Carpenter Pay Rate QLD 2026-27
Carpenters in Queensland earn at least $29.45/hr (CW/ECW 3), $36.81/hr casual — about $1,119 a week full-time — under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020. Rates from 1 July 2026.
Carpenter — Minimum Pay Rate (QLD)
Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020)
$29.45
Base rate/hr
$36.81
Casual rate/hr
Carpenters construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made of wood and other materials on building and construction sites.
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Queensland Note
Queensland workers are entitled to state-specific public holidays including Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) in Brisbane.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Carpenter
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $29.45/hr | $1,119.10 | $58,193.20 |
| Part-time (adult) | $29.45/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $36.81/hr | Varies | Varies |
Penalty Rates — Carpenter
$44.18/hr
$58.90/hr
$73.63/hr
Classification Levels — Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CW/ECW 3 | Carpenter (trade-qualified tradesperson) | $29.45 | $36.81 | $58,193.20 |
| CW/ECW 4 | Tradesperson with additional structured training | $30.38 | $37.98 | $60,030.88 |
| CW/ECW 5 | Special class tradesperson | $31.31 | $39.14 | $61,868.56 |
| CW/ECW 6 | Special class tradesperson level II | $32.14 | $40.18 | $63,508.64 |
Am I Being Underpaid as a Carpenter?
Construction industry workers are entitled to various allowances (tool allowance, travel allowance, height money) in addition to their base rate. Check your payslip includes these where applicable.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →Related Jobs Under the Same Award
| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site Supervisor | $31.31/hr | $39.14/hr | $62.62/hr |
| Concreter | $29.45/hr | $36.81/hr | $58.90/hr |
| Painter | $29.45/hr | $36.81/hr | $58.90/hr |
More on the Building Award
Building Award (MA000020) overview
Coverage, penalty rates, casual overtime method and break rules.
Search enterprise agreements
An enterprise agreement replaces the award where one covers your workplace. Search by employer.
Enterprise agreements in construction
- Terrex Group Field Crew Enterprise Agreement 2025
- Complex Facade Install Pty Ltd / CFMEU South Australia Greenfields Agreement 2026
- Civilmart Mittagong Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Built Ptd Ltd / CFMEU South Australia Enterprise Agreement 2026
- BESIX Watpac / CFMEU South Australia Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Boyle Civil Contracting Perdaman Ceres Project Greenfields Agreement 2024
Employer pay guides under the Building Award
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a carpenter get paid per hour in Queensland?
The minimum hourly rate for a carpenter in Queensland is $29.45/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $36.81/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the CW/ECW 3 adult rate under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020), effective from 1 July 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a carpenter?
The minimum wage for a carpenter is $29.45 per hour ($1,119.10 per week for a 38-hour week, or $58,193.20 per year). This is set by the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers carpenters?
Carpenters are covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do carpenters get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, carpenters receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($44.18/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($58.90/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($73.63/hr).
What is the casual rate for a carpenter?
The casual rate for a carpenter is $36.81/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $29.45/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old carpenter get paid?
Apprentice rates apply during the apprenticeship. Qualified carpenters receive the full tradesperson rate. The Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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