Carpenter in Scranton, PA

The Salary Picture: Where Scranton Stands

As a Scranton native who’s watched this city’s economy from the mills to the medical complexes, I can tell you that carpentry here is a solid, no-nonsense trade. It’s not the booming, high-rise market of Philadelphia, but it’s steady, reliable, and pays a living wage that stretches further than you might expect. The median salary for Carpenters in the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre metro area is $55,724/year, which breaks down to about $26.79/hour. For context, the national average for Carpenters is $56,920/year. We’re slightly below the national mark, but remember that Scranton’s cost of living is significantly lower—more on that later.

Breaking it down by experience is key. In Scranton, your value is measured less by years on paper and more by the diversity of your skillset and your reputation on local job sites.

Experience Level	Typical Scranton Salary Range	Key Local Factors
Entry-Level	$38,000 - $48,000	Starting with a contractor doing residential rough-in or basic finish work. Often begins as a helper.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$55,724 (Median) - $68,000	Proficient in framing, finish, and reading blueprints. Can lead a small crew on a single-family home project.
Senior-Level (8-12 yrs)	$68,000 - $82,000	Expert in complex builds (e.g., custom homes in Clarks Summit), historical restoration, or commercial trim work.
Expert/Foreman	$82,000+	Manages entire job sites for major local developers. Often specialized, like millwork or cabinet installation.

Insider Tip: Scranton’s market values versatility. A carpenter who can frame a house, install custom cabinetry for Geisinger’s new wing, and repair a historic porch on a South Side brownstone will command a premium. The "jack-of-all-trades" is highly sought after here.

Comparison to Other PA Cities: How does Scranton stack up?

• Philadelphia: Salaries are higher (often $62,000+), but so is the cost of living. The trade-off is a longer commute and a more competitive, union-dominated market.
• Pittsburgh: Similar median salaries, but a more industrial and tech-influenced construction scene. Scranton’s residential and commercial mix is distinct.
• Harrisburg: State capital jobs (government building maintenance) offer stability, but the overall construction market is smaller than Scranton’s.
• Allentown/Bethlehem: Salaries are closer to the national average ($57,000+), with a stronger focus on manufacturing and logistics center builds.

Scranton’s advantage is its stable, community-focused job market. You’re not as vulnerable to the wild swings of a major metro, and your name can build a powerful local reputation faster.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s do the math. A Carpenter earning the Scranton median of $55,724/year brings home roughly $4,350/month after taxes (assuming single filer, standard deduction, and PA state tax). Now, let’s layer in Scranton’s key cost: housing.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Scranton is $854/month. This is a game-changer. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single carpenter earning the median:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$4,350	After federal & PA state taxes.
Rent (1BR)	$854	Well below the national average.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$250	Scranton winters mean higher heating costs.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Essential; public transit is limited for job sites.
Groceries & Food	$400
Health Insurance	$300	Varies widely; union jobs often have better rates.
Tools & Maintenance	$150	Insider Tip: Budget for tool replacement. Local supply houses like Scranton Lumber & Supply are great, but costs add up.
Miscellaneous/Leisure	$600	After all essentials, you have a cushion.
Total Expenses	~$3,000
Monthly Surplus	~$1,350	This is your savings, home down payment, or debt payment fund.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a $1,350/month surplus, saving a 20% down payment on a $150,000 Scranton home (a common price for a 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath in a good neighborhood like Green Ridge) would take about 2-3 years of disciplined saving. The median home price in the metro is around $180,000, making homeownership a realistic goal for a skilled carpenter within the first 5-7 years of their career.

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Where the Jobs Are: Scranton's Major Employers

The job market here is robust, with 151 active Carpenter positions in the metro (per BLS data). The 10-year job growth is projected at 5%, which is stable, not explosive. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. M&T Bank (Scranton Headquarters): While a financial institution, their massive HQ renovation and ongoing maintenance needs a dedicated carpentry crew. They hire for in-house facilities maintenance, offering stable hours and benefits.
2. Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine & Geisinger Health System: Constant expansion. The new Geisinger Commonwealth campus in downtown Scranton and hospital updates in nearby Wilkes-Barre require commercial carpenters for interior build-outs, clinic finishes, and patient room installations.
3. The University of Scranton: This is a major employer for finish carpentry and restoration. They maintain historic buildings like the Houlihan-McLean Center and constantly upgrade dorms and academic halls. Hiring often happens through their facilities department.
4. Lackawanna County Government: Responsible for maintaining the county courthouse, prison, and other public buildings. These are union-heavy jobs (IBEW for electrical, but carpentry is often under the building trades council). Check the county’s civil service website for openings.
5. Local Developers & Construction Firms: Companies like Pagnotti Enterprises (large-scale commercial and residential), E.D. Smith & Son (a legacy firm, especially in historic restoration), and Don’s Construction are the backbone of new builds. They hire directly and often use subcontractors.
6. Scranton School District: Maintains a large portfolio of aging schools. Projects range from simple repairs to major renovations, often funded by state grants. They hire through the district’s facilities director.
7. The Mall at Steamtown & Downtown Redevelopment Projects: With ongoing revitalization in downtown Scranton, new retail, restaurant, and apartment fit-outs are a consistent source of short-to-medium-term projects for finish carpenters.

Hiring Trend Insight: The trend is toward multi-year relationships. A carpenter who proves reliable with one developer or institution often gets first dibs on the next project. Networking at the Lackawanna County Builders Association events is more effective than applying blind online.

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Getting Licensed in PA

Pennsylvania does not have a state-level journeyman carpenter license. This is a critical distinction. Your credential is your skill and your reputation.

State-Specific Requirements:

• No state license is required to perform residential or commercial carpentry work.
• However, if you plan to be a contractor (i.e., run your own business, advertise, and pull permits), you must obtain a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. This involves a background check, proof of insurance, and a fee (around $200 initially).
• For commercial work, some municipalities may require a separate business license, but no state-level carpenter's license.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship (Recommended Path): The standard route is a 3-4 year apprenticeship through a union (like the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 1233) or a non-union program (like the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Keystone Chapter). These programs provide on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Apprentice wages start around 50% of a journeyman’s rate and increase yearly.
• Getting Started: You can start working as a helper immediately. To begin a formal apprenticeship, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED and to pass a basic aptitude test. The application process for union apprenticeships can be competitive; apply at the local union hall.

Insider Tip: Even without a license, certification in specific areas (OSHA 10/30, forklift operation, lead abatement) makes you more employable. Many employers will pay for these.

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Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Scranton’s neighborhoods offer distinct vibes and commute times to major job hubs (Downtown, the Mall, Geisinger sites). Here’s a local’s guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated Rent (1BR)	Why It’s Good for Carpenters
Green Ridge	Quiet, residential, family-oriented. 15-20 mins to Downtown.	$900 - $1,100	Stable, established area with many older homes needing constant repair and renovation. Great for building a local client base.
South Side	More urban, walkable, mixed residential and commercial. 5-10 mins to Downtown.	$750 - $950	Proximity to new downtown projects and restaurants. More affordable rent. Has a grittier, authentic feel.
Downtown Scranton	The hub. Walkable to everything, but parking is a challenge.	$1,000 - $1,400	Zero commute for downtown jobs. Ideal for a young, single carpenter who wants to be in the action. Expensive on a $55k salary.
Clarks Summit (Just north of Scranton)	Upscale, suburban, excellent schools. 20-25 mins to Downtown.	$950 - $1,200	Where many senior tradespeople and business owners live. The clientele here often pays for high-end custom work.
West Side	Affordable, working-class, diverse. 10-15 mins to Downtown.	$700 - $900	Great value for housing. A mix of older homes and newer developments. Commutes are easy via the Keyser Avenue corridor.

Commute Reality: Most job sites are spread out. A reliable truck or van is non-negotiable. The Lackawanna County median commute is about 20 minutes, so even from Clarks Summit, you’re not spending your life in traffic.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

Scranton is a “hold your ground” market, not a “climb the ladder” one. Growth comes from specialization and ownership.

Specialty Premiums:

• Historic Restoration: Scranton is full of Victorian and early 20th-century buildings. Carpenters skilled in replicate millwork, lime plaster repair, and traditional joinery can charge 20-30% more than general carpenters. Firms like E.D. Smith & Son specialize here.
• Commercial Finish Work: Expertise in high-end millwork, acoustical paneling, and healthcare-grade finishes (non-porous materials) is in demand at Geisinger and university projects.
• Cabinetmaking & Design: A hybrid skill—carpentry plus design software (like Cabinet Vision). Many start in a local shop (e.g., A-1 Custom Cabinetry) and eventually launch their own.

Advancement Paths:

1. Journeyman to Foreman: The most common path. You’ll manage crews, read complex plans, and liaise with clients. Pay jumps to the senior range ($68k-$82k).
2. Employee to Business Owner: Many successful Scranton contractors started as carpenters. With an HIC license and a solid reputation, you can bid on your own projects. The start-up cost is low if you already have tools and a vehicle.
3. Niche Specialist: Become the go-to person for a specific type of work (e.g., cedar shake roofing, intricate staircases). This allows you to set your own rates and be less dependent on general contractors.

10-Year Outlook (5% growth): The 5% growth rate is tied to two things: 1) An aging housing stock (Scranton’s median home age is ~65 years), which guarantees repair and renovation work, and 2) Institutional investment in healthcare and education. There will be fewer new subdivisions and more adaptive reuse and upgrades. Your job security is high if you adapt to these trends.

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The Verdict: Is Scranton Right for You?

Pros of Scranton for Carpenters	Cons of Scranton for Carpenters
High Purchasing Power: $55,724 goes much further here than in Philly or NYC. Homeownership is within reach.	Lower Ceiling: Salaries top out earlier. You won’t find the $100k+ union wages of a major port city.
Stable, Relationship-Driven Market: Build a name, and you’ll never want for work.	Limited High-End Luxury Market: Fewer multi-million dollar custom builds compared to the Philly Main Line.
Manageable Commutes & Low Housing Costs: $854/month rent is a massive advantage.	Slower Pace: Less constant, high-rise construction frenzy. Projects move at a steady, sometimes slow, pace.
Diverse Project Mix: From historic restorations to hospital clinics, you’ll never get bored.	Seasonal Weather Impact: Winter can halt outdoor projects for weeks, affecting short-term income for outdoor crews.
Strong Union Presence (Local 1233): Offers apprenticeship pathways and collective bargaining.	Reliance on a Vehicle: Public transit is poor for job sites. A truck/van and gas are mandatory costs.

Final Recommendation: Scranton is an excellent choice for a career-focused carpenter who values stability, community, and a reasonable cost of living over the fast-paced, high-stakes market of a major coastal city. It’s ideal for someone who wants to build a life, not just a resume. If you’re a self-starter who can network and deliver quality work, you can build a prosperous and respected career here. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, but a get-a-good-life plan.

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FAQs

1. I’m not from Pennsylvania. Do I need to transfer my license?
No, because Pennsylvania does not have a state-level carpenter license. Your experience and any certificates you hold (like from an apprenticeship program in another state) are your primary credentials. Be prepared to demonstrate your skills on a test job or during an interview.

2. How competitive is the union apprenticeship with Local 1233?
It’s competitive, but fair. They typically open applications once a year. Having any prior construction experience, a clean driving record, and the ability to pass a basic aptitude test and interview will help immensely. Persistence is key—apply even if you don’t get in the first time.

3. What’s the biggest mistake new carpenters make moving to Scranton?
Underestimating the need for a reliable vehicle. A job site in Green Ridge is a 15-minute drive from Downtown, but a project in Clarks Summit or Old Forge is a 25-minute drive. Public buses don’t run to most job sites. Your truck is your office.

4. Are there opportunities for side work?
Yes, absolutely. The informal economy for small repairs, deck building, and trim work is alive and well. Many carpenters do side jobs on weekends. However, if you’re advertising and pulling permits for side work, you absolutely need that Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license from the PA Attorney General to avoid fines.

5. How do I find out about new projects and job openings?
Follow these channels: 1) Word-of-mouth on job sites (your best source), 2) The Lackawanna County Builders Association website and newsletter, 3) Indeed and LinkedIn (set alerts for "carpenter" in Scranton), 4) Direct contact with the facilities managers at Geisinger or the University of Scranton, and 5) The union hall if you’re a member.