Working as a Carpenter in Australia

Carpentry in Australia

There’s plenty of work for skilled and qualified carpenters in Australia. Even though there’s been a recent downturn in the mining boom, there’s currently a housing and construction boom on the East Coast major cities – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast.

If you’re interested in studying Carpentry you’ll find the information from the course details page, you can also watch some interviews from our students. 

How to find a carpentry job?

The best way to find a job is through networking. The easiest way to do this is to go directly to construction sites and ask if they are looking for any workers. You might have to go around to a few job sites, but usually, someone on the site will be looking for workers or will know someone who is. By going directly to job sites shows you are committed and know how things work in Aus.

In my opinion applying for jobs online is difficult in this line of work. If you get desperate it is worth a try networking at pubs, bars or better yet on construction sites.

How much do carpenters earn in Australia?

A qualified carpenter with their own tools who is subcontracting can expect to be paid anywhere from $45 – $60 per hour. A labourer can expect to be paid roughly $20 – $30 per hour.

Which safety equipment and tools do I need?

You will need to obtain the required safety equipment such as steel capped boots, Hard Hat & Protective Eye wear.

If you are subcontracting as a fully qualified Carpenter then you will most likely need to have your own tools. The very basic tools required include Drill and Driver, tool belt, chisel set, hammer and nail gun.

If you are doing work experience or vocational placement then you will often borrow the main employer’s tools.