Carpenter in Quincy, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Quincy Stands

As a career analyst who’s spent years navigating Quincy’s job market, I can tell you straight: carpentry here is a solid, middle-class trade. The money is decent, the work is steady, and if you know where to look, you can build a lasting career. But let’s get specific with the numbers.

The median salary for a carpenter in Quincy is $58,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.32/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $56,920/year, which is what you’d expect for a high-cost-of-living area like Greater Boston. The metro area, which includes Quincy, has about 203 job openings for carpenters at any given time, and the field is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade—consistent with national trends, driven by continued housing demand and commercial development.

To give you a clearer picture of what to expect as you progress in your career, here’s a breakdown of salaries based on experience level. These are realistic estimates for the Quincy market, based on local job postings and industry chatter.

Experience Level	Years in Trade	Typical Annual Salary (Quincy)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$42,000 - $50,000	Basic framing, installing trim, assisting senior carpenters, material handling.
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$52,000 - $65,000	Reading blueprints, complex finish work, window/door installation, leading small crews.
Senior	5-10 years	$65,000 - $78,000	Project management, specialty work (e.g., custom cabinets), mentoring apprentices, estimating.
Expert/Specialist	10+ years	$78,000+	Foreman, master carpenter, business owner. Premium for niche skills like historic restoration.

How Quincy Compares to Other MA Cities:

• Boston: Higher median salary (approx. $62,000), but rent and cost of living are significantly higher. Commuting from Quincy to Boston is common for a pay bump.
• Worcester: Lower median salary (approx. $53,500), but a much lower cost of living. You get more house for your money, but fewer high-end residential and commercial projects.
• Springfield: Similar salary range to Worcester ($52,000-$56,000), with a lower cost of living. The job market is more focused on municipal and institutional work.
• Quincy’s Niche: Quincy sits in a sweet spot. You have access to Boston’s lucrative market without the extreme rental costs of the city proper. The local economy is a mix of high-end residential, healthcare construction, and infrastructure projects.

Insider Tip: Many Quincy-based carpenters work for companies that have contracts throughout the South Shore and Boston. This means your daily commute might vary, but you’re often paid a higher Boston-area rate. Always ask about travel pay and project locations during interviews.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s do the math. A $58,900 salary in Massachusetts translates to roughly $45,000 in annual take-home pay after federal and state taxes (including a 5% state income tax). That’s about $3,750 per month.

Now, let’s factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Quincy costs $2,377 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Carpenter Earning $58,900:

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,908
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions (25%): -$1,227
• Net Monthly Income: ~$3,681
• Average 1BR Rent: -$2,377
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Insurance, Savings: $1,304

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s challenging but not impossible. The median home price in Quincy is over $600,000. On a $58,900 salary, a mortgage payment would be a severe burden, likely exceeding 50% of your take-home pay. Industry standard suggests housing costs should be no more than 30% of your income. For homeownership on a carpenter's salary in Quincy, you would typically need:

1. A dual-income household.
2. A significant down payment (15-20%+).
3. One of the $78,000+ expert-level salaries.
4. A move to a more affordable neighboring town like Weymouth or Braintree.

Insider Tip: Many local carpenters live in multi-family homes (2-3 apartments) in Quincy, where renting out a unit can offset a significant portion of the mortgage. It’s a common strategy to enter the market.

Where the Jobs Are: Quincy's Major Employers

Quincy’s construction scene is dominated by a mix of large regional firms, specialized contractors, and smaller, family-run shops. Here are the key players you should know:

1. Shawmut Design and Construction: A national firm with a major Boston presence, but they handle high-profile projects in Quincy, especially in the healthcare and institutional sectors. They sub out lots of carpentry work, creating opportunities for skilled subcontractors. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on sustainable building practices.
2. Gilbane Building Company: Another giant in the Boston area. They’re involved in large-scale projects, like the ongoing redevelopment around Quincy Center and local hospital expansions (e.g., Boston Medical Center HealthNet facilities). Hiring Trend: Active in commercial and healthcare, seeking experienced journeymen.
3. The Beaumont Companies: A major local contractor specializing in healthcare, educational, and municipal projects across the South Shore. They have a strong reputation and are a direct employer for carpenters. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with a pipeline of public school and hospital renovations.
4. South Shore Custom Builders: A smaller, high-end residential firm based in the South Shore area. They focus on luxury homes and major renovations in neighborhoods like Wollaston and Merrymount. Hiring Trend: Niche but lucrative, seeking finish carpenters with an eye for detail.
5. Local Carpenter Unions (e.g., North Atlantic States Carpenters Union, Local 67): Union work in Quincy is strong, especially for large commercial and public projects. Union wages are typically at or above the median, with excellent benefits. Hiring Trend: Active. Joining the union requires an apprenticeship but provides a clear path to journeyman wages and pension benefits.
6. City of Quincy Public Works: The city itself is a major employer for carpenters, particularly for maintaining municipal buildings, parks, and infrastructure. Check the City of Quincy’s official job board. Hiring Trend: Stable, government-backed work with good benefits.
7. Quincy Medical Center (Part of Steward Health Care): While not a direct employer for carpenters, the ongoing maintenance and renovation work at major medical facilities is a constant source of contracted jobs. Hiring Trend: Steady demand for healthcare construction specialists.

Insider Tip: The Quincy Center redevelopment is a multi-decade project. Keep an eye on the "Quincy Center Master Plan" for upcoming commercial and residential construction tender notices.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has a clear but rigorous process for becoming a licensed construction supervisor, which is often a career goal for serious carpenters.

• For Carpenters (Employee): No state license is required to work as a carpenter for a licensed contractor. You simply need your skills and a strong work history.

• For Construction Supervisor License (CSL): This is the key license for anyone wanting to pull permits, run their own jobs, or supervise others. To get it, you need:

  1. Experience: 3 years of full-time experience in the construction trade.
  2. Education: Completion of a state-approved 10-hour OSHA safety course.
  3. Exam: Pass the state-administered CSL exam. The exam fee is $150.
  4. Application: Submit an application with proof of experience and course completion. The application fee is $250.

• Total Cost to Get CSL: ~$400 in fees, plus the cost of the OSHA course (typically $150-$300).

• Timeline: If you have 3+ years of experience, you can complete the OSHA course and study for the exam in 1-2 months. The application processing time with the state can take 4-6 weeks.

Specialty Licenses: For electrical or plumbing work, you need separate licenses. For pure carpentry, the CSL is your primary goal for advancement.

Insider Tip: Many carpenters in Quincy get their start through registered apprenticeship programs with the North Atlantic States Carpenters Union. This provides structured training, a path to a journeyman license, and often includes the CSL preparation.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live affects your commute, your lifestyle, and your budget. Here’s a neighborhood breakdown for a working carpenter in Quincy.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Carpenter Fit & Notes
Wollaston	Quiet, residential, near the T (Red Line). Family-friendly.	$2,200 - $2,500	Excellent for a family man. Easy commute to Boston jobs. Many single-family homes here, good for networking with homeowners.
Quincy Center	Urban, dense. Hub of public transit (Red Line, buses).	$2,400 - $2,700	Best for car-free living. Walk to tools stores, city hall jobs. Noisy; parking can be a nightmare for work trucks.
Merrymount	Upscale, quiet, tree-lined streets.	$2,500 - $2,800	Higher rents, but good for targeting high-end residential renovation clients. Less parking for work vehicles.
West Quincy	More affordable, mix of residential and industrial.	$2,000 - $2,300	Budget-friendly. Close to the industrial parks where many contractors are based. You might find a garage to rent for tool storage.
North Quincy	Younger, vibrant, great food scene. Direct Red Line access.	$2,300 - $2,600	Popular with younger tradespeople. Easy commute to Boston and Cambridge. Good for nightlife after a long day.

Insider Tip: If you have a work truck, prioritize neighborhoods like West Quincy or Wollaston where off-street parking is more common. In Quincy Center, you’ll spend an extra 30 minutes daily hunting for parking, which is unpaid labor.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 5% growth over 10 years is a baseline. Your personal growth can be much faster if you specialize.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Finish Carpenter: +10-15% above median. High demand for meticulous detail work.
  • Kitchen & Bath Installer: +15-20%. Specialized, high-margin work.
  • Historic Restoration: +20-30%. Requires specific knowledge of traditional techniques. Quincy has many historic homes (e.g., in the Merrymount neighborhood) that need expert care.
  • Green Building/Net-Zero: +10-15%. Growing field with tax incentives for homeowners.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Journeyman to Foreman: Move from hourly worker to project supervisor. $65,000 - $80,000.
  2. Foreman to Project Manager: Oversee multiple sites, work with architects, manage budgets. $80,000 - $100,000+.
  3. Start Your Own Business: The ultimate goal. A small, well-run carpentry business in Quincy can clear six figures, but it comes with the stress of marketing, insurance, and managing employees.

• 10-Year Outlook: The Quincy market will continue to be strong. The aging housing stock (average home age in Quincy is over 50 years) guarantees a steady stream of renovation work. The push for energy efficiency (Massachusetts has strong CEESP programs) will create demand for retrofit specialists. The commercial sector will remain stable, tied to the Boston metro economy.

Insider Tip: The single fastest way to boost your earnings is to get your CSL and start bidding small jobs on the side. Platforms like Nextdoor and local Facebook groups are goldmines for finding homeowners in need of reliable, licensed carpenters for smaller projects.

The Verdict: Is Quincy Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Access to Top-Tier Pay: Proximity to Boston means you can command higher wages than in more rural areas.	High Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are steep. Your $58,900 median salary goes less far here than in Worcester or Springfield.
Diverse Job Market: Work isn’t limited to residential. Healthcare, municipal, and commercial projects provide stability.	Competition: You’re competing with skilled tradespeople from all over Eastern MA. You need a strong reputation to stand out.
Good Public Transit: The Red Line means you can live car-free or reduce your commute, saving on gas and vehicle wear.	Parking & Logistics: For tradespeople with work trucks, parking is a major daily hassle in many neighborhoods.
Strong Union Presence: For those who prefer union work, Quincy has a robust local with good benefits and pensions.	Seasonal Fluctuations: New England winters can slow down outdoor projects, though interior work is year-round.

Final Recommendation:
Quincy is an excellent choice for a mid-career carpenter with 3-7 years of experience who is looking to level up. If you’re skilled, motivated, and willing to commute to Boston for the best jobs, you can build a financially stable and rewarding career here. It’s less ideal for a brand-new apprentice on a $42,000 starting salary, as the cost of living will be a heavy burden. For an expert carpenter ($78,000+) or a dual-income household, Quincy offers a fantastic blend of urban amenities, career opportunity, and a (relatively) manageable commute to the region’s economic engine.

FAQs

Q: Is it worth joining the carpenters union in Quincy?
A: For most people, yes. The union (Local 67) offers a structured apprenticeship, guaranteed wage progression (starting at ~$20/hr as an apprentice, moving to $35+/hr as a journeyman), excellent health insurance, and a pension. It’s a secure path, especially for residential and commercial work. The non-union path can be more lucrative for entrepreneurial types who start their own business.

Q: How do Quincy carpenter wages compare to the cost of living?
A: It’s a tight balance. The median salary of $58,900 is livable but requires careful budgeting. With average rent at $2,377/month, you’re spending over 60% of your net income on rent and taxes alone. You’ll need roommates or a partner to comfortably save and invest. However, as you move to senior roles ($65,000+), the balance improves significantly.

Q: What’s the best way to find carpentry jobs in Quincy?
A: Three main channels: 1) Direct with Employers: Check the websites of the major firms like Shawmut, Gilbane, and Beaumont. 2) Union Hiring Halls: If you join Local 67, you can get dispatched to jobs. 3) Networking: Join local Facebook groups like "Quincy, MA Contractors" or "South Shore Trade Network." Word-of-mouth is huge. Also, keep an eye on the City of Quincy’s official job board for public works positions.

Q: Do I need a car if I move to Quincy as a carpenter?
A: It depends on your work. If you work union jobs on large Boston sites, you might be able to take the T. However, most non-union and smaller company work requires you to drive to job sites throughout the South Shore and Boston suburbs. Having a reliable truck or van is as essential as your tools. Parking is a headache, but it’s a necessary part of the trade here.

Q: Is there work for carpenters year-round?
A: Yes, but it’s a mix. Outdoor work (framing, decks) slows or stops in the winter. However, interior work—kitchen remodels, finish carpentry, commercial fit-outs—continues year-round. Many carpenters use the winter months for maintenance, tool sharpening, and bidding on spring projects. A good reputation for reliability during the slow season can set you up for a busy spring.