Carpenter in Round Rock, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Round Rock Stands

As a local who’s spent years watching the construction boom along I-35 and in the master-planned communities like Teravista and Kalida Woods, I can tell you that Round Rock offers a solid, if not spectacular, wage for carpenters. The numbers tell the story. The median salary for carpenters here is $56,510/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.17/hour. This is just a hair below the national average of $56,920/year, meaning Round Rock’s cost of living adjustment is working in your favor. With a metro population of 131,735 and only 263 carpenter jobs in the metro area, this isn’t a sprawling metropolis like Houston or Dallas. It’s a tight-knit market where reputation and reliability are currency.

For context on the local economy, the 10-year job growth projection is 5%. This is modest, reflecting a stable market rather than a frantic boom. You’ll find work, but it won’t be as easy to jump between companies as it might be in a faster-growing city. The key here is finding the right niche—whether that’s high-end custom homes in the Avery Ranch area or commercial finish-out work for the tech companies spilling over from Austin.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level in this specific market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Round Rock)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$42,000 - $48,000	Expect to start on framing crews or as a helper. You'll be learning local building codes and material suppliers.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$54,000 - $62,000	This is where you'll likely land at the median of $56,510. You can work independently on remodels or as a lead on a production home crew.
Senior/Lead Carpenter (8-15 yrs)	$63,000 - $75,000	Specialized skills (custom cabinetry, complex trim work) command a premium. You might be a foreman on a small crew.
Expert/Supervisor (15+ yrs)	$76,000+	Running your own small business, managing projects for a high-end builder, or consulting. This is the path to the highest earnings.

When you compare Round Rock to other Texas cities, the picture becomes clearer. While Austin's median salary might be 10-15% higher, the rent and cost of living are significantly steeper. In San Antonio or Houston, salaries might be similar, but the job market is larger and more diverse. Round Rock offers a "Goldilocks" scenario for a carpenter: a strong wage relative to the local cost of living, in a city that’s professional but still has a small-town feel.

Insider Tip: The $27.17/hour figure is your baseline. The best way to exceed this is to get certified in energy-efficient building techniques (like those promoted by the City of Round Rock’s green building program) or to specialize in a high-demand area like accessibility modifications for aging homeowners—a growing need in a community with many established neighborhoods.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. Earning the median salary of $56,510 sounds good on paper, but what does it mean for your daily life in Round Rock? We need to account for Texas’s lack of state income tax (a significant benefit) and the local housing costs.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single carpenter earning the median salary. We’ll use the provided average 1BR rent of $1,635 and a Cost of Living Index of 97.6 (meaning it’s 2.4% cheaper than the U.S. average).

Monthly Budget for a Carpenter @ $56,510/year ($4,709/month gross)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$4,709	Based on $56,510 annual salary, divided by 12.
Taxes & Deductions	~$850	Federal taxes, FICA (7.65%), and potential health insurance premiums. Texas has no state income tax.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$3,859	This is your "in-the-pocket" money.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,635	This is the city-wide average. It can range from $1,400 to over $2,000 depending on location.
Utilities	$250	Electricity (high in TX summers), water, internet.
Transportation	$450	Car payment, insurance, gas, maintenance. Essential in Round Rock; public transit is limited.
Groceries & Essentials	$400	For a single person.
Healthcare (out-of-pocket)	$200	If not fully covered by employer.
Discretionary/Savings	$924	This is your buffer for debt, savings, entertainment, and tools.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the big question. With a net take-home of ~$3,859 and a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) likely starting around $1,800-$2,200 for a modest $300,000 home, it’s tight but possible, especially with a dual-income household. The mortgage payment alone would consume nearly 50% of your net take-home, which is above the recommended 30% rule. It’s feasible with discipline and a strong down payment, but many single carpenters at this income level choose to rent or buy a condo/townhouse first. The key is the $924 discretionary fund—if you can keep expenses low and save aggressively for a down payment, homeownership is within reach in 3-5 years.

Where the Jobs Are: Round Rock's Major Employers

The job market for carpenters in Round Rock is not dominated by one single employer but by a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial players. With only 263 jobs in the metro, networking is critical. Here are the key local employers and hiring trends you should know:

1. D.R. Horton & Lennar: These national production builders have massive footprints in Round Rock’s master-planned communities (Avery Ranch, Teravista, Kalida Woods). They hire for framing, finishing, and punch-out crews. Hiring is steady but cyclical, tied to mortgage rates. Trend: They’re increasingly using pre-fabricated components, so experience with panelized walls or SIPs is a plus.
2. Local Custom Home Builders (e.g., Kissing Camels, Amador Homes): These smaller, high-end builders are the source for the best-paying carpentry work. They look for finish carpenters with impeccable craftsmanship. Trend: They are busier than ever as Austinites move north for more space. Getting in requires a strong portfolio and personal referrals.
3. Commercial Contractors (e.g., DPR Construction, Harvey-Cleary Builders): These firms handle the commercial build-outs for the tech companies and medical offices in the Round Rock/Georgetown corridor. Work includes interior framing, drywall, and millwork. Trend: Steady growth driven by the expansion of Dell Technologies and the new Samsung semiconductor plant in Taylor (30 mins east).
4. Round Rock ISD Facilities Department: The school district employs in-house maintenance carpenters for repairs, modifications, and new construction projects. This offers stable, salaried employment with benefits. Trend: Aging infrastructure (schools built in the 80s/90s) guarantees ongoing maintenance work.
5. Local Remodeling Companies (e.g., Case Design/Remodeling, local independents): Kitchen and bath remodels are a constant. These companies need skilled carpenters who can work in occupied homes with minimal disruption. Trend: High demand for aging-in-place modifications and energy-efficient upgrades (window/door installation).
6. Industrial/Warehousing (Amazon, Tesla, etc.): While not traditional carpentry, these massive facilities in the region (especially in nearby Hutto and Taylor) hire for maintenance and repair carpentry roles to keep their logistics centers running. Trend: A growing source of stable, industrial-focused carpentry jobs.

Insider Tip: The Austin branch of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Central Texas Chapter is your best resource for networking and finding non-union job leads in the region. Many local employers post openings there first.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas is a “no license” state for residential carpenters. This means you can legally work as a carpenter without a state-issued journeyman or master carpenter license. However, this doesn’t mean there are no requirements.

• For General Carpentry: You don’t need a state license. However, if you form a business (LLC, etc.), you will need to register with the Texas Secretary of State and obtain a Texas Tax ID and any local business licenses from the City of Round Rock.
• For Structural Work: If you are performing structural work on a residential property, you may need a Residential Building Contractor license if the project value exceeds a certain threshold (varies by municipality; check with the City of Round Rock Development Services Department). It’s always safest to consult with the city.
• Specialty Licenses: If you plan to do electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work as part of your carpentry services, you must hold the respective state licenses from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
• Costs & Timeline: Obtaining a Residential Building Contractor license (if needed) can cost $250-$500 in application fees, plus the cost of a surety bond (typically $2,500-$10,000). The process can take 2-4 months. For most solo carpenters, focusing on liability insurance ($1M policy for ~$800-$1,200/year) is more critical than a license.

Insider Tip: Even without a license, carrying general liability insurance is non-negotiable. Most reputable clients and employers will require proof of insurance before hiring you. It protects you and your assets from job-site accidents.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live in Round Rock will directly impact your commute, your lifestyle, and your budget. Here are four neighborhoods that offer a good balance for a working carpenter:

1. Avery Ranch: This master-planned community in the west side of Round Rock is where many new construction crews work. You can often find a 1BR apartment for ~$1,500-$1,700/month. The pros: short commute to major builders, lots of amenities (golf, pools). The cons: it can feel a bit cookie-cutter, and traffic on RR 620 can be heavy.
2. Downtown Round Rock (Historic District): Living here means a 5-10 minute commute to most job sites. You’ll find older apartments and some rental houses. A 1BR might cost $1,400-$1,800. The vibe is walkable, with local restaurants and bars. It’s ideal if you work for a local remodeler or custom builder. Parking your work truck can be a challenge, however.
3. Forest Creek: Located in the southeast, this is an established neighborhood with a mix of older homes and some new infill. Rents are similar to the city average ($1,600-$1,800). The big advantage is its proximity to major employers like Dell and the Round Rock Premium Outlets. Commute to most job sites is a quick 10-minute drive.
4. Teravista: Another large master-planned community on the Georgetown border. It’s popular with young families and has a strong sense of community. Rents for 1BRs are in the $1,550-$1,750 range. If you’re working on new construction in the northern part of the metro, this is a prime location. Be prepared for a slightly longer commute to southern job sites.

Insider Tip: Avoid the areas immediately along I-35 for residential living if you can. The noise and traffic are significant. Look for neighborhoods with good access to US-79 or RR 620 for easier job-site hopping.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 5% 10-year job growth is a realistic forecast, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Growth for you personally can be much faster if you specialize. In Round Rock’s market, here’s where you can command a premium:

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Finish Carpentry & Custom Millwork: +$5-$10/hour over base rate. High-end homes and commercial tenant improvements are full of built-ins, complex trim, and cabinetry.
  • Green Building/NET Zero Experience: +$3-$7/hour. Builders targeting energy-efficient certifications (like LEED or Austin Energy Green Building) pay more for carpenters who understand air sealing, advanced framing, and insulation detailing.
  • Accessibility/Universal Design: +$3-$5/hour. With an aging population, modifying homes for accessibility (wider doorways, zero-entry showers) is a growing, recession-proof niche.
  • Project Management: For those who move beyond the hammer, a Project Manager role can push salaries into the $75,000-$90,000 range, combining carpentry knowledge with scheduling and client communication.

Advancement Paths:

1. Path A (The Entrepreneur): Start as a helper -> become a journeyman -> start a small specialty business (e.g., "Round Rock Custom Decks & Fences"). The ceiling is high, but so is the risk.
2. Path B (The Corporate): Helper -> Lead Carpenter -> Superintendent for a production builder. This path offers steady raises, benefits, and a clearer corporate ladder.
3. Path C (The Niche Expert): Focus on one high-value skill (e.g., historical home restoration, timber framing, high-end cabinet making). Become the go-to person in the region for that work. You can set your own rates.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain steady. The key threat is automation (e.g., CNC machines for cabinets) and the increasing use of pre-fab materials. The carpenters who thrive will be those who focus on problem-solving, custom work, and client relationships—things machines can’t replicate. The growth from 263 jobs will likely be in these specialized areas, not in general framing.

The Verdict: Is Round Rock Right for You?

This isn't a city of wild opportunity or crushing competition. It's a stable, professional market with a high quality of life. Here’s the bottom line:

Pros	Cons
Strong Pay relative to Cost of Living: The $56,510 median goes further here than in Austin.	Limited Job Volume: Only 263 jobs means less room for error if you lose a position.
Stable Market: The 5% growth isn't explosive, but it's not declining. Work is consistent.	Slower Wage Growth: Raises are often incremental unless you specialize or move into management.
Great Quality of Life: Safe, family-friendly, excellent parks (like Old Settlers Park), and top-rated schools.	Car-Dependent: You will need a reliable vehicle for work and daily life.
Proximity to Austin: Access to a massive metro area for networking and higher-paying side gigs.	Can Feel Generic: The master-planned communities lack a strong "local" character for some.
No State Income Tax: More of your paycheck stays in your pocket.	High Rent Pressure: The average 1BR rent of $1,635 is a significant chunk of the median carpenter's income.

Final Recommendation: Round Rock is an excellent fit for a mid-career carpenter (3-10 years experience) who values stability, a good home life, and a manageable pace over the frantic energy and higher costs of a major metro. It’s ideal for someone looking to settle down, start a family, or build a small business with a reliable local clientele. It is less ideal for a young, single apprentice looking for the fastest possible wage growth or for someone who wants the anonymity and variety of a large city.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own tools to get a job in Round Rock?
Yes, absolutely. At a minimum, you should have a complete set of high-quality hand tools (hammer, tape measure, speed square, chisels, etc.) and a reliable vehicle. Most employers will provide power tools, but having your own saws and drills shows professionalism. For a solo business, you’ll need to invest in trailer, table saw, miter saw, compressor, and a full set of cordless tools, which can be a $10,000-$20,000 investment.

2. Is the job market seasonal in Round Rock?
There is some seasonality, but it’s less pronounced than in northern states. Activity typically slows slightly in the deep winter (Jan-Feb) due to weather, but commercial work and remodels often continue year-round. The major slowdowns are tied to economic factors (interest rates) rather than weather.

3. How do I find work if I don’t have a local network?
Start with the ABC Central Texas Chapter and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Austin chapter. Attend their events. Also, walk into local lumber yards like Ferguson Building Materials or **84 L