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Construction & Trades · Illinois

How to Become a Carpenters in Illinois

Carpenters in Illinois earn a median salary of $79,000/year, which is 30% above the national average. Illinois has a state income tax of ~5.0%. After taxes and rent, a carpenters takes home approximately $3,074/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$79K
Median salary in Illinois
+30%
vs. national average
5.0%
State income tax
19,570
Employed in Illinois

What a carpenters can afford in Illinois

Gross annual salary$79,000
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 5.0% state tax)$5,004/mo
Median 2BR rent (Illinois)-$1,930/mo
Rent as % of take-home38.6% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$79,000/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$3,074/mo

Becoming a carpenters in Illinois

1

Meet education requirements

Carpenters positions in Illinois typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Illinois. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

This career typically involves apprenticeship in Illinois. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Illinois licensure or certification

Illinois may require specific licensing or professional certification for carpenterss. Requirements vary by state, contact the Illinois Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Illinois

Illinois employs 19,570 carpenters. The highest concentrations are in Kankakee and Decatur.

Carpenters salary by metro area in Illinois

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Kankakee$95K$45.81/hr120
Decatur$87K$41.93/hr180
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin$80K$38.68/hr14,220
Springfield$77K$37.01/hr290
Bloomington$75K$36.28/hr170
Peoria$75K$36.19/hr780
Rockford$73K$34.99/hr810
Champaign-Urbana$67K$32.2/hr310

Carpenters salary range in Illinois

10th percentile (entry)
$40K
25th percentile
$56K
Median (50th)
$79K
75th percentile
$107K
90th percentile (senior)
$118K
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Carpenters careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a carpenters make in Illinois?

The median carpenters salary in Illinois is $79,000 per year ($37.98/hr). This is 30% above the national median of $60,580. Salaries range from $39,890 to $117,660.

What are the requirements to become a carpenters in Illinois?

Carpenters positions in Illinois typically require No formal educational credential. Illinois may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Illinois licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a carpenters afford to live in Illinois?

At the median salary of $79,000, a carpenters in Illinois would take home approximately $5,004/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,930/month, that's 38.6% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for carpenters in Illinois?

The highest paying metro areas for carpenters in Illinois are Kankakee ($95,280), Decatur ($87,220), Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ($80,440). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Illinois have state income tax for carpenters?

Yes, Illinois has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.0%. On a $79,000 salary, this means roughly $3,911/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.