Helpers--Carpenters Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
In Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA, helpers--carpenters earn $49,920 at the median — $24 an hour. The range runs from $40K at the entry level to $59K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 105.42), so that salary is closer to $47,353 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,922/month — about 55.8% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $50K get you in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
About helpers--carpenters
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Entry-level helpers--carpenters (10th percentile) start around $40K. Mid-career wages sit at $50K.Top earners bring in $59K or more - a $19K spread from bottom to top.
Helpers--Carpenters pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $50K | +20% | 50 |
| District of Columbia | $49K | +18% | 50 |
| Oregon | $47K | +13% | 260 |
| Washington | $47K | +13% | 1,240 |
| Connecticut | $46K | +11% | N/A |
| California | $46K | +10% | 2,250 |
| Rhode Island | $46K | +10% | N/A |
| Arkansas | $45K | +7% | 140 |
| Virginia | $44K | +5% | 1,610 |
| Maine | $43K | +4% | 270 |
| Georgia | $43K | +4% | 530 |
| Utah | $43K | +4% | 620 |
| Ohio | $43K | +3% | 380 |
| Michigan | $43K | +3% | 290 |
| Florida | $43K | +3% | 2,480 |
Track helpers--carpenters salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do helpers--carpenters make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median is $49,920 a year - that works out to about $24 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $40,010, and experienced helpers--carpenters can clear $59,320. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $50K enough to live in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,192/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,922/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 60.2% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a helpers--carpenters salary go in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro has a Regional Price Parity of 105.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median helpers--carpenters salary is worth about $47,353 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do helpers--carpenters get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.