Carpenter in Memphis, TN

The Salary Picture: Where Memphis Stands

As a native Memphian who's watched this city's construction scene evolve from the post-WWII boom to the current downtown revival, I can tell you that carpentry here is a solid trade. The median salary for a carpenter in the Memphis metro is $55,622/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.74/hour. This is slightly below the national average of 56,920/year, but the lower cost of living makes your paycheck stretch further.

The job market is stable, with approximately 1,237 carpenter positions in the metro area. Over the past decade, the field has shown a steady 5% job growth, which is respectable given the economic cycles Memphis has weathered. This growth is driven by both new construction and a robust renovation market, especially in older neighborhoods like Midtown and the emerging areas like the Pinch District.

Here’s how pay typically breaks down by experience level in our market. Note that these are local estimates based on industry surveys and job postings.

Experience Level	Typical Memphis Salary Range	Key Factors in Pay
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$38,000 - $45,000	Apprentice status, working under a journeyman, focus on residential framing.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$48,000 - $62,000	Journeyman license, ability to read blueprints, manage small crews.
Senior/Lead (8-15 years)	$60,000 - $75,000+	Master Carpenter status, project management, specialized skills (e.g., historical restoration).
Expert/Foreman (15+ years)	$70,000 - $85,000+	Running large commercial jobs, estimating, complex custom work.

How Memphis Compares to Other Tennessee Cities:

• Nashville: Salaries are higher, often 10-15% above Memphis, but the cost of living (especially rent) is dramatically higher. Competition is also fiercer.
• Knoxville: Very similar to Memphis in both salary and cost of living. Strong market tied to the University of Tennessee and regional growth.
• Chattanooga: Slightly lower salaries than Memphis, but a booming construction sector and a vibrant downtown scene make it attractive.
• Statewide: Memphis ranks in the middle of Tennessee's major metros for carpenter pay, but its affordability is a major edge.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. Using the median salary of $55,622/year, here’s a breakdown for a single carpenter living in Memphis.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pre-Tax):

• Gross Monthly Income: ~$4,635
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$1,050 (approx. 22.6% effective rate)
• Net Monthly Income: ~$3,585

Housing & Core Expenses:

• Average 1BR Rent: $1,146/month (This can range from $900 in areas like Raleigh to $1,500+ in East Memphis or Downtown).
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet): $200 - $300
• Groceries: $300 - $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $400 - $600 (Memphis is a car-dependent city; public transit is limited).
• Health Insurance (if not employer-provided): $250 - $400
• Miscellaneous (Tools, Clothing, Entertainment): $300

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
With a net monthly income of ~$3,585, a mortgage is feasible, but it requires discipline. The median home price in Memphis is around $215,000. A 20% down payment ($43,000) is a significant hurdle, but many local programs (like Tennessee Housing Development Agency loans) offer lower down payment options for first-time buyers.

With a $172,000 mortgage at 6.5% interest, your monthly payment (PITI) would be approximately $1,300 - $1,450. This is manageable on a single income of $55,622, leaving ~$2,135 for other expenses. However, building savings for a down payment while renting is the primary challenge. Many Memphis carpenters I know buy homes in stable, affordable neighborhoods like Bartlett, Cordova, or parts of Southeast Memphis once they've been in the trade for 5-10 years.

Where the Jobs Are: Memphis's Major Employers

The Memphis construction market is a mix of large commercial firms, specialized residential builders, and a thriving network of subcontractors. Here are key employers to target:

1. Looney Ricks Kiss Architects (LRK): While primarily an architectural firm, they oversee major urban development projects (like the Crosstown Concourse and downtown revitalization). They hire carpenters for high-end custom work and historical preservation projects. These are competitive, portfolio-driven jobs.

2. Burchenal Custom Builders: A premier custom home builder in the East Memphis/Collierville area. They focus on luxury homes and are known for quality craftsmanship. A job here is a resume-builder and offers exposure to complex, high-end projects.

3. Baker Residential: A major player in the local multi-family and single-family development market. They are consistently hiring for framing, finishing, and site supervision roles across the metro, from downtown apartments to suburban subdivisions.

4. Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA): As the operator of Memphis International Airport (a major cargo hub), MSCAA has ongoing facility maintenance and expansion projects. These are often union (IBEW or Carpenters Union) positions with excellent benefits and job security.

5. Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare / Regional One Health: Major hospital systems in Memphis have continuous facility maintenance, renovation, and new construction projects. These roles are stable, offer good benefits, and often require a focus on healthcare-specific codes and clean-room standards.

6. Local Subcontracting Firms: The backbone of the trade. Companies like C & C Construction (commercial) or Bartlett Construction (residential) are always looking for skilled journeymen. Insider Tip: Get on the list with 3-4 reputable subcontractors. They often call each other for overflow work, and your reputation is your best credential.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable shift toward multi-family and mixed-use developments (e.g., the South Junction and South Bluffs projects). There's also a high demand for carpenters with renovation and adaptive reuse skills due to the city's historic building stock. Commercial work is steady, driven by logistics and healthcare expansion.

Getting Licensed in TN

Tennessee has a streamlined but mandatory licensing process for journeyman and master carpenters, overseen by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.

• Journeyman Carpenter License:

  • Requirement: You need to complete 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training under a licensed journeyman/master carpenter or through an approved apprenticeship program. There is no formal state exam for a journeyman license itself; it's primarily about documenting your work experience.
  • Cost: Minimal. The main cost is the application fee, which is approximately $150. The real "cost" is the time invested in training.
  • Timeline: 4 years of documented work. You can start earning as an apprentice immediately, but full journeyman status (and its higher pay) comes after this period.

• Master Carpenter License (or Contractor License for your own business):

  • Requirement: Requires at least 5 years of experience as a journeyman. For a Contractor's License (required to pull permits for jobs over $25,000), you must pass a state exam covering business, law, and trade knowledge.
  • Cost: Exam fee ($250), license fee ($200). Total initial cost ~$450. You'll also need to secure a surety bond (often $10,000-$25,000) if starting your own company.
  • Timeline: 5+ years total. Exam preparation can take 1-3 months, plus processing time for the license.

Recommendation: Start by securing an apprenticeship with a local contractor or through a union program (like the Mid-South Carpenters Training Center). They handle the documentation and provide structured training, which is invaluable.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here's a local's guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Carpenters
Cordova	Suburban, family-friendly. 25-30 min commute to downtown via I-40.	$1,100 - $1,300	Affordable homes, great school districts. Close to major residential construction zones (new subdivisions).
Bartlett	Quiet, established suburb. 20-25 min commute to most job sites.	$1,000 - $1,250	Very affordable, strong community. Lots of single-family home renovation projects.
Midtown	Urban, eclectic, walkable. 10-15 min commute to downtown.	$1,200 - $1,500	Proximity to high-end custom home builds and historic renovations. Better city amenities.
Southeast Memphis (Near the Airport)	Industrial/Commercial, less residential. 15-20 min commute to downtown.	$900 - $1,150	Close to major commercial job sites (MSCAA, logistics hubs). Lower rent.
Downtown / South Main	Vibrant, tourist-heavy, expensive. 5-10 min commute to most central jobs.	$1,400 - $1,800	Prime location for commercial and luxury residential work, but rent is high. Best for senior carpenters or dual-income households.

Insider Tip: Many carpenters live in the suburbs (Cordova, Bartlett) for affordability and commute to jobs in Midtown or downtown. The traffic on I-40 and I-240 can be heavy during rush hour, so factor that into your decision.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career path in Memphis can branch out in several lucrative directions:

• Specialty Premiums: Certain skills command higher pay:

  • Historical Restoration: With Memphis's rich stock of historic buildings (e.g., in the Victorian Village, Midtown), specialists can earn 15-20% above the median.
  • Formwork & Concrete Carpentry: Essential for commercial projects (like the new St. Jude expansions). This is physical work but pays well due to demand.
  • Finish Carpentry/Cabinetmaking: High-end residential and commercial interiors. Requires precision and an artistic eye.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Foreman: Move from tools to management, overseeing a crew. Pay jumps to the senior level ($60,000 - $75,000).
  2. Project Manager: For those with strong organizational skills. Often requires additional certification (like a CAPM) but can push salaries to $80,000+.
  3. Business Owner: Starting your own carpentry or remodeling company. The ceiling is high, but so is the risk. Memphis's growing market supports many small, reputable firms.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth projection is conservative. The real growth will be in sustainable building practices and aging-in-place modifications for the city's older population. Carpenters who learn energy-efficient techniques and universal design will be in high demand. The continued investment in downtown and the medical district (St. Jude, Regional One) ensures a steady pipeline of commercial work.

The Verdict: Is Memphis Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here than in Nashville or Austin.	Lower Ceiling on Pay: Salaries are below the national average; you'll need to specialize or manage to reach top earnings.
Stable Job Market: Diverse economy (logistics, healthcare) buffers against downturns.	Car-Dependent City: You need a reliable vehicle; public transit is not a viable option for most commutes.
Strong Local Network: A tight-knit trade community where reputation matters and word-of-mouth is powerful.	High Poverty & Crime Rates: Some areas require careful neighborhood research for safety and property security.
Variety of Work: From historic renovations to modern medical facilities, the project diversity is high.	Weather Challenges: Hot, humid summers and occasional severe storms can impact outdoor work schedules.

Final Recommendation:
Memphis is an excellent choice for carpenters at the mid-level and beyond who prioritize affordability and a stable, diverse job market over high-end salaries. It’s ideal for those who want to buy a home within a reasonable timeframe and value a strong local trade community. It's less ideal for apprentices seeking the highest starting pay or for those who prefer a city with robust public transit. If you're willing to specialize and build a reputation, the long-term career potential here is solid and sustainable.

FAQs

1. Do I need a union card to get work in Memphis?
No, it's not required. The majority of residential and small commercial work is non-union. However, for large commercial projects (especially at the airport, hospitals, and downtown), being a member of the Mid-South Carpenters Union can provide access to these high-profile jobs, better benefits, and defined pension plans.

2. What's the best way to find my first carpentry job in Memphis?
Start by contacting local contractors directly. Many don't post on big job boards. Visit the Memphis Home Builders Association website for a list of member contractors. Also, check with the Carpenters Training Center about apprenticeship openings. Walking onto a job site (during non-rush hours) with a resume and a good attitude can sometimes work, but calling the office is more professional.

3. How competitive is the market for new carpenters?
It's moderately competitive for entry-level positions, but there's a real shortage of skilled journeymen and master carpenters. If you have 3+ years of documented experience and a clean work record, you will find work quickly. Showing up on time, drug-free, and with a basic set of tools is half the battle.

4. Is the humidity a problem for carpentry work?
Yes, it can be. Memphis summers are hot and humid, which affects wood (causing expansion/contraction) and can be grueling physically. Most projects schedule demanding outdoor work for spring and fall. Indoor work (framing, finishing) year-round is common. Acclimating to the climate is part of the job.

5. What's the outlook for self-employment?
Good, if you have a business plan. Memphis has many older homes ripe for renovation and a growing population of new homeowners. The key is building a strong local reputation through quality work and referrals. Start small, get licensed as a contractor, and consider partnering with a local realtor who specializes in older homes. The low cost of living means you can sustain a business here with a smaller client base than in more expensive cities.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, Memphis-Shelby County Mayor's Office, Local Market Reports (CoStar, Zillow), and industry insights from the Memphis Home Builders Association.