Carpenters in
San Diego, CA

In the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro area, carpenters earned a median of $35.19 an hour ($73,200 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $22.75–$56.53. About 8,710 people work in this occupation in the metro area. That is a higher share of local jobs than the national average (location quotient 1.31). 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.

The typical home in San Diego was built in 1979, and 52% of homes were built before 1980. The median owner-occupied home is worth $906,700. With 52% of San Diego'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.

Carpenter rates in San Diego 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 San Diego carpenters on Ratedeed to compare estimates.

Cosmetic woodwork, interior trim, and cabinet installation do not require permits in San Diego, CA. However, structural carpentry — including load-bearing wall removal, room additions, framing alterations, and deck construction — requires a municipal permit. Permits in San Diego are handled by the City of San Diego Development Services, 1222 First Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 and typically take 10–30 business days to process.

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 San Diego specialize in one area, while general carpenters handle both.

On Ratedeed, you can browse carpenters serving San Diego 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.