Carpenter Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Carpenters in Sydney earn a median salary of $100,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $82,500 and $125,000. That sits 5% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 31 jobs advertised in Sydney in the last 30 days.

● Moderate demand 49th percentile by listing volume in Sydney ↓ -5 listings vs last month
💰 Carpenter · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$82,500 – $125,000
Median: $100,000
Aug $100k
Sep $100k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $82,500 – $125,000
Overall $82k–$125k Mid $82k–$125k $80k $89k $99k $109k $119k $128k
Moderate confidence 31 listings (-5 vs last month) · 30/09/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 31 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 67.7% stated a salary directly. The remaining 32.3% carried a range estimated from the listing, so this median blends advertised and estimated pay. Figures represent what employers advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

Where does your salary sit?
Enter your salary to see where you rank.
Bottom 10%  $82,500 Median  $100,000 $125,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

At 68% salary disclosure this is one of the best-evidenced trade figures in the report, showing Sydney carpenters at $100,000 with the median unchanged and listings easing from 36 to 31. Sydney matches Brisbane at the top of the national band, with Perth at $98,000 and Melbourne last at $93,000. Against Sydney's $95,000 city median it clears the benchmark by only 5.3%, which is thin for a licensed trade.

Take Home Pay (based on median $100,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,443
Monthly (net)
~$6,253
Annual (net)
~$75,033
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $111,500

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 at $82,000, with the trade certificate as the barrier and apprentice rates outside this range. Commercial fitout, formwork and high-rise work pay above residential framing. A white card is assumed, while working at heights and scaffolding tickets move pay within the band.
Is $100,000 a good salary in Sydney?
Marginally. At $100,000 a carpenter earns 5.3% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000, with take-home near $1,443 a week against the highest living costs in this report. Brisbane pays the same nominal figure at a far lower cost base, which is a strong relocation argument. Sydney's high city median is what erodes the premium here.
How much does a Senior Carpenter make in Sydney?
The ceiling is $125,000, reached through leading hand work, site supervision or commercial fitout specialisation. Beyond the tools, Sydney estimators earn $160,000, project engineers $160,000 and site managers $163,000. Builder licensing is the other route, though these figures cover employed positions only.

Other roles in Sydney

Carpenter salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $100,000 0%
Brisbane $100,000 ~same
Perth $98,800 ~same
Melbourne $93,860 -6%

Uncover hidden salary ranges on Seek

Paste any job URL to bypass the "competitive salary" text and see the exact employer budget instantly.

Check a Listing Install Extension

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.