Carpenter in St. Louis, MO

The Salary Picture: Where St. Louis Stands

If you're a carpenter eyeing St. Louis, let's cut straight to the numbers. The median salary here for carpenters is $55,519 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.69. This is slightly below the national average of $56,920, but that lower figure is deceptive when you factor in St. Louis's famously low cost of living. You aren't just taking a pay cut; you're trading a dollar for purchasing power.

The job market is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 563 carpenter jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 5%. This isn't the boomtown growth you might see in Denver or Austin, but it’s a solid, steady demand, especially in the restoration and healthcare construction sectors that dominate the local economy.

To understand where you fit in, here’s a breakdown of salary progression in the St. Louis market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$42,000 - $48,000	Framing, basic trim work, material handling under supervision.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$52,000 - $62,000	Rough and finish carpentry, reading complex plans, mentoring apprentices.
Senior (8-12 yrs)	$60,000 - $72,000	Project lead, specialty work (cabinetry, architectural details), client interaction.
Expert (12+ yrs)	$70,000+	Master carpenter, custom millwork, historical restoration, business ownership.

Insider Tip: Your take-home pay is significantly influenced by union membership. Carpenters Local 97 is strong in the region, particularly for commercial and industrial projects. Union journeymen often earn above the median, with full benefits packages that can offset a lower gross salary. For the best financial picture, always compare gross salary against total compensation (health, retirement, vacation pay).

Compared to other Missouri cities, St. Louis offers a unique middle ground. Kansas City's median is slightly higher ($57,000), but its cost of living is nearly on par. Springfield is cheaper ($52,000), but the job market is smaller. For a carpenter, St. Louis provides the best balance of opportunity and affordability in the state, especially if you work on both residential and commercial projects.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. On a median salary of $55,519, your monthly take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes will be approximately $3,375. (This is a rough estimate; use a St. Louis-specific tax calculator for your precise numbers.)

Your biggest expense will be rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in the St. Louis metro rents for $972 per month. Let's build a sample monthly budget for a single carpenter earning the median wage:

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income (After Taxes)	$3,375
Rent (1BR Average)	-$972
Utilities (Electric/Gas/Water)	-$150	Varies by season; some older buildings include water.
Groceries	-$350
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	St. Louis is a car-dependent city; insurance is moderate.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	-$300	Union plans often cover this fully.
Tools & Maintenance	-$100
Retirement Savings (10%)	-$300	401(k) or IRA.
Miscellaneous (Food, Fun)	-$300
Remaining Buffer	$453

Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in St. Louis County is around $260,000. With a $55,519 salary, a 20% down payment ($52,000) is a significant hurdle. However, it's not impossible. Many carpenters buy homes in the $150,000-$200,000 range in neighborhoods like Bevo Mill, Northampton, or parts of St. Charles. With a moderate down payment (5-10%) and an FHA loan, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be similar to renting—$1,100-$1,300. The key is avoiding the trap of buying a "fixer-upper" that requires more of your own unpaid labor; you need your evenings and weekends for rest.

Where the Jobs Are: St. Louis's Major Employers

The St. Louis construction market is a mix of large commercial firms, specialized restoration companies, and countless residential remodelers. Here’s where the jobs are:

1. Lutheran Healthcare Services (Architectural Woodwork Co.): A major player in healthcare and institutional construction. They specialize in custom millwork for hospitals like BJC HealthCare and SSM Health. Hiring trends show a steady need for finish carpenters with experience in clean-room environments and high-end interiors.

2. Paric Corporation: One of the largest general contractors in the Midwest, headquartered in St. Louis. They handle massive projects from the St. Louis Cardinals’ spring training facility in Florida to local commercial towers. They hire union carpenters for framing, concrete formwork, and finishing. Their projects often mean long-term, stable work.

3. The Korte Company: This construction firm is a giant in the sports and entertainment sector, having built the Enterprise Center (home of the St. Louis Blues) and numerous airport terminals. They value carpenters with experience in large-scale, deadline-driven projects. Hiring is cyclical but high-paying.

4. The Kaskaskia Group (and similar historical restoration firms): St. Louis is a city of historic buildings. Companies like the Kaskaskia Group specialize in the meticulous restoration of landmarks in neighborhoods like Lafayette Square and Old North St. Louis. This work requires master-level skills, patience, and an eye for detail. Pay is premium, and the work is prestigious.

5. B&B Contracting Services (and mid-sized residential remodelers): Representing the vast residential market, firms like B&B handle everything from kitchen remodels in the Hill to additions in Webster Groves. These jobs are often found through word-of-mouth and local referrals. They offer more variability in projects but can provide a steady stream of work if you build a reputation.

6. Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) & Bi-State Development (MetroLink): Public works projects are a constant source of employment. While some trades are union-specific, carpenters are needed for bridge work, station finishes, and temporary structures. These jobs typically offer great benefits and job security.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs in St. Louis are never posted on Indeed. They're filled through the St. Louis Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship & Training Program or through direct contact with project superintendents. Walk onto commercial job sites (with a hard hat and PPE) and ask for the superintendent. Being face-to-face is still the norm here.

Getting Licensed in MO

Missouri does not have a state-level journeyman carpenter license. However, the rules are clear for specific work:

• General Carpentry: No state license required.
• Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC: You must be licensed through the Missouri Division of Professional Registration. If you plan to offer these services, you need separate licensing, which involves thousands of hours of documented work and passing exams.
• Home Improvement Contractor License: Required for residential projects over $1,000. You must register with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and provide proof of general liability insurance (typically $500,000).

Costs & Timeline:

• Home Improvement Contractor License: Registration fee is $150. The main cost is insurance, which can be $800-$1,500 annually for a sole proprietor.
• Timeline: You can register online and get your number in a few days. The real "license" is your reputation and a business entity (LLC) for liability protection, which adds a few hundred dollars and a couple of weeks.
• Union Apprenticeship: The path to becoming a union carpenter involves a 4-year apprenticeship through the local training center. It’s a commitment (programs are in Earth City and St. Louis), but you earn while you learn, with steady wage increases.

Insider Tip: For a carpenter moving here, your best "license" is a strong portfolio and references. Take high-quality photos of every project. In St. Louis, your work is your resume.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Your commute is critical. St. Louis traffic isn’t as bad as Chicago, but it’s concentrated around I-64 and I-270. Living near your job site is a huge advantage.

1. Brentwood / Maplewood (Central County):

   • Vibe: Working-class suburb with a revitalized main street. Close to the Central West End for nightlife.
   • Commute: Excellent. Central to most commercial job sites in the county. Easy access to I-64 and I-170.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $950 - $1,100/month.
   • Best For: Carpenters working for commercial contractors or doing residential remodels across the west side of the metro.

2. South City (Tower Grove South / Bevo Mill):

   • Vibe: Diverse, vibrant, with incredible local restaurants. Bevo Mill has a great, walkable commercial district.
   • Commute: Good for city-based jobs. Close to the county line. Can be tricky for north county jobs.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $800 - $950/month.
   • Best For: Carpenters specializing in historic restoration or residential work in the city. You'll find a lot of older homes needing skilled hands.

3. North County (Florissant / Hazelwood):

   • Vibe: Traditionally blue-collar, with larger, more affordable homes and yards.
   • Commute: Excellent for jobs at Lambert Airport, industrial parks, and the major construction hubs in the North Hanover area.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $750 - $900/month.
   • Best For: Carpenters working for firms like The Kaskaskia Group or on airport/industrial projects. The lower rent is a major financial advantage.

4. St. Charles (St. Peters / O'Fallon):

   • Vibe: Family-oriented, suburban, with excellent schools. Feels more "modern" than old St. Louis.
   • Commute: Can be long (30-45 mins) if your job is in the city core, but perfect for jobs in the western corridor and Chesterfield Valley.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $900 - $1,050/month.
   • Best For: Carpenters with families, or those primarily working on new residential construction in the expanding western suburbs.

The Long Game: Career Growth

St. Louis offers multiple paths for a carpenter to increase earnings and responsibility.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest pay bumps come from specialization.
  • Historical Restoration: 10-20% above standard rates. Requires deep knowledge of traditional joinery.
  • Cabinetry & Millwork: 5-15% premium. Precision and artistry are key.
  • Concrete Formwork (Union): Can match or exceed the median, especially for complex structures.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Foreman/Supervisor: Leading a crew. Pay can jump to $65,000 - $80,000. Requires leadership skills and deep knowledge of scheduling and budgeting.
  2. Project Manager: For carpenters with a knack for detail and communication. This often requires additional training or a degree but can push salaries over $85,000.
  3. Business Owner: The most common path. Many carpenters start a small remodeling business. The risk is high, but successful owners in St. Louis can earn $100,000+ after a few years, though they must handle all the business overhead.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is solid. The demand will be driven by:
  • Healthcare Expansion: BJC and SSM are constantly building new facilities.
  • Infrastructure: Ongoing MetroLink expansion and bridge repairs.
  • Housing: The need for remodels in the city’s aging housing stock is perpetual. As baby boomers retire, there will be a surge in "aging-in-place" modifications (ramps, bathroom remodels), which is a perfect niche for skilled carpenters.

Insider Tip: The single best investment for long-term growth is building a network. Join the St. Louis Carpenters Union Local 97 (even if you're not union, attend their events) and the St. Louis Home Builders Association. The people you meet at a meeting in Fenton will be the ones to call you for a job in Clayton five years from now.

The Verdict: Is St. Louis Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $55,519 salary goes much further than in coastal cities.	Stagnant Population: The metro isn't growing rapidly, which can limit long-term job market expansion.
Stable Job Market: A diverse economy (healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing) provides steady work.	Car-Dependent: Excellent public transit between the airport and downtown, but you'll need a reliable vehicle.
Rich Housing Stock: Endless opportunities for remodeling and restoration work.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and cold winters can disrupt outdoor work.
Union Strength: Strong union presence offers good pay and benefits for those who join.	Racial & Economic Divide: The city and county split creates socioeconomic disparities that can affect job location and safety.
Central Location: Easy to travel to the Midwest, South, or East Coast.	Bureaucracy: Historic districts and certain counties have strict permitting and inspection processes.

Final Recommendation:
St. Louis is an excellent choice for a carpenter who is mid-career and values stability over high risk. If you're just starting, the low cost of living allows you to build skills without drowning in rent. For a senior carpenter, the niches in restoration and healthcare construction offer premium work. It's less ideal for someone seeking explosive growth or who wants to avoid driving. If you have a reliable vehicle, a solid work ethic, and an appreciation for classic American architecture, St. Louis will provide a sustainable and rewarding career.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a truck to be a carpenter in St. Louis?
A: Yes, absolutely. While you can sometimes get by with a large SUV or van, a pickup truck is the standard. You'll need to haul tools, materials, and debris. A 4x4 is useful for winter job sites, but not essential.

Q: How do union and non-union pay compare here?
A: Union journeymen with benefits packages often have a total compensation value that exceeds non-union offers, even if the base hourly wage looks similar. However, non-union work offers more flexibility and the chance to run your own business sooner. For a newcomer, joining the union apprenticeship is a highly recommended path to stability.

Q: What's the best way to find a job as an outsider?
A: 1) Contact the St. Louis Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship & Training Program. 2) Use LinkedIn to connect with project managers at the firms listed above. 3) Drive through the Chesterfield Valley and Portage des Sioux industrial parks—there are always new commercial sites under construction. Walk in with your resume and a hard hat.

Q: Is St. Louis dangerous for a carpenter?
A: Like any major city, crime varies by neighborhood. As a carpenter, you'll be on job sites, which are generally safe during the day. Your biggest risk is theft from your vehicle or job site. Invest in a good locking toolbox and always secure your tools. Stick to well-lit, busy job sites and be aware of your surroundings.

Q: Can I make more than the median salary as a carpenter?
A: Yes. The median is a starting point. With specialization (cabinetry, historical work), taking on foreman roles, or starting a business, six-figure incomes are achievable for top performers. The key is to move beyond general framing and finish work into niches where your skills are scarce.