Carpenter Pay Rate in SA 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for carpenters in South Australia under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Carpenter — Minimum Pay Rate (SA)
Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020)
$29.47
Base rate/hr
$36.84
Casual rate/hr
Carpenters construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made of wood and other materials on building and construction sites.
South Australia Note
South Australia workers may have state-specific entitlements. Check with SafeWork SA for occupational health requirements.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Carpenter
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $29.47/hr | $1,119.86 | $58,232.72 |
| Part-time (adult) | $29.47/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $36.84/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Carpenter
Saturday
$44.21/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$58.94/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$73.68/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($29.47/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CW/ECW 3 | Construction worker (general) | $27.14 | $33.93 | $53,628.64 |
| CW/ECW 4 | Carpenter (tradesperson) | $29.47 | $36.84 | $58,232.72 |
| CW/ECW 5 | Advanced tradesperson | $30.78 | $38.48 | $60,821.28 |
| CW/ECW 6 | Special class tradesperson | $32.25 | $40.31 | $63,726.00 |
View full Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 pay rates →
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 →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a carpenter get paid per hour in South Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a carpenter in South Australia is $29.47/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $36.84/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a carpenter?
The minimum wage for a carpenter is $29.47 per hour ($1,119.86 per week for a 38-hour week, or $58,232.72 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 ($44.21/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($58.94/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($73.68/hr).
What is the casual rate for a carpenter?
The casual rate for a carpenter is $36.84/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $29.47/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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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.
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