Carpenter Salary UK: Age Bands, Minimum Wage and What You Can Expect to Earn

Understanding the carpenter salary landscape

If you’re working in carpentry or thinking of joining the trade, knowing what a typical carpenter salary looks like is essential for planning your finances and negotiating pay. Official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) gives a clear picture of earnings for employees, but the picture changes once you factor in age, region, and whether you’re self-employed.

What the official data shows

The ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) for 2025 reports that the median gross annual carpenter salary for employees in the UK is £33,797. The mean (average) is slightly higher at £36,363, which suggests a small group of higher earners pulls the average up. The middle half of carpenters earn between £27,860 and £40,043 a year.

Hourly pay follows a similar pattern: the median is £17.00 per hour, while the mean is £17.95. At the lower end, the 10th percentile earns £20,798 annually (£12.22 per hour), and at the upper end, the 75th percentile earns £40,043 (£19.78 per hour). These figures are gross – before tax and National Insurance – and apply only to employees, not the self-employed.

Age bands and the National Living Wage

For employed carpenters, the statutory minimum wage depends on age. From April 2026, the rates are:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour
• 18–20 year old rate: £10.85 per hour
• 16–17 year old rate: £8 per hour
• Apprentice rate: £8 per hour (for apprentices under 19 or in their first year)

These are legal minimums. Many carpenters earn well above these rates – the median hourly pay of £17.00 is nearly £4.30 above the NLW. However, younger workers and apprentices will typically start on lower pay. The CIJC Working Rule Agreement for 2026 sets a craft rate of £639.60 per week (based on a 39-hour week), which works out at about £16.40 per hour – still above the NLW but below the ONS median.

It’s important to remember that the minimum wage applies to all hours worked, including travel between sites if required by the employer, and training time. Employers must keep accurate records to prove compliance. For more on the current rates, see our UK Minimum Wage page.

Regional pay differences

Where you work has a big impact on your carpenter salary. The ONS data shows a clear north–south divide:

• London: £37,899 (12% above the UK median)
• South West: £36,481
• North East: £34,950
• South East: £34,819
• East of England: £34,244
• Scotland: £33,696
• North West: £33,346
• West Midlands: £32,789
• Yorkshire and the Humber: £30,324
• Wales: £29,662
• East Midlands: £28,888 (15% below the UK median)

The gap between London and the East Midlands is over £9,000 a year. However, living costs also vary, so a higher salary in London may not stretch as far. Our pay guides include more detail on regional comparisons.

Self-employment and take-home pay

Around 62% of carpenters are self-employed, according to the ONS. This means the official carpenter salary figures only cover a minority of the workforce. Self-employed carpenters set their own day rates or project prices, and their earnings can be higher or lower than the employee median. They are not entitled to the National Living Wage or minimum wage for their own work, but if they hire assistants, those workers must be paid at least the statutory rate.

Take-home pay for employees depends on tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, and any deductions for tools or travel. Self-employed carpenters can deduct legitimate business expenses before tax, which can increase net income. However, they also have to cover their own holiday pay, sick pay, and pension.

How to use this information

Whether you’re an employee or self-employed, knowing the typical carpenter salary helps you benchmark your earnings. If you’re just starting out, expect to be near the lower quartile (£27,860) or below. With experience and specialist skills, you can move towards the upper quartile (£40,043) or beyond. Regional moves can also boost your pay.

Always check your contract and the current statutory rates. The figures in this article are based on the ONS ASHE 2025 provisional data and the 2026/27 minimum wage rates. For the most up-to-date information, see our UK Minimum Wage page and explore our topics section for more on construction pay.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average carpenter salary in the UK?

According to the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (2025 provisional), the median gross annual salary for carpenters and joiners is £33,797. The mean (average) is £36,363. However, these figures are for employees only; self-employed carpenters may earn more or less depending on their workload and rates.

Do self-employed carpenters have to be paid the National Living Wage?

No. The National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage apply only to employees and workers. Self-employed carpenters set their own rates. However, if a self-employed carpenter hires an assistant or subcontractor who qualifies as a worker, that person must receive at least the appropriate minimum wage for their age.

How does age affect a carpenter’s minimum pay?

Employed carpenters must be paid at least the statutory minimum wage for their age. From April 2026, the National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. Workers aged 18–20 are entitled to £10.85 per hour, and those under 18 (including apprentices in their first year) to £8 per hour. Apprentices aged 19 or over in their second year or later must receive the full rate for their age group.