Electrician vs Carpenter Salary 2026

Electricians earn approximately $2,610 more per year than carpenters at the median (electrician $63,190 vs carpenter $60,580, BLS OEWS May 2025). The gap widens at the top: electrician top 10% is $108,510 vs carpenter top 10% $99,910. The narrowest gap is in pure residential work; the widest is in industrial and commercial new construction where electrician scales typically pull ahead by $5-$15/hr at journeyman level due to higher specialised credentialing requirements.

Yes, with electricians typically slightly higher. In major metro markets, IBEW Local and United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners (UBC) Local agreements typically settle within $3-$8/hr of each other at journeyman level. NYC example: IBEW Local 3 inside wireman $64.00/hr base vs Carpenters District Council of NY (UBC Local 157 et al.) around $52-$55/hr base. Chicago example: IBEW Local 134 $52.10/hr base vs Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters around $48-$50/hr base. Both have full health, pension, and annuity benefit packages that produce $75+/hr total compensation.

IBEW-NECA inside wireman JATC apprenticeships are typically more competitive than UBC carpenter apprenticeships. IBEW JATC programs frequently receive 5-15 applications per opening, require a math aptitude test through the Electrical Training Alliance, and prioritise candidates with strong algebra grades. UBC carpenter apprenticeships are typically less oversubscribed and have somewhat lower aptitude testing requirements. Both require high school diploma or GED, valid drivers license, drug screening, and physical fitness.

Both trades have a positive long-term outlook, with electricians edging ahead on BLS projections. BLS projects electrician employment +9% from 2024-2034 (much faster than average) versus carpenter +4% over the same period (about as fast as the average for all occupations). Electrician growth drivers include EV charging, solar, grid modernisation, and data center construction. Carpenter growth faces headwinds from prefabrication, modular construction, and automation pressure on framing work, partially offset by sustained residential remodelling demand and commercial finish carpentry.

Both trades are physically demanding in different ways. Carpentry involves sustained heavy material handling (lumber, plywood, framing members), repetitive nail-gun and saw use, and significant time on ladders and roofs. Electrical work involves sustained overhead work, ladder use, conduit and switchgear handling, and arc-flash and shock exposure. BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data shows carpenters have a higher musculoskeletal injury rate (sprains, strains, joint damage), while electricians have higher fatal injury rates (electrocution and falls from height).