Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Oak Creek, WI?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 37.6% of gross income.
Oak Creek rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin cities have lower median rent than Oak Creek, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Oak Creek
View full rent data for Oak Creek, WI →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Oak Creek, WI?
Median rent in Oak Creek is $1,816 a month. A typical carpenter in Wisconsin earns about $57,893 a year, which makes that rent 37.6% 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 Oak Creek?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Wisconsin (~$57,893/yr) supports up to $1,447 a month in rent. Oak Creek's current median rent is $1,816/mo, which is $369/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Oak Creek?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a carpenter in Wisconsin works roughly 65.2 hours a month to cover Oak Creek's median rent of $1,816.
Where is rent cheaper than Oak Creek for a carpenter?
Nearby Wisconsin cities with lower median rent include Oconomowoc ($1,811/mo), Oconomowoc ($1,811/mo), Madison ($1,810/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.