Is the carpentry salary the same as the national minimum wage?

No. Qualified carpenters are covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award, which sets higher minimum rates than the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. The award minimum for a Level 3 carpenter is around $32 per hour.

How does superannuation affect the carpentry salary?

Superannuation is paid on top of the salary. The current super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So if the hourly rate is $32.11, the employer contributes an additional $3.85 per hour into super.

Carpentry Salary: Award Minimum Rates and Pay Floors in Australia

Q: Do carpenters get casual loading?

Yes. Under the award, casual employees receive a 25% loading on the ordinary hourly rate. For a Level 3 carpenter, that would be approximately $40.14 per hour.

The minimum hourly rate for a qualified carpenter under the Building and Construction General On-site Award is approximately $32.11 to $32.64 per hour, plus 12% superannuation.

Understanding the carpentry salary in Australia

When people search for a "carpentry salary", they are usually looking for the minimum they can expect to earn as a qualified carpenter or the legal pay floor that applies. In Australia, the answer depends on whether you are covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or the national minimum wage. For most carpenters working in residential or commercial construction, the relevant award is the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020).

The award minimum for carpenters

The Building and Construction General On-site Award sets minimum rates for different classifications. A qualified carpenter is typically classified at Level 3 (CW/ECW 3) under the award. According to the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guide for this award, the minimum hourly rate for a Level 3 employee such as a painter, glazier, bricklayer, or carpenter is between $32.11 and $32.64 per hour (depending on the specific trade). For a full-time employee working 38 ordinary hours per week, that translates to a weekly minimum of approximately $1,220 to $1,240 before tax.

These rates already include the industry allowance and are the legal minimum that must be paid to an adult employee in that classification. The award also requires employers to pay superannuation on top of these rates – currently 12% of ordinary time earnings.

How the national minimum wage fits in

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee. However, this is a backstop rate that applies only to employees not covered by an award or registered agreement. Since most carpenters are covered by the Building Award, their minimum pay is the higher award rate, not the national minimum.

It is important to note that the national minimum wage can be lower for some groups. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and employees on introductory award rates may be paid less. For example, an apprentice carpenter under the Building Award receives a percentage of the standard rate depending on their stage of training. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that award rates must never fall below the national minimum wage, but the award itself often sets higher minimums.

Enterprise agreements and negotiated salaries

Some carpenters are covered by enterprise agreements that have been approved by the Fair Work Commission. These agreements can set pay rates higher than the award minimum. If you work under an enterprise agreement, your minimum pay is the rate in that agreement. It is also possible to negotiate a salary above the award or agreement rate – this is a private arrangement between you and your employer. The award minimum remains the legal floor.

Superannuation is paid on top

Whenever we discuss a carpentry salary in Australia, it is essential to remember that superannuation is an employer contribution paid on top of the salary. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings (as of 2026-27). So if your hourly rate is $32.11, your employer must also contribute an additional $3.85 per hour into your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay – it is an extra cost to the employer.

Casual loading and penalty rates

If you work as a casual carpenter, the award requires a 25% loading on the ordinary hourly rate. For a Level 3 carpenter, that means a casual rate of approximately $40.14 per hour (based on $32.11). Casual employees do not receive paid leave but get the loading instead. Penalty rates for overtime, weekend, and public holiday work also apply under the award. These are calculated on top of the ordinary rate and can significantly increase your take-home pay.

How to check your exact rate

The rates mentioned here are a guide. Your exact minimum wage depends on your classification, location, and any applicable allowances. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a Pay and Conditions Tool that lets you enter your details to get a personalised calculation. You can also download the award pay guide from their website. For more information on how minimum wages work in Australia, see our Rate tables and Guides.

Summary

A carpentry salary in Australia is not a single figure. The legal minimum for a qualified carpenter under the Building and Construction General On-site Award is around $32 per hour plus super. This is higher than the national minimum wage of $26.44. Enterprise agreements and individual negotiations can push pay higher. Always check your award or agreement to know your exact entitlements.