Carpenter jobs are some of the best-paid skilled trades in UK construction. Whether you're a 2nd fix joiner, a fire door specialist, or a multi-trade carpenter, rates of £25-35/hour are common — especially in London and the South East.
Types of Carpenter Jobs
- 1st Fix Carpenter: structural work — joists, roofs, stud walls. £22-28/hour
- 2nd Fix Carpenter: finishing work — skirting, doors, kitchens. £24-32/hour
- Fire Door Installer: specialist role installing fire-rated doors. £26-35/hour
- Multi-Trade Carpenter: carpentry plus plumbing/tiling. £25-30/hour
- Bench Joiner: workshop-based joinery. £14-22/hour
What Tickets Do Carpenters Need?
Most carpentry roles require:
- CSCS blue skilled worker card (or red trainee card)
- NVQ Level 2 in Wood Occupations (for blue card)
- Asbestos awareness certificate
- Some roles need fire door installation training
Finding Carpenter Work
The best-paying carpenter jobs are in London, the Home Counties, and major cities. Social housing providers like MEARS and Clarion regularly hire multi-trade carpenters on permanent contracts. Browse SiteJobs for live carpenter vacancies across the UK.
Live Jobs — Carpenter (6,088 available)
Shuttering Joiner
Aberlour ·
£25/hr CIS
Wood Machinist/Joiner
Rawtenstall · Ongoing
£28,080-30,680/annum
Multi Skilled Joiner
Manchester · Permanent
£29,814/annum
UPVC Carpenter
Hemel Hempstead · Permanent
£45,000/annum
Joiner
Clydebank · Ongoing
£47,320/annum
Fire Door Joiner
Northampton · Temporary
£55,517/annum
Joiner
Whitwick · Ongoing
£34,999/annum
Wood Machinist/Joiner
Rawtenstall · Ongoing
£28,080-30,680/annum