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300/month for a 1BR (often an older apartment or a small house share).
   • Lifestyle: Historic charm, diverse community, lower cost of living.

4. Coppell: Technically a separate city, but borders Irving and is full of young professionals. Newer construction means less repair work but steady new build opportunities.

   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to Irving job sites, but good highway access (141, 114).
   • Rent Estimate: $1,350 - $1,600/month for a 1BR.
   • Lifestyle: Modern, community-focused, excellent schools.

5. South Irving (near I-35E): More affordable, with a mix of older homes and new apartment complexes. Commute to downtown Dallas is good, but Irving job sites can be a longer drive.

   • Commute: Variable; can be 25+ minutes to Las Colinas.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month for a 1BR.
   • Lifestyle: Grittier, more industrial, very affordable.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 5% is modest, but it doesn’t tell the story of advancement. In Irving, the path to higher earnings is through specialization and mentorship.

Specialty Premiums:

• Finish Carpentry & Millwork: +$5 - $10/hour over base. High demand in Las Colinas corporate builds and Hackberry Creek homes.
• Commercial Formwork & Concrete Carpentry: +$3 - $7/hour. Critical for the office and infrastructure projects. Union shops dominate this.
• Cabinetmaking & Custom Millwork: +$8 - $15/hour. Requires precision and a portfolio. This is expert-level work.
• Green Building & LEED Projects: +$2 - $5/hour. Emerging specialty, especially with Irving’s focus on corporate sustainability.

Advancement Paths:

1. Apprentice → Journeyman → Foreman: The classic union or GC path. Foremen in Irving can earn $70,000 - $90,000.
2. Specialist to Business Owner: Many carpenters in Irving start a one-person remodeling business, focusing on bathrooms and kitchens in older homes (Williamsburg, Valley Ranch). This is where you hit the $100,000+ ceiling, but it requires business acumen.
3. Shift to Project Management: With experience, you can move into estimating or project management at a GC firm. This requires learning software (like Procore or Bluebeam) but offers a salary of $80,000 - $120,000 with less physical strain.

10-Year Outlook: The market will remain stable but competitive. The key differentiator will be technology (CNC machines, laser levels, project management software). Carpenters who adapt to digital tools and BIM (Building Information Modeling) will see the highest growth. The aging workforce means there’s room for leadership, but you have to be willing to learn and specialize.

The Verdict: Is Irving Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Steady, diverse work: From commercial to residential.	Cost of Living: Slightly above the US average, primarily due to housing.
Above-average pay: $57,483 median is competitive.	Traffic: DFW area is notorious for congestion; commutes can eat into your day.
No state income tax: More take-home pay.	Competition: High number of skilled tradespeople in the metroplex.
Central location: Easy access to the entire DFW job market.	Union Density: Mixed; some shops are union, many are not, leading to variable benefits.
Insider Tip Network: Strong trade community once you're in.	Summer Heat: Brutal for outdoor work, reducing productivity from June-August.

Final Recommendation:
Irving is a solid, "C+" to "B+" market for a carpenter. It’s not the booming frontier of Austin or the oil-rich opportunity of Houston, but it’s reliable. If you are a mid-level carpenter ($23 - $30/hour) looking for a stable job with a clear path to specialize, Irving is a great choice. The $57,483 median salary will cover a comfortable life if you budget wisely and choose your neighborhood strategically (Williamsburg for affordability, Las Colinas for career advancement). However, if you are just starting out, the initial pay ($18 - $22/hour) will be tight until you gain experience. For a single-income household aiming to buy a home, it’s a stretch, but it’s possible with a spouse’s income or by climbing the ladder to a foreman or specialist role.

FAQs

1. Do I need a union card to find carpentry work in Irving?
No, you do not. Texas is a right-to-work state, and many reputable non-union shops exist. However, for large commercial projects (hospitals, offices), union cards (Local 118) are often preferred or required. It’s a good idea to have one for maximum flexibility.

2. What’s the best way to find a job as a carpenter in Irving?
Start with Indeed and LinkedIn, but don’t stop there. Join local Facebook groups like "DFW Construction Jobs" and "Irving TX Community." The best jobs are often found through word-of-mouth. Walking onto job sites with a business card and asking for the superintendent can be surprisingly effective.