Carpenters in
Manhattan, NY
Browse carpenters near Manhattan
Manhattan co-op and condo prices have stabilized after post-pandemic corrections, with strong demand for renovated units. Buyers increasingly prefer move-in ready homes, making kitchen and bathroom remodels among the highest-ROI investments in the borough.
Homes and carpenters in Manhattan: the local numbers
Housing in Manhattan
- Manhattan has about 923,472 homes (housing units).
- The typical (median) home was built in 1951, 8 years older than the New York median of 1959.
- 78% of homes were built before 1980 and 58% before 1960; 6% were built in 2010 or later.
- The median value of an owner-occupied home is $1,090,500.
- 25% of occupied homes are owner-occupied and 75% are rented.
- 1% of homes are single-family detached houses.
- The most common heating fuel is natural gas from a utility (49% of homes), followed by electricity (28%).
- The median home has 3.3 rooms.
- Median gross rent is $2,197 a month.
- That makes Manhattan's housing among the older stock in the country: the typical U.S. home was built in 1980.
- Home values run 157% above the New York median of $423,800.
- Most occupied homes here are rented (75%), so tenants should get their landlord's approval before hiring anyone for repairs or alterations.
- Heating oil is far more common here than nationally: 15% of homes use it, against 4% across the U.S.
- Apartments, condos and attached homes make up most of the housing: only 1% of homes are detached houses, so many jobs involve building rules, shared walls or a condo board.
With 78% of Manhattan's homes built before 1980, many are covered by federal lead rules: any home built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, and under the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule, contractors who disturb painted surfaces in those homes must be lead-safe certified by the EPA or an authorized state program. Ask to see the firm's certification.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates (New York County, NY).
Carpenters workforce in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ area
- Median hourly wage
- $35.72
- People employed
- 34,210
- In the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro area, carpenters earned a median of $35.72 an hour ($74,300 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $22.53–$59.52.
- About 34,210 people work in this occupation in the metro area.
- That is a lower share of local jobs than the national average (location quotient 0.84).
- These are what workers earn, not what carpenters charge: a contractor's hourly rate also covers insurance, licensing, vehicles, overhead and profit.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (Carpenters).
Climate in Manhattan and what it means for carpenters
- The average temperature in Manhattan is 55°F; summer afternoons average 82°F and winter nights 29°F.
- It gets about 50 inches of precipitation a year, including about 26 inches of snow.
- There are about 66 nights a year at or below freezing and about 12 days at 90°F or hotter.
- It is a heating-dominated climate: about 4,750 heating degree days a year against 1,105 cooling degree days.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, NY City Central Park station USW00094728 (3.2 km from the city centre).
How Manhattan ranks against other U.S. cities
- Manhattan has the 15th-oldest housing of the 183 cities RateDeed covers (tied): the typical home was built in 1951. See the ranking
- Carpenters in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro area earn the 23rd-highest median wage of 293 metros: $35.72 an hour. See the ranking
Ranked against the other cities in RateDeed's research, using the figures above.
Top Carpenters in Manhattan
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Other contractors listed in Manhattanare shown below. Check each business's trade before contacting them.
Licensing and consumer protection in New York
Check that any carpenter you hire is licensed and insured before you sign a contract or pay a deposit.
Who regulates this trade
Local Municipal & County Consumer Agencies (NYC Dept of Consumer and Worker Protection - DCWP, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester) / NYS Department of State for specific trades
Verify a licence on the official register →Insurance and workers' compensation
General liability minimum varies by municipality; NYC requires $1M per occurrence. Workers' compensation is mandatory for any contractor with employees.
Mechanic's lien protection
In New York, contractors and subcontractors must file a mechanics lien within 8 months of completing work (4 months for single-family homes). The lien must be enforced within 1 year of filing. Homeowners should always obtain a lien waiver from their contractor upon final payment to protect against potential liens from unpaid subcontractors or suppliers.
What catches homeowners out in New York
In New York, home improvement contractor licensing is governed at the local municipal and county level rather than by a single statewide home improvement board. New York City requires all home improvement contractors to be licensed by the NYC DCWP. Contractors performing plumbing, electrical, or fire suppression work must hold trade licenses from the NYC Department of Buildings. Always verify county or municipal licenses directly with local consumer affairs before signing contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hiring contractors
How much do carpenters earn in the Manhattan area?
In the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro area, carpenters earned a median of $35.72 an hour ($74,300 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $22.53–$59.52. About 34,210 people work in this occupation in the metro area. That is a lower share of local jobs than the national average (location quotient 0.84). These are what workers earn, not what carpenters charge: a contractor's hourly rate also covers insurance, licensing, vehicles, overhead and profit. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
How old are homes in Manhattan?
The typical home in Manhattan was built in 1951, and 78% of homes were built before 1980. The median owner-occupied home is worth $1,090,500. With 78% of Manhattan's homes built before 1980, many are covered by federal lead rules: any home built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, and under the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule, contractors who disturb painted surfaces in those homes must be lead-safe certified by the EPA or an authorized state program. Ask to see the firm's certification. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates.
How much do carpenters charge in Manhattan?
Carpenter rates in Manhattan typically range from $45–$95 per hour, with finish carpenters and custom cabinetmakers charging $70–$120/hr. Project costs vary by scope: trim and crown molding installations average $500–$2,000, framing repairs run $800–$3,500, and custom built-in cabinetry ranges from $1,500 to $6,000+. Request quotes from multiple Manhattan carpenters on Ratedeed to compare estimates.
Do I need a permit for carpentry work in Manhattan?
Cosmetic woodwork, interior trim, and cabinet installation do not require permits in Manhattan, NY. However, structural carpentry — including load-bearing wall removal, room additions, framing alterations, and deck construction — requires a municipal permit. Permits in Manhattan are handled by the NYC Department of Buildings, 280 Broadway, New York, NY 10007 and typically take 10–30 business days to process.
What is the difference between finish carpentry and rough carpentry?
Rough carpentry focuses on the structural backbone of a building (wall framing, roof trusses, floor joists, subflooring). Finish carpentry involves decorative, visible woodwork after walls and drywall are completed (baseboards, crown molding, door casing, stairs, and cabinetry). Many carpenters in Manhattan specialize in one area, while general carpenters handle both.
How do I find a skilled carpenter near Manhattan?
On Ratedeed, you can browse carpenters serving Manhattan and view reviews from local homeowners. Ask to see a portfolio of recent carpentry work, check proof of liability insurance, and obtain a written estimate outlining material costs and labor before starting your project.
What to Know Before Hiring a Carpenter in Manhattan
Local information for homeowners
Building Department
NYC Department of Buildings, 280 Broadway, New York, NY 10007
Avg permit processing: 10–30 business days
Visit Building Dept Website🌤️ Climate Considerations
Manhattan's humid summers and freezing winters take a toll on building exteriors. Contractors should use moisture-resistant materials for bathrooms and kitchens, especially in pre-war buildings. Winter renovations may face delays for exterior work due to freezing temperatures, so schedule roofing and siding projects between April and November.
💡 Local Tip
Manhattan renovations require coordination with co-op or condo boards, which can add weeks of approval time. Always confirm your building's alteration agreement and ensure your contractor has experience working in managed buildings. Alteration fees charged by co-op boards can range from $500 to $5,000 on top of renovation costs.
📈 Housing Market
Manhattan co-op and condo prices have stabilized after post-pandemic corrections, with strong demand for renovated units. Buyers increasingly prefer move-in ready homes, making kitchen and bathroom remodels among the highest-ROI investments in the borough.
Top Neighborhoods
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