Carpenter in Pawtucket, RI

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Carpenters considering a move to Pawtucket, RI.

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The Salary Picture: Where Pawtucket Stands

If you're a carpenter heading to Pawtucket, the first thing to know is that you're landing in a market that’s stable, consistent, and tied closely to the broader Rhode Island and Southern New England economy. We’re not talking about the boom-and-bust cycles you might see in Sun Belt cities; this is a steady‑gig market with a strong union presence and a lot of old‑stock housing that always needs work.

The median salary for a Carpenter in Pawtucket is $57,073 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.44. This is a hair above the national average of $56,920, which is notable given the moderate cost of living here. In a high-cost metro like Boston or New York, that median might be higher, but so is the cost of everything else. Pawtucket sits in that sweet spot where your paycheck stretches further than it does in downtown Providence.

Let’s break it down by experience level. These are typical ranges you’ll see from local firms and unions like the New England Carpenters Local 330.

Experience-Level Pay in Pawtucket

Experience Level	Typical Years	Hourly Rate (Approx.)	Yearly Salary (Approx.)
Entry-Level	0-2	$20 - $24	$41,600 - $49,920
Mid-Level	3-7	$25 - $30	$52,000 - $62,400
Senior	8-15	$31 - $38	$64,480 - $79,040
Expert/Foreman	15+	$39 - $45+	$81,120 - $93,600+

How Pawtucket Compares to Other RI Cities:

• Providence: Median is typically 5-10% higher, especially for commercial and custom work. However, commuting from Pawtucket is easy (15-20 minutes via I-95), so you can chase higher pay without relocating.
• Cranston/Warwick: Very similar to Pawtucket, with a slight edge in residential renovation work. Commuting is less direct, but the job pool is large.
• Newport: Higher median pay (often 10-15% above Pawtucket), but the cost of living is significantly higher, especially for housing. The work is often historic preservation and luxury custom builds.
• Woonsocket: Slightly lower median pay, but a very short commute if you live in northern Pawtucket.

Insider Tip: The biggest factor in your earnings here isn’t just the company; it’s whether you’re working union or non‑union. The New England Carpenters Local 330 has a strong foothold in Pawtucket and the surrounding area. Their total package (wages + benefits) can be a game‑changer, especially for health insurance and retirement. Non‑union shops might offer a slightly higher starting cash wage but less long‑term stability and benefits.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get realistic. A median salary looks good on paper, but you need to know what it means for your daily life. Pawtucket’s cost of living index is 100.9, just a sliver above the national average of 100. The main driver is housing, with the average 1BR rent sitting at $1,362/month.

Let’s run the numbers for a Carpenter earning the median $57,073/year.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Gross: $57,073 / $4,756/month)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,756	Before taxes
Taxes (Fed, State, FICA)	~$1,050	Approx. 22% effective rate
Net Take-Home Pay	$3,706
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,362	Can be lower in some areas
Utilities (Elec, Heat, Water)	$250	Winter heating can spike this
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Essential in this city
Groceries & Household	$450
Fuel (Commuting)	$200
Discretionary/ Savings	$1,044	Left for savings, debt, fun

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, but it requires discipline. The median home price in Pawtucket is roughly $320,000 - $350,000. With a 5% down payment ($16k - $17.5k), you’re looking at a mortgage of around $2,200/month (including taxes & insurance). On a $57,073 salary, that’s about 57% of your net income, which is too high for most lenders’ comfort.

The Path to Ownership: You’ll need to earn more than the median. A senior carpenter ($75,000+) or a foreman ($85,000+) is in a much better position. Pair that with a strong down payment (20% to avoid PMI), and homeownership becomes very attainable. Many local tradespeople buy in Pawtucket’s working-class neighborhoods like Darlington or Fairlawn, where you can still find single-family homes under $300k.

Where the Jobs Are: Pawtucket's Major Employers

Pawtucket’s economy is a mix of historic preservation, light industry, and residential services. The jobs are there, but you need to know where to look. The job market for carpenters in the metro area shows about 150 positions at any given time, which is healthy for a city of this size.

1. The New England Carpenters Local 330 (Union Hall): The single most important resource. They dispatch members to project-based work across the city and region. Projects range from the ongoing renovations at the historic Slater Mill complex to commercial builds in the I-95 corridor. Hiring Trend: Steady demand, with a push for apprentices. If you’re not a member, this is your first stop.

2. S&F Contracting (Lincoln, RI - 10 min commute): A major regional contractor specializing in commercial and institutional work. They frequently handle projects for the state, schools, and hospitals. They have a strong reputation and often hire from the local labor pool. Hiring Trend: Consistent growth, looking for skilled journeymen for large-scale projects.

3. Garden City Woodworking (Cranston, RI - 15 min commute): A custom millwork and cabinetry shop that does high-end residential and commercial work. This is a great option for carpenters who prefer shop work over job sites. Precision and finish carpentry skills are a must. Hiring Trend: Stable, with occasional openings for experienced finish carpenters.

4. Local Residential Builders & Renovation Firms: Pawtucket has a thriving stock of older homes (1920s-1950s) that need constant updating. Companies like Allied Building Contractors and smaller, owner-operated firms are always looking for reliable carpenters for kitchen remodels, additions, and window replacements. Hiring Trend: High demand in spring and summer; networking and word-of-mouth are key here.

5. Butler Hospital (Providence, 10 min commute): A major psychiatric hospital that maintains a large in-house facilities team. Their carpenters handle everything from office build-outs to patient room modifications. These are union (AFSCME) positions with excellent benefits and job security. Hiring Trend: Very low turnover; openings are rare but do happen.

6. Pawtucket Public Schools: The district employs maintenance carpenters to keep 15+ school buildings in order. This is a municipal job with a pension, great hours (summers off, holidays), and a focus on repairs and small projects rather than new construction. Hiring Trend: Slow but steady; watch the city’s civil service job postings.

Insider Tip: Don’t just apply online. Walk into the union hall on a Tuesday morning. Go to the local lumber yard (like Pawtucket Supply) and talk to the counter staff—they know who’s hiring. The best jobs in this town are often filled by the guy who showed up in person with his tool belt and a good attitude.

Getting Licensed in RI

Rhode Island is straightforward with its licensing, but it’s mandatory. You cannot work as a Journeyman Carpenter without being registered with the state.

State-Specific Requirements:

• Journeyman Carpenter: To work independently or as a lead, you need to be registered with the RI Department of Labor and Training (DLT). This requires:
  • 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (typically 4 years).
  • Completion of an approved apprenticeship program (like the one through the New England Carpenters Training Fund) OR verification of hours from a licensed contractor.
  • Passing a state-approved exam.
• Contractor’s License (for business owners): Requires being a registered Journeyman, plus proof of insurance, a $10,000 surety bond, and passing the business/law exam.
• Costs:
  • Journeyman Registration: $100 (approx., check DLT for current fees).
  • Apprenticeship Program: Often free or low-cost for union members; non-union apprentices may pay for materials (~$500-$1,000 total).
  • Contractor License: $250 application fee + bond costs.
• Timeline to Get Started:
  • If you have experience: Gather your hours from previous employers. Get them notarized and submit to the DLT. You can be working as a registered apprentice or journeyman within 2-4 weeks of application.
  • If you’re starting fresh: Enroll in an apprenticeship. You’ll work full-time (earning a wage) while attending classes. It’s a 4-year commitment, but you graduate debt-free with a Journeyman’s card.

Insider Tip: The RI DLT website is your friend. Also, call the local union training center. They can often fast-track your hour verification if you’ve worked on union jobs in another state. Don’t skip the legal paperwork—working unregistered can lead to fines and make you unemployable at reputable firms.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live affects your commute, your lifestyle, and your housing costs. Here’s a breakdown for a working carpenter.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It’s a Fit for a Carpenter
Darlington	Historic, working-class, tight-knit. 10 min to downtown, 15 to I-95.	$1,100 - $1,300	Affordable single-family homes. Great for a family. Easy access to the Blackstone River bike path for weekend rides.
Fairlawn	Quiet, residential, some newer builds. 10 min to downtown, 15 to I-95.	$1,200 - $1,400	Mix of rentals and starter homes. Close to shopping plazas. Good for those who want a suburban feel without the commute.
Downtown/Pawtucket Ave	Urban, walkable, transforming. 5 min to Providence line, 10 to I-95.	$1,300 - $1,600	Loft-style apartments in old mills. Best for those who want nightlife and to minimize driving. Close to union hall.
Oak Hill (North of I-95)	Suburban, family-oriented. 15-20 min to Providence, 5 min to I-95.	$1,400 - $1,700	Higher rent, but larger homes and yards. Good school district. A popular choice for established tradespeople with families.
Valley Falls (Edge)	Border of Pawtucket/Cumberland. Quiet, more rural feel. 20 min to Providence, 10 to I-95.	$1,150 - $1,350	More space for the money. If you have a workshop or need storage for tools, this is a great area to look at.

Insider Tip: If you rely on public transit, stick to the Downtown or Fairlawn areas along the bus routes. If you have a work truck with ladders and a full bed of tools, Darlington or Valley Falls offer driveways and garages that downtown lofts lack.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A Carpenter’s career in Pawtucket isn’t just about hammering nails; it’s about specialization and leadership. The 10-year job growth for carpenters in the metro area is 5%, which is in line with national trends—steady, not explosive. The key to growth is moving beyond general framing.

Specialty Premiums:

• Finish Carpentry & Cabinetmaking: +$5 to $8/hour over general carpentry. High demand for custom work in the many historic homes.
• Commercial/Industrial Carpentry: Often tied to union scale, with excellent benefits. The pay is steady, and the projects are large-scale.
• Historic Preservation: A niche but growing field in RI, with work on mills and historic buildings. Specialists can command premium rates.
• Lead Abatement & Safety: Additional certifications (like EPA RRP) make you valuable for renovation work on older homes built before 1978.

Advancement Paths:

1. Journeyman to Foreman: You’ll manage a small crew, order materials, and handle client communication. This adds $10k-$20k to your salary.
2. Foreman to Superintendent: Overseeing multiple job sites for a larger contractor. Requires deep knowledge of scheduling, budgets, and codes.
3. Start Your Own Business: The logical step for many. As a licensed contractor, you set your rates and choose your projects. This carries risk but offers the highest earning potential. Many local contractors start by specializing in a niche like kitchen remodels or bathroom renovations.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain steady. The aging housing stock (40% of Pawtucket homes were built before 1940) guarantees a constant need for repair and renovation. The push for energy efficiency and accessibility (aging-in-place modifications) will create new niches. The biggest opportunity? Learning to integrate modern building science (air sealing, insulation) with traditional carpentry skills.

The Verdict: Is Pawtucket Right for You?

Pawtucket is a practical choice for a carpenter who values stability, community, and a reasonable cost of living over the flash of a major metropolis. It’s a city built on hard work, and it rewards skilled tradespeople.

Pros and Cons for a Carpenter

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Steady demand from both residential and commercial sectors.	Winters Can Be Harsh: Snow and cold can delay outdoor projects and impact income.
Reasonable Cost of Living: Your dollar goes further than in Boston or NYC.	Limited High-End Custom Market: Compared to Newport or Boston, fewer ultra-luxury projects.
Strong Union Presence: Good benefits and training opportunities through Local 330.	Traffic Congestion: I-95 can be a bottleneck during rush hour, even for short commutes.
Proximity to Providence: Easy access to a larger city’s amenities and job market.	Building Codes: RI has its own quirks; learning local codes is essential.
Historic Architecture: Offers interesting, varied work that you won’t find in new subdivisions.	Old Housing Stock: Can mean dealing with lead paint, asbestos, and structural surprises.

Final Recommendation: Pawtucket is an excellent choice for a carpenter at the mid-career stage (3-10 years experience) who is looking to put down roots. It’s perfect for someone who wants to own a home, work on diverse and interesting projects, and be part of a tight-knit trade community. If you’re an entry-level apprentice, the union’s training program here is a solid launchpad. If you’re a top-tier specialist seeking the highest possible rates, you might look to Boston or NYC, but you’ll sacrifice quality of life and take-home pay.

FAQs

1. I’m not union. Can I still find good work in Pawtucket?
Absolutely. While the union has a strong presence, there is a robust market for non-union carpentry, especially in residential renovation and small commercial work. Many successful local contractors are non-union. The key is building a reputation for reliability and quality. Your first step should be connecting with local lumber yards and hardware stores—they are hubs of information.

2. How do I verify my out-of-state hours for RI licensing?
Contact the RI Department of Labor and Training (DLT) directly. You’ll need to submit notarized letters from previous employers detailing your hours, job duties, and dates. If your previous state had a formal apprenticeship program, provide that documentation. The DLT will review and issue a determination. It’s best to start this process before you move.

3. What’s the best way to find a place to rent with a work truck?
Look for rentals in Darlington, Fairlawn, or Valley Falls. These areas have more single-family homes and duplexes with driveways