Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Seatac, WA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 34.6% of gross income.
Seatac rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Washington state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Washington cities have lower median rent than Seatac, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Seatac
View full rent data for Seatac, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Seatac, WA?
Median rent in Seatac is $1,968 a month. A typical carpenter in Washington earns about $68,253 a year, which makes that rent 34.6% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in Seatac?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Washington (~$68,253/yr) supports up to $1,706 a month in rent. Seatac's current median rent is $1,968/mo, which is $262/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Seatac?
At an hourly equivalent of about $33 an hour, a carpenter in Washington works roughly 60 hours a month to cover Seatac's median rent of $1,968.
Where is rent cheaper than Seatac for a carpenter?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include Shoreline ($1,967/mo), Shoreline ($1,965/mo), Des Moines ($1,965/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.