Carpenter Salary in Australia: State and Industry Differences Explained
Explore carpenter salary in Australia, including award rates, state variations, and industry comparisons. Understand how the salary index works for carpenters.
A carpenter's salary varies by state and industry, with award minimums around $67,000 annually, but many earn above award, placing them below the national average index of 100.
What is a carpenter salary?
A carpenter salary in Australia is the gross pay a carpenter earns for constructing, erecting, installing, and repairing structures and fixtures made of wood, plywood, wallboard, and other materials. Carpenters work mainly in the construction industry, and their pay is influenced by state location, industry sector, experience, and whether they are covered by a modern award, enterprise agreement, or individual contract.
To understand where a carpenter salary sits against the national line, we use the Salary Index. The index sets 100 as full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Average Weekly Earnings (May 2026) is $2,083.70 per week, annualised to $108,352. A carpenter earning $67,494 per year would have an index of about 62.3. But many carpenters earn more, especially in states with higher overall earnings.
Award minimums for carpenters
The Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, from the Fair Work Ombudsman, sets minimum rates for carpenters. Carpenters are typically classified at Level 5 or 6 under the award. For Level 5 (CW/ECW 5), the minimum weekly rate is $1,189.60. On top of that, an industry allowance of $67.15 per week applies for general building and construction, plus a tool allowance of $41.22 per week for carpenters and joiners. That brings the total minimum weekly pay to $1,297.97, or $67,494 annualised.
These rates are from 1 July 2026, after a 4.75% increase from the Annual Wage Review. The award also includes penalty rates, overtime, and other allowances. For example, a carpenter-diver gets an additional $1.33 per hour. The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week), so the carpenter award floor is significantly higher.
State differences in carpenter pay
State indices from the states page show how average full-time earnings vary across Australia. Western Australia has an index of 106.9 (annualised $115,825), and the Australian Capital Territory is 109.9 ($119,090). In contrast, Tasmania is 88.6 ($96,008) and South Australia is 94.6 ($102,450). While these are overall averages, they reflect the economic conditions that influence carpenter salaries.
A carpenter in Western Australia might command a higher salary due to mining and resource construction demand. In the ACT, government projects and higher cost of living push pay up. Conversely, in Tasmania or South Australia, construction activity is lower, and award rates may be closer to the minimum. However, the award itself is national, so the base rate is the same everywhere; the difference comes from above-award payments, enterprise agreements, and market rates.
Industry differences
Carpenters work predominantly in the construction industry, but within that, sectors vary. The industries page shows that mining has an index of 154.7, while retail trade is 75.9 and accommodation and food services is 72.5. Construction itself is not separately listed, but carpenters in civil construction or large commercial projects may earn more than those in residential building. The award distinguishes between general building and construction (industry allowance $67.15) and residential building and construction (allowance $53.72), reflecting slightly lower pay in residential work.
How the salary index applies to carpenters
The how the index works page explains that the index is yearly gross ordinary-time earnings divided by the national line ($108,352) times 100. For a carpenter on award minimums: $67,494 ÷ $108,352 × 100 = 62.3. If a carpenter earns $90,000, the index is 83.1; if $120,000, it's 110.8. This helps compare any carpenter salary to the national average.
Superannuation and tax
Employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of the carpenter's salary (from 1 July 2026). For a $67,494 salary, that's about $8,099 in super. Super is not counted in the salary index. Tax for a resident carpenter in 2026–27 (excluding Medicare levy) is nil on the first $18,200, 15% on the next $26,800, 30% on the next $90,000, etc. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. A carpenter earning $67,494 would have a tax bill of about $11,467 (including Medicare), leaving a take-home of about $56,027.
Where to find more information
For detailed award rates, see the pay guides on the Fair Work Ombudsman website. For state-by-state earnings benchmarks, visit the states page. To understand the salary index methodology, see how the index works.
Conclusion
A carpenter salary in Australia starts at around $67,494 per year under the modern award, but actual earnings vary widely by state and industry. Using the salary index, you can compare any carpenter salary to the national line of 100. Whether you're a carpenter negotiating pay or an employer setting rates, knowing the award floor and state differences is key.
Questions people ask
What is the minimum wage for a carpenter in Australia?
Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, the minimum weekly rate for a carpenter (Level 5) is $1,189.60, plus an industry allowance of $67.15 and a tool allowance of $41.22, totalling $1,297.97 per week (annualised $67,494). This is well above the national minimum wage of $1,004.90 per week. Actual pay often exceeds these minimums.
How does a carpenter salary compare to the national average?
The national average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $108,352 per year (index 100). A carpenter on award minimums earns about $67,494 (index 62.3). However, many carpenters earn above award, especially in states like Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, where overall earnings are higher. The salary index helps compare any salary to the national line.
Do carpenters receive superannuation?
Yes, employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% of ordinary time earnings (from 1 July 2026) on top of the carpenter's salary. For a carpenter earning the award minimum of $67,494, that adds about $8,099 in super per year. Super is not included in the salary index calculation, which uses gross ordinary-time earnings before tax and super.