The average hourly rate for Carpenter ranges from $23 to $31 with the average hourly pay of $27. The total hourly cash compensation, which includes base and short-term incentives, can vary anywhere from $23 to $31 with the average total hourly cash compensation of $27. The national average cost to hire a carpenter is $250-$850, with most contractors charging hourly. The total price for your carpentry project will depend on what you want to build or repair, materials, and how long it takes to complete. As a homeowner, there are times when you may need the help of a professional carpenter. Average Wage. Data furnished by the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that carpenters earned $21.31 an hour on average in May 2011. At this hourly rate, carpenters who work 2,080 hours a year earn $44,330 annually. The median hourly wage of workers was $19.24, which means half of all carpenters made more than $19.24 an hour and half made less.