Carpenter in Lynn, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Lynn Stands

As a carpenter thinking about Lynn, the first thing you’ll want to know is how the pay stacks up. You’re not just looking for a job; you’re looking for a career that can support life in a high-cost area like Massachusetts. Let’s break down the numbers.

The median salary for a carpenter in Lynn is $58,900/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $28.32/hour. While this is slightly above the national average for carpenters ($56,920/year), it’s important to understand how this fits into the local context. The Lynn metro area, which includes surrounding communities, has approximately 202 carpentry jobs, with a projected 10-year job growth of 5%. This indicates steady demand, though not explosive growth.

To give you a clearer picture of your earning potential based on experience, here’s a realistic breakdown for the Lynn area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities in Lynn
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $50,000	Basic framing, finishing work, material handling, assisting journeymen.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $65,000	Independent work on residential remodels, commercial tenant fit-outs, reading complex blueprints.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$65,000 - $78,000	Project lead on custom homes, historic preservation work, overseeing crews.
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$78,000 - $95,000+ (often with profit-sharing)	Master carpenter, custom millwork, high-end residential/commercial projects, business ownership.

How does this compare to other Massachusetts cities? While Boston commands higher wages (median ~$68,000), the cost of living there is significantly steeper. Salem, a nearby coastal city, has a similar median salary but higher rents. Worcester offers a lower cost of living, but carpenter salaries there tend to be closer to the national average. Lynn sits in a sweet spot: solid wages within the Greater Boston orbit, but with a more attainable housing market (though still expensive by national standards).

Insider Tip: The 5% job growth over the next decade is a key figure. It’s not a boom, but it’s consistent. This means opportunities will be steady, especially for those who specialize. The 202 jobs in the metro area are concentrated in residential construction, commercial renovations, and a surprising amount of marine-related work (given the proximity to the harbor and shipyards).

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $58,900 salary sounds decent, but in Massachusetts, what matters is the net. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single carpenter living in Lynn.

Assumptions:

• Gross Annual Salary: $58,900
• Monthly Gross: $4,908
• Taxes (Federal, FICA, MA State): ~28% (approx. $1,374/month)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,534
• Average 1-BR Rent in Lynn: $2,064

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1-BR)	$2,064	The average. You can find cheaper in parts of West Lynn (~$1,700), but expect higher in Lynnfield.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$250 - $300	Older buildings in Lynn can be drafty; heating costs are real in winter.
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500
Car Payment/Insurance	$300 - $500	Crucial: While the MBTA has service, a car is often necessary for job sites in surrounding towns.
Fuel & Maintenance	$150 - $250
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$300 - $450	A major cost if you're a 1099 contractor.
Retirement/Savings	$200 - $400
Misc. (Phone, Entertainment)	$200 - $300
TOTAL ESTIMATED MONTHLY	$3,864 - $4,564

Can they afford to buy a home? Let’s look at the numbers. The median home price in Lynn is approximately $475,000. With a $58,900 salary, a lender would typically approve you for a loan of about $265,000 (using the 28/36 rule, assuming a 20% down payment and no other major debt). This creates a significant gap. A $475,000 home would require a down payment of $95,000 (20%) and a loan of $380,000. With current interest rates, the monthly mortgage payment (principal & interest) alone would be over $2,300, not including taxes, insurance, or PMI.

Verdict: On a single carpenter's median income, buying a home in Lynn is a major stretch. It’s possible with a dual-income household, a significant down payment (perhaps from savings or family), or by targeting a condo/townhome under $400,000. Renting is the more immediate and realistic option for most.

Insider Tip: Many carpenters in Lynn live in nearby, more affordable communities like Chelsea, Revere, or Saugus. The commute is short (10-20 minutes), and you can save $300-$500/month on rent, which can be redirected to savings for a future home purchase.

Where the Jobs Are: Lynn's Major Employers

Lynn’s construction scene is diverse. You’re not just building suburban homes; you’re working on historic renovations, commercial builds, and specialized marine projects. Here are the key players:

1. Lynn Residential Construction & Remodeling Firms: The bulk of jobs are with local GCs and design-build firms. Companies like K&B Construction or Lynn Home Improvements are always looking for skilled finish carpenters for kitchen remodels, deck builds, and whole-house renovations in neighborhoods like Highlands and Linden.
2. Commercial Contractors: Firms that work on Lynn’s growing commercial sector (new restaurants, retail spaces in Lynn Commons, office fit-outs) need carpenters for framing, drywall, and millwork. Tremont Construction is an example of a local firm with a commercial portfolio.
3. Historic Preservation & Restoration: Lynn has a wealth of historic Victorian and colonial homes. Specialized firms, often based in the North Shore but working in Lynn, need expert carpenters for meticulous restoration work. This is a high-skill, high-pay niche.
4. Marine & Shipyard Support: The General Dynamics Electric Boat facility in nearby Quonset Point, RI, and local marine contractors often need carpenters skilled in building and repairing boat interiors, docks, and marine structures. This is a unique local specialty.
5. Public & Institutional Work: The Lynn Public Schools district and Lynn Hospital (part of North Shore Medical Center) have facilities crews that employ in-house carpenters for maintenance and small projects. These jobs offer stability and benefits.
6. Energy Efficiency & Green Builders: With Massachusetts’ strong focus on energy codes, contractors specializing in high-performance homes and retrofits are growing. This requires skills in advanced framing, insulation detailing, and building science.

Hiring Trends: The market is competitive for mid-to-senior level talent. There’s a shortage of journeymen who can work independently and lead small crews. Entry-level positions are available, but employers increasingly want candidates with some vocational training or apprenticeship hours. Specialization—like finish carpentry, cabinetmaking, or restoration—is a major advantage.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs are never advertised online. Join local Facebook groups like "Lynn, MA Contractors and Trades" or "North Shore Construction Network." Word-of-mouth is everything in this industry. Showing up to a local supply house like Lumber Liquidators or Kennebec Lumber in Lynn and talking to the staff can lead to job leads.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has specific requirements for carpenters, especially if you’re moving from another state.

• State Licensing: Massachusetts does not have a state-issued license specifically for "carpenter" at the journeyman level. However, if you are doing any work over $1,000 in materials and labor, you need to be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) with the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR). This is a business license, not a skill certification.
• Apprenticeship: To become a journeyman, you typically complete a 4-year (8,000-hour) apprenticeship through a program like the New England Carpenters Training Fund (NECTF). This includes on-the-job training and classroom instruction. If you have experience from another state, you may be able to test out of some portions.
• Timeline & Costs:
  • Starting an Apprenticeship: You can apply to NECTF. There’s often a waitlist. The application process includes a math test and a physical aptitude test. Cost: While the training is often sponsored by unions (IBEW Local 67) or non-union partnerships, you may have to pay for tools, books, and testing fees (~$500 - $1,000 over the 4 years).
  • Testing for Journeyman: If you have experience, you can apply to take the journeyman carpenter exam. This is a written and practical test. Cost: Exam fees are around $100 - $150.
  • HIC Registration: Cost is $100 for a 2-year license.

Insider Tip: Even if you’re not in the union, completing a formal apprenticeship significantly boosts your credibility and earning potential in Massachusetts. Many non-union shops still recognize and pay for NECTF credentials.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live affects your commute to job sites (which can be all over the North Shore and greater Boston), your rent, and your lifestyle.

1. West Lynn (Fayette Street, Lynn Woods Area):

   • Vibe: Residential, more suburban feel. Easy access to Lynn Woods for hiking.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown Lynn, 20-25 to Boston. Good access to Route 128 and I-93.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,900 for a 1-BR.
   • Best For: Carpenters who work in Lynn, Saugus, or need quick highway access.

2. Downtown Lynn / Lynn Commons:

   • Vibe: Urban, walkable, with a growing arts and food scene. More apartment buildings.
   • Commute: Walking or biking to many local job sites. MBTA Commuter Rail to Boston (Lynn station).
   • Rent Estimate: $1,900 - $2,300 for a 1-BR.
   • Best For: Younger carpenters who want urban living and easy access to public transit for Boston-based projects.

3. Highlands:

   • Vibe: Historic, hilly, with stunning views of the ocean and city. Mix of single-family homes and apartments.
   • Commute: 10 minutes to downtown, 20-30 to Boston.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,800 - $2,200 for a 1-BR.
   • Best For: Those who appreciate architecture and want a quiet, established neighborhood.

4. Linden (near the Revere border):

   • Vibe: Working-class, very residential, close to beaches (Revere/Winthrop).
   • Commute: 15 minutes to downtown, 20 to Boston. Close to Route 1A and I-95.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,800 for a 1-BR (often more affordable).
   • Best For: Budget-conscious carpenters who want a short commute and beach access.

5. Saugus (Just North of Lynn):

   • Vibe: Suburban, family-oriented, with shopping plazas and parks.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to Lynn job sites, 25-30 to Boston.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $2,000 for a 1-BR.
   • Best For: Carpenters looking for more space, a quieter setting, and a slightly lower cost of living than Lynn proper.

Insider Tip: Traffic on Route 1 (Lynn Fells Parkway) and Route 129 can be brutal during rush hour. If you find a place, test the commute to your potential job sites at 7 AM and 4 PM before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 5% is modest, but your personal growth can be much faster. Here’s how to advance:

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Finish Carpenter/Cabinetmaker: High demand for quality work. Can command a 15-20% premium over general framing. You can make $70,000 - $85,000/year.
  • Historic Restoration Specialist: This is a niche with very high pay for expert-level work. Projects are less frequent but can pay $80,000 - $100,000+.
  • Lead Carpenter/Project Manager: Moving from hands-on work to managing projects, bids, and crews. This path leads to salaries over $80,000 and is common in larger residential and commercial firms.
  • Business Owner: Starting your own small carpentry business (LLC). This carries risk but offers the highest ceiling. A successful one-person operation can net $90,000 - $120,000 after expenses, but requires business acumen, marketing, and insurance.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Apprentice → Journeyman: Focus on mastering core skills.
  2. Journeyman → Lead Carpenter: Develop soft skills: communication, scheduling, problem-solving.
  3. Lead Carpenter → Project Manager/Superintendent: Learn estimating, client relations, and subcontractor management.
  4. Project Manager → Business Owner/Consultant: The entrepreneurial leap.

10-Year Outlook: The need for skilled tradespeople will remain strong as older carpenters retire. The 5% growth is baseline; the real opportunity lies in the high-skill, high-margin specialties. Green building, accessibility design (aging-in-place), and custom millwork are growth areas. The Boston metro’s constant development ensures a steady pipeline of work for those who are adaptable.

The Verdict: Is Lynn Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Solid Wages ($58,900 median) close to the national average.	High Cost of Living (111.6 index). Rent and taxes eat into take-home pay.
Steady Job Market (202 jobs, 5% growth). Diverse project types.	Buying a Home is difficult on a single carpenter's income.
Strategic Location for the entire North Shore and Boston metro.	Traffic can be a daily headache, especially on key routes.
Unique Specialties in historic and marine-related carpentry.	Competition for the best jobs is high; specialization is often required.
More Affordable Housing than Boston proper, with urban and suburban options.	Union vs. Non-Union Divide can create different pay scales and job stability.

Final Recommendation: Lynn is an excellent choice for a carpenter in the mid-to-senior level of their career who is looking to specialize or take on more lead roles. The median salary, while not extravagant, supports a comfortable rental lifestyle if you budget carefully. It’s not the best choice for a brand-new apprentice hoping to buy a home quickly, or for someone seeking the lowest cost of living.

If you are willing to live in a slightly more affordable neighborhood like Linden or West Lynn, and you focus on building a specialty (like finish carpentry or restoration), Lynn offers a realistic path to a stable, well-compensated career in a dynamic region. The key is to view it as a step up from lower-cost areas or a step into a more diverse market from Boston, not as a cheap alternative.

FAQs

1. I'm a carpenter from another state. How hard is it to find work in Lynn?
It’s manageable. Your biggest hurdle will be demonstrating your experience and getting any required local certifications (like OSHA 10/30, which is common on commercial sites). Start by contacting local construction firms and temp agencies like Aerotek or TradeWinds Services in Lynn. Having a portfolio of your past work is a huge plus.

**2. Is it