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

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

If you're looking at a career in carpentry or already working as a carpenter, understanding the carpenter salary landscape is essential. Pay varies significantly by region, seniority and whether you're employed or self-employed. This guide uses the latest ONS, HMRC and industry data to break down gross pay, take-home amounts and day rates for 2026/27.

Employee Carpenter Salaries: ONS and Industry Benchmarks

The Office for National Statistics (ONS ASHE 2025) reports a median full-time employee carpenter salary of £34,014, with a quarter earning below £28,900 and a quarter above £40,477. These figures cover employed carpenters and joiners (SOC 5316) only – self-employed workers under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) are outside this survey.

For those working under the CIJC Working Rule Agreement, minimum rates from July 2026 start at £16.40 per hour for the craft rate (annualised £33,259). Skill rates range from £13.18 (general operative) to £15.61 (Skill Rate 1). Apprentice rates are lower: Year 1 at £8.29/hr (£16,812 annual) and Year 2–3 at £8.80–£13.13/hr, though statutory minimum wage applies for apprentices aged 19+ after the first year.

Regional and Seniority Differences

A key factor in carpenter salary is location. London and the South East command a premium:

• NVQ Level 2 Site Carpenter (1st fix): Regional £33,000–£43,000; London £42,000–£50,000.
• NVQ Level 3 Advanced (2nd fix / Bench joiner): Regional £43,000–£51,000; London £50,000–£58,000.
• Foreman / Site Supervisor: Regional £55,000–£70,000; London £65,000–£80,000.

Specialisms also push pay higher. Heritage and restoration carpenters can earn £350–£600 per day, while shopfitters and bespoke cabinet makers command £220–£500 per day depending on location.

Take-Home Pay: What You Actually Keep

Gross salary is only half the story. After Income Tax, National Insurance and pension contributions, take-home pay can be significantly lower. Here are examples for 2026/27 (England, standard tax code 1257L, no student loan):

• Apprentice Year 3 (CIJC minimum, £20,828): Take-home ~£18,516 (after £1,652 tax and £661 NI).
• NVQ Level 2 site carpenter (£40,000 PAYE, 5% pension): Take-home ~£30,880 (tax £5,086, NI £2,034).
• NVQ Level 3 London (£55,000 PAYE, 5% pension): Take-home ~£40,862 (tax £8,332, NI £3,056).
• Self-employed site carpenter (£48,000 profit): Take-home ~£38,788 (tax £7,086, Class 4 NIC £2,126).
• Heritage specialist self-employed (£85,000 profit): Take-home ~£60,611 (tax £21,432, NIC £2,957).

Self-employed carpenters pay Class 4 National Insurance (6% on profits between £12,570 and £50,270, 2% above) and no mandatory Class 2 from 2024/25. CIS deductions are reclaimed via Self Assessment.

Day Rates for Self-Employed Carpenters

Many carpenters work on a day-rate basis, especially in London. Typical day rates for 2026/27:

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

Assuming 200–220 chargeable days per year, a self-employed site carpenter could net around £35,000–£55,000 after expenses and tax. Heritage specialists may net £70,000–£120,000+.

Tax Considerations for Scottish Carpenters

If you work in Scotland, income tax bands differ from England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Scottish higher rate (42%) starts at £43,663, compared to £50,270 in England. This means a carpenter earning £55,000 in Scotland pays more income tax than an equivalent earner in England. National Insurance is the same across the UK.

How to Calculate Your Own Take-Home Pay

For a personalised estimate, use our take-home calculator which applies HMRC rates for 2026/27. You can adjust for pension contributions, student loan repayments and Scottish tax bands. For more salary data across professions, visit our salary data page.

Summary

The carpenter salary in 2026/27 ranges from around £17,000 for an apprentice to over £85,000 for a heritage specialist. Location, skill level and employment status are the biggest drivers. Take-home pay after tax and NI typically reduces gross by 20–30% for employees and 15–25% for self-employed. Always check your specific tax code and deductions with your payslip or accountant.