Carpenters in
Merced, CA
7 carpenters listed in Merced
Carpenters in Merced at a glance
- 7 carpenters are listed in Merced, CA on Ratedeed.
- 4 of the 5 listings shown here include a phone number you can call directly.
- Listings cover 3 ZIP codes in and around Merced: 95340, 95341, 95348.
Carpenters elsewhere in California: Los Angeles (99), San Diego (98), San Jose (81), Sacramento (69), Fresno (55), Bakersfield (53)
Homes and carpenters in Merced: the local numbers
Housing in Merced
- Merced has about 29,758 homes (housing units).
- The typical (median) home was built in 1985, 9 years newer than the California median of 1976.
- 43% of homes were built before 1980 and 18% before 1960; 10% were built in 2010 or later.
- The median value of an owner-occupied home is $372,600.
- 46% of occupied homes are owner-occupied and 54% are rented.
- 66% of homes are single-family detached houses.
- The most common heating fuel is natural gas from a utility (61% of homes), followed by electricity (35%).
- The median home has 5.3 rooms.
- Median gross rent is $1,393 a month.
- Home values run 49% below the California median of $734,700.
- Most occupied homes here are rented (54%), so tenants should get their landlord's approval before hiring anyone for repairs or alterations.
With 43% of Merced'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 (Merced, CA).
Carpenters workforce in the Merced, CA area
- Median hourly wage
- $35.94
- People employed
- 350
- In the Merced, CA metro area, carpenters earned a median of $35.94 an hour ($74,760 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $21.64–$51.32.
- About 350 people work in this occupation in the metro area.
- 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 Merced and what it means for carpenters
- The average temperature in Merced is 61°F; summer afternoons average 93°F and winter nights 37°F.
- It gets about 13 inches of precipitation a year.
- There are about 24 nights a year at or below freezing and about 85 days at 90°F or hotter.
- It is a heating-dominated climate: about 2,778 heating degree days a year against 1,408 cooling degree days.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Merced Municipal Airport station USW00023257 (6.4 km from the city centre).
Top Carpenters in Merced
Listings include contact details and service areas. Check licensing with your state board before hiring.
Showing 5 of 7. See every listing in Merced
More carpenters elsewhere in California
Listed in other California cities, not in Merced.
Licensing and consumer protection in California
Check that any carpenter you hire is licensed and insured before you sign a contract or pay a deposit.
Who regulates this trade
California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Verify a licence on the official register →Insurance and workers' compensation
$1 million general liability minimum. Workers' compensation is mandatory for any contractor with employees. Bond of $25,000 required for licensure (increased under SB 607).
Mechanic's lien protection
California has one of the strictest lien regimes in the country. Preliminary 20-day notices must be sent within 20 days of starting work. Mechanics liens must be filed within 90 days after project completion (or 60 days after a notice of completion is recorded). Unpaid subcontractors and suppliers can place liens on your property even if you've paid your general contractor in full. Always collect lien waivers from all parties before making final payment.
What catches homeowners out in California
California's CSLB license verification is critical — always check a contractor's license number at cslb.ca.gov and confirm it is active and in good standing. California law requires a $25,000 contractor surety bond on every licensed contractor as a consumer protection backstop. For projects over $1,000 (labor and materials combined under Business & Professions Code § 7048), a valid CSLB license is legally required. Unlicensed contractors face criminal misdemeanor charges, and homeowners who hire them forfeit key statutory protections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hiring contractors
How much do carpenters earn in the Merced area?
In the Merced, CA metro area, carpenters earned a median of $35.94 an hour ($74,760 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $21.64–$51.32. About 350 people work in this occupation in the metro area. 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 Merced?
The typical home in Merced was built in 1985, and 43% of homes were built before 1980. The median owner-occupied home is worth $372,600. With 43% of Merced'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 Merced?
Carpenter rates in Merced 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 Merced carpenters on Ratedeed to compare estimates.
Do I need a permit for carpentry work in Merced?
Cosmetic woodwork, interior trim, and cabinet installation do not require permits in Merced, CA. However, structural carpentry — including load-bearing wall removal, room additions, framing alterations, and deck construction — requires a municipal permit. Contact the Merced building department for permit requirements.
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 Merced specialize in one area, while general carpenters handle both.
How do I find a skilled carpenter near Merced?
On Ratedeed, you can browse carpenters serving Merced 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.
Top Cities for Carpenters in California
Explore carpenters in the most popular California cities
Other Categories in Merced
Explore more contractor services in Merced
Ready to Hire a Carpenter in Merced?
Request quotes from carpenters in Merced, CA. No obligation.
Get Free QuotesBrowse Nearby Services in California
- Home
- ›Contractors
- ›California
- ›Merced
- ›Carpenters