Carpenter Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Carpenters in Sydney earn a median salary of $91,250 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $79,520 and $116,780. That is broadly in line with Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 36 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 55th percentile by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +12 listings vs last month
💰 Carpenter · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$79,520 – $116,780
Median: $91,250
May $93k
Jun $91k
↓ Trending down

Based on 2-month data — short-term movement only.

Mid level $79,520 – $116,780
Overall $79k–$116k Mid $79k–$116k $77k $85k $94k $103k $111k $120k
Moderate confidence 36 listings (+12 vs last month) · 05/07/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10%  $79,520 Median  $91,250 $116,780  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Sydney carpenters median $91.25k, which actually sits just below the city's all-roles median (a 3.9% gap), one of the closest-to-parity trades in this batch. Brisbane pays more at $100k, a reminder that construction wages track the local build pipeline rather than the cost of living. Demand jumped hard, 36 listings against 24 last month, yet the median slipped $2.6k, so more sites are hiring without lifting pay. The range ($79.5k to $116.8k) rewards licensed chippies with specialised skills, and the trades ladder above (Estimator $145k, Site Manager $175k) shows where the real money sits.

Take Home Pay (based on median $91,250)

Weekly (net)
~$1,333
Monthly (net)
~$5,775
Annual (net)
~$69,302
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $101,743

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Carpenter in Sydney?
A qualified carpenter starts around $79.5k. The lever toward the $116.8k top is licensing plus specialisation: a builder's licence, formwork or high-end joinery skills, and experience on commercial rather than residential sites. Carpenters who can run a small crew or read complex plans move up the band faster than general labour.
Is $91,250 a good salary in Sydney?
Depends, but it is closer to yes than most trades. At $91.25k the median is only 3.9% below Sydney's $95k all-roles figure, which is strong for a hands-on trade, and it nets about $69k after tax. Carpentry pay in Sydney is fair rather than a discount. The honest note is that Brisbane pays $9k more for the same work, so the harbour is costing you a little.
How much does a Senior Carpenter make in Sydney?
There is no formal senior carpenter band here, but the range reaches $116.8k for leading hands and site chippies running crews. The bigger jump is off the tools: into Estimator ($145k), Site Manager ($175k) or a builder's-licence contracting role. Getting there means adding a licence, project coordination and the ability to price and sequence work, not just build it.

Other roles in Sydney

Carpenter salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $91,250 —
Brisbane $100,000 +10%
Melbourne $92,500 ~same

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.