Across U.S. metros, carpenters typically earn $7,850 more a year than insulation installers (16%). In the 106 metros where BLS publishes both, carpenters earn more in 87 and insulation installers in 19.
| Carpenter | Insulation Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $56,155 | $48,305 |
| Lowest metro median | $29,750 | $27,040 |
| Highest metro median | $95,280 | $80,000 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +3.9% | +2.4% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 62,800 | 3,000 |
| Self-employed | 25% | 2% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | No formal educational credential |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Short-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 165 | 312 |
| Metros with pay data | 390 | 106 |
On safety, insulation installers report more injuries that cause missed work (312 vs. 165 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where carpenters out-earn insulation installers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where insulation installers out-earn carpenters the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, carpenters earn more in 45 states and insulation installers in 3. The gap favors carpenters most in California ($27,080) and insulation installers most in Nebraska ($22,820).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Cramped spaces and awkward positions: occasionally for carpenters, often for insulation installers. Indoors with heating and air conditioning: sometimes for carpenters, occasionally for insulation installers.
| Carpenter | Insulation Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Often | Often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Sometimes | Occasionally |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Sometimes | Often |
| Working at heights | Often | Often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Occasionally | Often |
| Loud noise | Very often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Occasionally |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Often |
| Sitting | Rarely | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Carpenter
Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation. Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways.
Insulation Installer
Line and cover structures with insulating materials. May work with batt, roll, or blown insulation materials.
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