Carpenter Salary UK 2026/27: Regional Pay, Day Rates and Take-Home Pay

Carpenter Salary UK: An Overview for 2026/27

Carpentry and joinery remains one of the largest construction trades in the United Kingdom. Understanding the carpenter salary UK picture requires looking beyond a single headline figure, because pay varies significantly by specialism, region, employment status, and experience. This article breaks down the latest data from ONS, HMRC, and industry agreements to give you a clear picture of gross pay and take-home (net) pay.

Median Carpenter Salary: What the Official Data Says

According to the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) provisional release for 2025, the median full-time gross annual pay for carpenters and joiners (SOC 2020 code 5316) is £34,014. This is below the UK all-occupation median of £39,039, partly because the carpenter figure includes many apprentices and improvers in the bottom quartile. The upper end of the trade is much higher: bench joiners, cabinet makers, and heritage specialists can earn £60,000 to over £100,000 on a self-employed basis.

Regional and Seniority Differences

Location matters a great deal. London and the South East command a premium of roughly £5,000–£10,000 over the rest of the UK for employed roles. For example:

• NVQ Level 2 site carpenter (1st fix): £33,000–£43,000 regional; £42,000–£50,000 London.
• NVQ Level 3 advanced (2nd fix/bench joiner): £43,000–£51,000 regional; £50,000–£58,000 London.
• Foreman/site supervisor: £55,000–£70,000 regional; £65,000–£80,000 London.

These are gross salaries. Take-home pay depends on tax and National Insurance. For a £40,000 gross employed carpenter (regional, with 5% pension salary sacrifice), the estimated annual take-home is £30,880 after Income Tax of £5,086 and NI of £2,034. For a £55,000 London role, take-home is around £40,862 (with some earnings in the 40% higher-rate band).

Self-Employed Carpenters: Day Rates and Take-Home Pay

Many carpenters work as self-employed subcontractors, often under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). Day rates vary by specialism:

• Site carpenter (1st fix): £180–£280/day regional; £250–£400/day London.
• 2nd fix/bench joiner: £200–£350/day regional; £300–£450/day London.
• Cabinet maker/bespoke joinery: £220–£380/day regional; £300–£500/day London.
• Heritage/restoration: £350–£500/day regional; £400–£600/day London.

Assuming 200–220 chargeable days per year, a self-employed site carpenter with £48,000 profit takes home approximately £38,788 after Income Tax (£7,086) and Class 4 National Insurance (£2,126). A heritage specialist earning £85,000 profit takes home about £60,611, with higher-rate tax applying.

Apprentice and Minimum Rates

Apprentice carpenters start at the statutory apprentice minimum wage (£8.00/hour for first year or under 19s) or the CIJC Working Rule Agreement rates. From July 2026, CIJC rates are:

• Year 1: £8.29/hour (£16,812 annualised)
• Year 2: £8.80/hour (£17,846)
• Year 3 without NVQ 2: £10.27/hour (£20,828)
• Year 3 with NVQ 2: £13.13/hour (£26,628)

Important: Year 2 and Year 3 without NVQ 2 rates are below the National Minimum Wage for 18–20 year olds (£10.85) and 21+ (£12.71), so they are lawful only for apprentices under 19. Older apprentices must be paid the age-appropriate minimum wage.

Take-home for a Year 3 apprentice on £20,828 (without NVQ 2) is about £18,516 after Income Tax and NI, assuming no pension contributions.

Tax and National Insurance Considerations

For employed carpenters, Income Tax and NI are deducted through PAYE. The 2026/27 England tax bands are:

• Personal Allowance: £0–£12,570 (0%)
• Basic rate: £12,571–£50,270 (20%)
• Higher rate: £50,271–£125,140 (40%)
• Additional rate: above £125,140 (45%)

Employee National Insurance (Category A): 0% up to £12,570, 8% on £12,571–£50,270, 2% above £50,270.

Scotland uses different Income Tax bands: Starter 19%, Basic 20%, Intermediate 21%, Higher 42%, Advanced 45%, Top 48%. Scottish carpenters should adjust their take-home expectations accordingly.

Self-employed carpenters pay Class 4 NIC at 6% on profits between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% above that. Class 2 NIC was abolished as a mandatory charge from 2024/25. CIS deductions (typically 20% of labour payments) are reclaimed via Self Assessment.

Using a Take-Home Calculator

For a personalised estimate of your carpenter salary UK take-home pay, use our take-home calculator. It accounts for your specific gross pay, tax code, pension contributions, and student loan plan. You can also explore salary articles for more detailed comparisons across trades and regions.

Summary

Carpenter pay in the UK ranges from apprentice minimums around £17,000 to experienced self-employed specialists earning over £100,000. The median full-time employed carpenter earns £34,014 gross, but location and specialism can push that much higher. Take-home pay after tax and NI typically ranges from about £18,500 for an apprentice to over £60,000 for a high-earning heritage carpenter. Always check official HMRC guidance and your own payslip for exact figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average carpenter salary UK in 2026/27?

The median full-time gross annual salary for carpenters and joiners in the UK is approximately £34,014 according to ONS ASHE provisional data. However, this varies widely by specialism and region. NVQ Level 2 site carpenters outside London earn around £33,000–£43,000, while those in London can earn £42,000–£50,000. Self-employed carpenters often earn more, with day rates from £180 to over £600 for heritage work.

How much take-home pay does a carpenter get after tax?

Take-home pay depends on gross earnings, tax code, pension, and whether employed or self-employed. For example, an employed carpenter earning £40,000 gross (regional NVQ Level 2) takes home about £30,880 after Income Tax, National Insurance, and a 5% pension salary sacrifice. A self-employed site carpenter with £48,000 profit takes home around £38,788 after tax and Class 4 NIC. Use a take-home calculator for personalised estimates.

What are the day rates for self-employed carpenters in the UK?

Day rates vary by specialism and location. Site carpenters (1st fix) charge £180–£280 regionally and £250–£400 in London. Second fix/bench joiners charge £200–£350 regionally and £300–£450 in London. Cabinet makers charge £220–£380 regionally and £300–£500 in London. Heritage/restoration specialists command the highest rates: £350–£500 regionally and £400–£600 in London. These are gross rates before tax and expenses.