While both might be viewed as two of the more ‘traditional’ roles in construction, the knowledge and practical skills possessed by carpenters and joiners continue to form vital components in the industry. 

While the day-to-day has obviously evolved over the years with the introduction of new materials and building practices, both professions remain highly valuable and consistently sought-after. 

But how much can carpenters and joiners expect to earn in 2025? And how do these figures vary at different career stages? Below, we’ll explore the average salaries of carpenters and joiners, and what steps could be taken to increase these figures. 

How much can carpenters and joiners earn? 

Multiple factors can impact the average earning potential of a carpenter, including location, experience, employer and the complexity of work being carried out. 

According to Indeed, below are some of the average salaries associated with carpentry at varying career stages. 

  • Carpentry apprenticeship average salary: £24,420
  • Carpenter/labourer: £37,019
  • Full-time carpenter: £47,524
  • Carpenter supervisor: £61,134

When it comes specifically to full-time joiners, the average salary is slightly less, at £40,536.

How can carpenters & joiners boost their earning potential?

There are several ways carpenters and joiners can go about boosting their earning potential, particularly for those who have built up a decent level of experience working in their respective fields. 

Moving into specialist areas, such as stage design and heritage work, can be an effective way of increasing earnings for carpenters and joiners. Upskilling and specialising in high-demand skill sets, such as sustainable construction, can also have a positive impact on earnings while simultaneously future-proofing your services. 

Progressing into senior positions, such as a master carpenter, site manager or other supervisory roles, will also generally translate into higher salary brackets.

Moving into self-employment is another route worth considering for experienced carpenters and joiners. Working for yourself can bring a variety of benefits, including the potential to set your own rate of pay and working hours.

Teaching and training positions are another appealing alternative form of career progression for carpenters and joiners, whether these be undertaken on a full-time basis, or as a more casual side job used to supplement earnings.

Given the already sizable gaps in the UK’s construction workforce, and several high-profile projects meaning an incredibly busy period ahead for the industry, it’s safe to assume that carpenters and joiners will continue to find their services in high demand in the coming months and years. If you’d like to find out more about training in either sector, information on all of our courses can be found online here.