The average carpenter salary in Canada is $55,000-$80,000 per year. This guide breaks down carpenter pay by province, specialization, and experience.
Carpenter Salary by Province
| Province |
Average |
Entry Level |
Journeyman |
| Alberta |
$80,000 |
$48,000 |
$90,000 |
| Ontario |
$72,000 |
$45,000 |
$85,000 |
| British Columbia |
$75,000 |
$46,000 |
$88,000 |
| Quebec |
$62,000 |
$40,000 |
$75,000 |
| Saskatchewan |
$72,000 |
$45,000 |
$82,000 |
| Manitoba |
$65,000 |
$42,000 |
$78,000 |
| Nova Scotia |
$55,000 |
$36,000 |
$68,000 |
| New Brunswick |
$52,000 |
$34,000 |
$65,000 |
| Newfoundland |
$65,000 |
$42,000 |
$78,000 |
| PEI |
$50,000 |
$32,000 |
$62,000 |
| Territories |
$95,000+ |
$60,000 |
$105,000 |
Salary by Experience Level
| Level |
Salary |
Hourly |
| 1st Year Apprentice |
$38,000-$45,000 |
$18-$22 |
| 2nd Year Apprentice |
$45,000-$52,000 |
$22-$25 |
| 3rd Year Apprentice |
$52,000-$60,000 |
$25-$29 |
| 4th Year Apprentice |
$58,000-$68,000 |
$28-$33 |
| Journeyman |
$68,000-$88,000 |
$33-$42 |
| Foreman |
$85,000-$105,000 |
$41-$50 |
| Superintendent |
$95,000-$130,000 |
Salary |
Salary by Specialization
| Specialization |
Average Salary |
| Residential Framing |
$60,000-$75,000 |
| Commercial |
$70,000-$90,000 |
| Industrial |
$80,000-$100,000 |
| Finish Carpentry |
$65,000-$85,000 |
| Cabinet Making |
$55,000-$75,000 |
| Formwork/Concrete |
$75,000-$95,000 |
| Scaffolding |
$70,000-$90,000 |
| Heritage/Restoration |
$60,000-$80,000 |
Union vs Non-Union
| Factor |
Union |
Non-Union |
| Hourly Rate |
$38-$48 |
$28-$38 |
| Pension |
Defined benefit |
RRSP (if any) |
| Benefits |
Full package |
Varies |
| Job Security |
Hall dispatch |
Direct hire |
| Training |
Paid apprenticeship |
Variable |
| Overtime |
Guaranteed 1.5x |
Often straight time |
Take-Home Pay (Ontario Example)
| Gross Salary |
Annual Take-Home |
Monthly Net |
| $60,000 |
$46,500 |
$3,875 |
| $75,000 |
$56,500 |
$4,710 |
| $90,000 |
$66,000 |
$5,500 |
High-Paying Opportunities
| Opportunity |
Earnings Potential |
| Industrial Projects |
$90,000-$110,000 |
| Remote/Camp Work |
$100,000-$140,000 |
| Union Commercial |
$85,000-$100,000 |
| Overtime Heavy |
$90,000-$120,000 |
| Own Business |
$100,000-$200,000+ |
Self-Employment
| Business Size |
Owner Income |
| Solo Contractor |
$70,000-$100,000 |
| 1-2 Employees |
$85,000-$130,000 |
| Small Crew (3-5) |
$100,000-$180,000 |
| Full Company |
$150,000-$300,000+ |
Career Path Timeline
| Milestone |
Timeline |
Earnings |
| Start Apprenticeship |
Year 0 |
$40,000 |
| Journeyman Certificate |
Year 4 |
$72,000 |
| Senior Carpenter |
Year 7-10 |
$85,000 |
| Foreman |
Year 8+ |
$100,000 |
| Start Business |
Year 5+ |
$90,000+ |
| Stage |
Investment |
| Apprentice |
$2,000-$5,000 |
| Journeyman |
$5,000-$15,000 |
| Self-Employed |
$15,000-$50,000 |
Is Carpentry a Good Career in Canada?
Pros:
- Earn while learning (apprenticeship)
- Strong demand, always work available
- Business ownership potential
- Visible, tangible results
- Variety of work environments
- Transferable skills
Cons:
- Physically demanding
- Weather exposure (outdoor work)
- Seasonal slowdowns possible
- Hard on body long-term
- Tool investment required
- Requires reliable transportation