Carpenter Salary UK
Carpenters and joiners in the UK earn a median salary of £33,797 a year (ONS ASHE 2025, gross pay, all employee jobs), and the middle half earn between £27,860 and £40,043. The figures cover the ONS occupation group “Carpenters and joiners” (SOC 5316).
Pay by career stage and region: Carpenter salary by region · Carpenter salary London · Carpenter salary North West · Carpenter salary Scotland · Carpenter salary Wales · Carpenter salary Northern Ireland
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £34,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For carpenters and joiners, £34,014 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -13% versus the national average. Experienced carpenters and joiners (top 25%) earn over £40,043.
About this role
Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified include specialist construction roles such as scaffolders, steeplejacks, ceiling fixers, insulation installers, damp proofers and other specialist building trades.
Key responsibilities
- Carrying out specialist construction tasks and installations
- Working safely at height or in confined spaces
- Reading drawings and working to specifications
- Using specialist tools and equipment
- Following health and safety procedures
Qualifications and entry routes
Varies by trade. Scaffolders require CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) certification. Insulation installers may need PAS 2030 competence. CSCS card required for site work.
Career outlook
Scaffolding and insulation installation are in strong demand. Retrofit and energy efficiency programmes are creating growth for insulation trades.
Key skills
Common industries
- Scaffolding companies
- Insulation contractors
- Specialist construction services
- Industrial maintenance
- Steeplejacking
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£20,798
0-2 years
Mid Level
£27,860
3-7 years
Senior
£40,043
8-15 years
Potential career growth: ▲ +93% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£217
Carpenter salary: common questions
How much do carpenters and joiners earn in the UK?
Is £34,014 a good salary in the UK?
What is the starting salary for carpenters and joiners?
Have carpenters and joiners salaries kept up with inflation?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025). How the figures are built: salary data methodology.