If you’re considering a career in carpentry or are currently working in the industry, you might be wondering, How much do carpenters make in Australia?
According to Seek, as of early 2025, the salary for carpenters typically falls between $75,000 to $90,000 per year. This range is reflective of many subcontractors and those working full-time for another business. However, a carpenter’s earning capacity depends on several key factors, including experience, business acumen, and qualifications.
The Carpenter’s Earning Lifecycle
Carpenters typically follow a progression in their career that determines their earning potential. Here’s how it generally unfolds:
1. Apprenticeship Stage
According to Payscale (as of December 2024), apprentice carpenters in Australia earn between $18.72 and $25.50 per hour. This is the foundational stage where carpenters gain skills, experience, and formal qualifications.
2. Qualified Carpenter
Once fully qualified, many carpenters enter the workforce as employees, subcontractors, or sole traders. While some ‘handymen’ charge $30-$40 per hour without formal qualifications highly skilled, certified carpenters can demand much higher rates.
3. Specialisation & Growth
Over time, carpenters can increase their earning potential by specialising in niche areas, obtaining additional licenses, or transitioning into business ownership.
4. Business Ownership & Leadership
Many Carpentry Australia members who focus on building efficient businesses, managing cash flow, and developing project management skills see their earnings skyrocket. Some businesses generate $500,000+ in revenue within five years, with others achieving $1–5 million in annual revenue at a 30% profit margin, after paying themselves upwards of $120,000 per year.
Employee vs Subcontractor (What you earn vs what you keep)
When considering your earnings, it’s important to look beyond just the pay and think about what you actually keep. While a higher income might seem attractive at first, the hidden costs of missing benefits can significantly impact your financial security. For example, covering your own vehicle costs and insurance ($35,000 as per example) or going without superannuation contributions ($10,000 as per example) adds up quickly. Also, unpaid time off, no sick leave, and lack of job security can create financial stress. On the other hand, a role that includes super, paid leave, and employer covered expenses may leave you in a stronger position overall.
It’s a crucial factor to consider when weighing up job opportunities.
Example below:
| Category | Subcontractor | Employee |
| Hourly Rate | $75 per hour | $42 per hour |
| Annual Earnings | $125,400 (38 hours, 44 weeks) | $83,000 (38 hours, 52 weeks) |
| Superannuation | $0 | $10,000 |
| Work Cover Protection | Not covered | Fully covered |
| Annual Leave | 0 (unpaid) | 4 weeks (paid) |
| Paid Public Holidays | 0 (unpaid) | 2 weeks (paid) |
| Sick Leave | 0 (unpaid) | 2 weeks (paid) |
| Vehicle Costs & Insurance | $35,000 | $0 (covered by employer) |
| Job Security | Low | High |
| Stress Levels | High | Low |
| Equivalent Take Home Pay After Costs | $80,400 (once super and expenses deducted)
= paying own super, + vehicle and insurance costs. |
$83,000 |
Industry Challenges & Missed Opportunities
Despite their skills and experience, many carpenters find themselves underpaid due to external factors:
• Volume Builders – Many carpenters working for large builders are paid fixed rates for specific tasks, which often don’t reflect their true skill level. While these rates are set, the high demand for skilled carpenters creates opportunities to negotiate better pay to ensure quality workmanship isn’t compromised. Without adequate negotiation, tight deadlines and fixed pricing can lead to rushed jobs and lower standards. Carpentry Australia can support you in understanding your worth, improving your negotiating position, and ensuring you are paid fairly for the quality work you deliver.
• Labour Hire – Hourly-based work, while steady, often caps a carpenter’s earnings and limits financial growth.
• Handyman Services – Many individuals without formal qualifications offer cheaper services, which can undercut qualified tradespeople. Unfortunately, skilled carpenters are often called in to fix subpar work, frustrating many in the industry.
Unlocking Higher Earnings with Carpentry Australia
Carpentry Australia’s business mentoring program is designed to help carpenters break free from these limitations. We provide guidance on how to:
• Build a structured and profitable business
• Manage cash flow, pricing, and project timelines effectively
• Develop leadership skills to move off the tools and focus on growth
• Secure the right type of jobs, at the right price, with the right clients
Qualifications & Licenses Matter
Beyond technical skills, proper licensing plays a major role in a carpenter’s earning capacity. For example, in Victoria:
• Without a DBL (Domestic Builder – Limited) or DBU (Domestic Builder – Unlimited) license, you can only undertake work up to $10,000.
• For projects over $10,000, a major domestic building contract is required.
• For projects exceeding $16,000, a carpenter must provide a domestic building insurance policy (formerly known as home warranty insurance).
The Key to Sustainable Success
Many highly skilled carpenters struggle with business management, forecasting, and profitability. Without proper financial education, they may hesitate to hire staff or take on apprentices due to uncertainty about future work.
Carpentry Australia helps members shift from hands on work to business leadership, winning the best jobs, securing the best rates, and building sustainable careers.
If you’re serious about maximising your earning potential and setting up a successful future in carpentry, join Carpentry Australia today and gain the guidance you need to build a thriving business.
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