Close up of a carpenter's hands using a chisel on a wooden beam in a bright, modern workshop environment.

Carpenter

Cut, shape, and install wood for buildings, kitchens, furniture, and more.

This UK carpenter career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.

Quick facts

Starting salary
£20,000 - £26,000
Mid-career salary
£32,000 - £45,000
Senior salary
£50,000 - £80,000+ (self-employed)
Work environment
Sites or workshops
Time to entry
2 - 4 years
Degree required
Not required
Category
Skilled Trades

What a Carpenter does

Cut, shape, and install wood for buildings, kitchens, furniture, and more.

How to become a Carpenter

  1. Look up Carpenter roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
  2. Talk to someone already working as a Carpenter - even a 15-minute call helps
  3. Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
  4. Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
  5. Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month

Key skills

  • Measurement
  • Hand tools
  • Power tools
  • Spatial thinking