Carpenter vs Chef salary
In United States, a chef earns about 25% more than a carpenter — $81,600 vs $65,500 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Carpenter | Chef |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $44,900 | $52,200 |
| 25th | $55,200 | $66,900 |
| Median | $65,500 | $81,600 |
| 75th | $78,100 | $99,600 |
| Senior (90th) | $90,700 | $117,500 |
National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Skilled Trades comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a carpenter or chef earn more in United States?
- A chef earns more, at about $81,600 per year vs $65,500 for a carpenter — roughly 25% ($16,100) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A carpenter typically earns $44,900–$90,700, while a chef earns $52,200–$117,500 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a carpenter averages about $5,500 and a chef about $6,800.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a carpenter earns about $44,900 while a chef earns about $52,200 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a carpenter earns about $90,700 while a chef earns about $117,500 per year.
- Are carpenter and chef similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Skilled Trades category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.