Back in 1870, carpenters in New York made about $3.38 a day, working six days a week, often for 10 hours a day. That came out to just over $1,050 a year. These men built homes, laid floors, made furniture, and did all the finishing work—by hand. It was tough, physical labor without the power tools or safety standards we rely on today. Everyday expenses might sound cheap now, but they added up fast. A bushel of potatoes cost $0.77, corned beef was $0.11 a pound, and cloth was $0.13 a yard. Renting a six-room apartment cost $10.58 a month, which ate up more than 13% of a carpenter’s income. The U.S. was on the gold standard then, with gold priced at $20.67 an ounce, and there was no income tax, though some local taxes and fees still applied. Carpenters today earn more, work fewer hours, and benefit from modern tools and workplace protections. But in 1870, it was all grit and muscle. These craftsmen faced long days and low pay, but they played a big role in building the cities and neighborhoods that shaped America’s future.
Carpenters Pay Wages – New York 1870
