A Carpenter's Guide to Lawrence, MA: The Real Deal

Welcome to Lawrence. If you're a carpenter looking at this old mill city on the Merrimack River, you're probably weighing the math: the rent, the commute, the jobs. I’ve been around the construction scene here long enough to tell you that the numbers on a spreadsheet don't always match what you see on the job site.

This guide isn't a sales pitch. It’s a breakdown of the reality of working with wood and nails in a city where the past and future are constantly colliding in the form of new renovations and old brick. We're going to dig into the data, the neighborhoods, and the local code that determines whether you move here or drive in from down the road.

The Salary Picture: Where Lawrence Stands

Let’s cut to the chase. You need to know what you can expect to clear in your pocket. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local labor market data, the median salary for a Carpenter in Lawrence and the surrounding metro area is $58,900 per year. That breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.32.

To be clear, the national average for carpenters sits at $56,920/year, so the Lawrence market pays slightly better than the country at large. However, the cost of living here is a significant factor, which we’ll get into.

Here’s how that salary typically breaks down by experience level in this specific market. Note that these are realistic estimates based on local union scales (Local 67) and prevailing wage projects in the region.

Experience Level	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate	Typical Work
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $48,000	$20.00 - $23.00	Apprentice, framing crews, sub-contractor helper
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$52,000 - $65,000	$25.00 - $31.00	Journeyman, rough carpentry, residential remodeling
Senior (8-15 years)	$62,000 - $75,000	$30.00 - $36.00	Lead carpenter, finish carpentry, commercial framing
Expert/Foreman (15+ years)	$70,000 - $85,000+	$33.00 - $40.00+	Site supervisor, master finish carpenter, business owner

Insider Tip: While the median is $58,900, many experienced carpenters in Lawrence work on "prevailing wage" state and federal contracts (like renovations at Northern Essex Community College or municipal projects), which can bump your hourly rate significantly above the median. The key is getting on the rotation for those jobs.

Comparison to Other MA Cities

Lawrence isn't Boston, but it's a fraction of the cost and a short commute. Carpenters in Boston proper often see higher gross wages, but the net gain is minimal after living expenses.

City	Median Salary	Avg. 1BR Rent	Cost of Living Index
Lawrence	$58,900	$1,483	111.6
Boston	$65,000+	$2,800	162.4
Lowell	$57,500	$1,550	114.2
Haverhill	$56,000	$1,520	110.5

Insider Insight: Lowell and Haverhill are your direct competitors for jobs and housing. Lowell has a slightly higher cost of living but similar job pool. Haverhill is a bit more affordable but has fewer large-scale commercial projects. Lawrence hits a sweet spot for job density and relative affordability.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median income of $58,900 sounds decent, but let’s see what it looks like in your bank account. Massachusetts has a flat state income tax of 5%, and you'll also be subject to federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare.

Here’s a realistic monthly breakdown for a single Carpenter earning the median salary of $58,900 (taking home roughly $3,800 - $4,000/month after taxes).

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Details
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,908	$58,900 / 12
Taxes & Deductions	~$1,000	Federal, MA (5%), FICA
Net Take-Home	~$3,908
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,483	Citywide average
Utilities	$200	Heat (winter is brutal), electric, internet
Car Insurance/Gas	$350	Mandatory in MA; commute costs add up
Groceries	$350
Tools/Work Expenses	$150	Blades, bits, PPE (often out-of-pocket)
Health Insurance	$200	If not fully covered by employer
Miscellaneous/Savings	$1,175	Leftover for savings, debt, or emergencies

Can they afford to buy a home?
Affording to Buy: The median home price in Lawrence hovers around $375,000 - $400,000. With a 10% down payment ($37,500 - $40,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (~6.5%) would result in a monthly payment of roughly $2,200 - $2,400 (including taxes and insurance). This is a stretch on a single median salary of $58,900. It’s doable with a dual-income household (partner/spouse) or by renting out a room in a multi-family property. Lawrence is full of 2-3 family homes perfect for this "house hacking" strategy.

Insider Tip: Look for properties in the "Arlington" or "Tower Hill" neighborhoods, which are more residential and have slightly lower prices than the downtown historic district.

Where the Jobs Are: Lawrence's Major Employers

Lawrence is a hub for construction, driven by its historic mill buildings and growing population. You won’t find a single massive carpentry firm, but a mix of large contractors, specialty shops, and municipal work.

1. Swinerton Builders: A national firm with a significant presence in the Northeast. They often handle large-scale commercial renovations, including the adaptive reuse of mill spaces in Lawrence. They hire for carpentry roles on prevailing wage projects.
2. Consigli Construction Co., Inc.: Another major player with MA roots. They are frequently involved in institutional work (schools, hospitals) in the Merrimack Valley. Good for high-end finish work and complex framing.
3. Burns & McDonnell: While not a pure carpentry firm, they have engineering and construction arms that hire carpenters for utility and infrastructure projects in the region.
4. City of Lawrence Public Works & Municipal Projects: The city itself is a major employer. They hire carpenters for maintaining city-owned buildings, schools (like Lawrence High), and public facilities. These jobs are stable and offer good benefits.
5. Local Mill Redevelopment Projects: Companies like Northland Industrial Real Estate Trust are actively redeveloping the historic mill sites. These projects require skilled carpenters for both structural restoration and modern fit-outs.
6. Specialty Millwork & Cabinetry Shops: Look for smaller, family-owned shops in the South Lawrence or Prospect Hill areas. They often hire carpenters with finish and custom woodwork skills for high-end residential projects in Andover and North Andover.
7. Northern Essex Community College (NECC): The college undergoes regular renovations and expansions. Their facilities department hires in-house maintenance carpenters, and external contractors are always bidding on their projects.

Hiring Trends: Post-pandemic, there's a surge in residential remodeling as folks who bought homes in 2020-2022 are now upgrading. Commercial work is steady, focusing on adaptive reuse of mills and new healthcare facilities (like expansions at Holy Family Hospital). Labor shortages are real; if you have a clean driving record, OSHA 10/30, and reliable transportation, you can usually find work.

Insider Tip: The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce website lists active commercial projects. Check it for RFPs (Requests for Proposals) to see which contractors are winning big jobs—that's where you want to apply.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has specific requirements for carpenters, especially if you plan to work on your own or run a crew. It's not as simple as just picking up a hammer.

Licensing Requirements:

• Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) License: Required for any residential work over $500. This is issued by the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR). You need to pass a test, show proof of insurance ($10,000 bond), and have a business address (can be your home).
• Supervisor of Carpentry (Masonry/Supervisor License): For commercial work, you may need a Construction Supervisor License (CSL). This requires passing a state exam and having documented experience (typically 3-5 years).
• OSHA Certification: While not a state license, OSHA 10-Hour (for entry-level) and OSHA 30-Hour (for supervisors) are virtually required by any major contractor. Expect to pay $100-$200 for online or in-person courses.

Costs & Timeline:

• HIC License: Exam fee ~$150. Bond/insurance costs vary but expect $500-$1,500 annually. Processing time is 4-6 weeks.
• CSL Exam: Exam fee ~$150. Study courses are available through the Massachusetts Building Trades Association or local community colleges. Timelines depend on your study pace.
• Getting Started: If you're coming from out of state, start by getting your OSHA 10 card immediately (can be done in 2 days). Then, work under a licensed contractor in MA to gain the required experience for your CSL. You can legally work as a carpenter without a HIC license if you are employed by a licensed contractor.

Data Source: The primary source for licensing is the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) and the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety (DOS).

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live affects your commute, your tools' safety, and your quality of life. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods with a carpenter’s perspective.

1. North Lawrence (Arlington/Tower Hill):

   • Vibe: Quiet, residential, mostly single-family homes. Close to the 93/495 interchange.
   • Commute: Best for access to major highways. 15 mins to Andover, 30 mins to Boston (if traffic is light).
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,600/month for a 1BR or studio.
   • Why for Carpenters: Safer for parking a work truck/van. Closer to hardware stores in Andover. Less foot traffic for tool security.

2. South Lawrence (The Flats):

   • Vibe: Historic, dense, mixed residential and commercial. Close to the river and downtown.
   • Commute: Easy walk/bike to downtown jobs. 10 mins to I-93.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500/month for a 1BR (often in a triple-decker).
   • Why for Carpenters: You're in the heart of the action. Proximity to local suppliers and job sites. However, parking a work van can be a nightmare.

3. Prospect Hill:

   • Vibe: Up-and-coming, more residential, some newer developments.
   • Commute: 15 mins to downtown. Good access to Route 110 and 114.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700/month for a 1BR.
   • Why for Carpenters: A bit more modern infrastructure. Good balance between access and quiet. Less industrial grit.

4. Downtown Historic District:

   • Vibe: Professional, walkable, in the middle of mill redevelopment.
   • Commute: Walk to anything in the city center.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,900/month for a 1BR (often in renovated mills).
   • Why for Carpenters: If you work on the mill rehab projects, you could walk to work. High density means you'll hear your neighbors, which can be a pro or con.

Insider Tip: If you have a large work van or lots of tools, North Lawrence is your best bet for secure off-street parking. In South Lawrence or Downtown, you'll likely need to rent a garage space, which can add $150-$300/month to your rent.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth for carpenters in the metro area is projected at 5% (aligning with BLS national data). This isn't explosive growth, but it's stable. The key to advancement in Lawrence isn't just about working harder; it's about working smarter and getting certifications.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Finish Carpentry & Millwork: +15-25% over rough carpentry. High demand for custom trim, built-ins, and historic restoration.
  • Green Building (LEED/WELL): +10-15% premium. Knowledge of advanced framing techniques and sustainable materials is growing in the mill redevelopment projects.
  • Heavy Equipment Operation (Skid Steer/Excavator): +10-20%. Many carpentry foremen in the area also run equipment. It's a huge value-add.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Journeyman to Lead Carpenter: Master your trade, learn to read complex blueprints, and show you can manage a small crew.
  2. Lead to Foreman/Superintendent: This is where the real salary jump happens ($70k+). You'll need organization, people skills, and knowledge of the MA building code.
  3. Specialist to Business Owner: Start your own LLC. The HIC license is your first step. Lawrence has a strong "shop local" mindset, and a reputable carpenter can do well with residential remodeling and commercial punch-list work.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% growth will come from two sources: 1) Replacement of retiring baby boomers, and 2) new construction in healthcare (Holy Family expansions) and education (NECC). The biggest opportunity is in the historic preservation and adaptive reuse sector. Lawrence's mill buildings are a 100-year project, and skilled carpenters who understand both old and new construction will be in high demand.

The Verdict: Is Lawrence Right for You?

So, should you pack your tool belt and move? It depends on your priorities.

Pros	Cons
Job Density: High concentration of commercial, municipal, and residential projects.	Cost of Living: Higher than national average, driven by rent. $1,483/month is a real hurdle.
Relative Affordability: Cheaper than Boston, Lowell, or Andover. You can live close to work.	Public Transit: Limited. A reliable car/truck is non-negotiable for carrying tools and commuting.
Diverse Work: From high-end millwork to rough framing to historic restoration.	Traffic Congestion: I-93 and I-495 can be bottlenecks, especially during rush hour.
Growth in Niche: Historic preservation and mill redevelopment offer unique, skilled work.	Tool Security: In dense neighborhoods, you must be vigilant about tool theft from vehicles.
Strong Unions (Local 67): Provides access to high-wage projects and benefits.	Competition: You're competing with carpenters from the entire Merrimack Valley for the best jobs.

Final Recommendation:
Lawrence is a strong choice for mid-career carpenters (3-10 years experience) who are ready to move into more specialized or supervisory roles. The median salary of $58,900 is sustainable here if you budget carefully, especially if you can find housing under the city average or have a partner's income. It's not ideal for a complete beginner unless you have a solid apprenticeship lined up, as the cost of living is tough on an entry-level wage.

If you value job stability, a diverse range of projects, and a lower cost of living compared to the Greater Boston area, Lawrence offers real opportunity. If you're looking for a quiet, suburban vibe with easy parking and minimal traffic, look further out to Haverhill or Methuen.

FAQs

Q: Is it worth joining the local carpenters union (Local 67) in Lawrence?
A: Yes, if you