Understanding carpenter salary Australia: what you take home after tax

How to work out your take-home pay as a carpenter

If you are a carpenter in Australia, your salary is often quoted as an annual or weekly figure before tax. What actually reaches your bank account depends on income tax, the Medicare levy, and any other deductions. This guide uses the latest publicly available data to show you how to estimate your net pay.

The benchmark carpenter salary

Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the median full-time weekly earnings for carpenters and joiners is $1,760 (before tax). That works out to about $91,520 per year if you work full-time for 52 weeks. This figure is higher than the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week, reflecting the skilled nature of the trade.

Remember, this is a median – half of carpenters earn more, half earn less. Your actual pay will vary based on your experience, location, employer, and whether you work under an award or an enterprise agreement. Fair Work provides pay guides for awards such as the Joinery and Building Trades Award, which set minimum rates.

Applying the 2026–27 tax rates

For the 2026–27 income year, the Australian Tax Office applies these marginal rates to residents:

• $0 – $18,200: Nil
• $18,201 – $45,000: 15 cents for each dollar over $18,200
• $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30 cents for each dollar over $45,000
• $135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37 cents for each dollar over $135,000
• Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45 cents for each dollar over $190,000

On a salary of $91,520, your tax is calculated as:

• First $18,200: $0
• Next $26,800 (up to $45,000): $26,800 × 0.15 = $4,020
• Remaining $46,520 (from $45,001 to $91,520): $46,520 × 0.30 = $13,956
• Total income tax: $17,976

You may be eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO). However, at $91,520 the offset phases out completely, so it does not reduce your tax.

Medicare levy

The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income. Because your income is well above the single threshold of $35,013, you pay the full rate. That adds $1,830.40 to your deductions.

Your take-home estimate

• Gross annual salary: $91,520
• Income tax: –$17,976
• Medicare levy: –$1,830.40
• Net annual take-home: $71,713.60

Per week: about $1,379 Per fortnight: about $2,758

This is before any salary sacrifice, HELP/HECS repayments, or the Medicare levy surcharge. Use our Take-home pay tool to run your own numbers.

What about superannuation?

From 1 July 2026, your employer must pay super guarantee of 12% on top of your salary, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. That means if your salary is $91,520, your employer contributes an extra $10,982.40 to your super fund. This money is not part of your take-home pay – it is saved for retirement. When you see a job ad quoting a salary, check whether it says “plus super” or “including super”. The median figure from Jobs and Skills Australia is before super.

Why your actual pay may differ

• Award rates: If you are covered by an award, your minimum hourly rate is set by Fair Work. The pay guides list penalty rates, allowances, and overtime.
• Enterprise agreements: Some workplaces have their own agreements that override the award.
• Casual loading: Casual employees get a higher hourly rate (usually 25% loading) but no paid leave.
• Location: Wages in remote areas or high-cost cities may be higher.
• Experience: Entry-level carpenters earn less than the median; experienced or specialised carpenters earn more.

Using the right tools

To get a precise estimate of your net pay, you can:

• Check the Tax and Medicare page for current rates and thresholds.
• Use the ATO’s tax withheld calculator (not linked here, but available on their site).
• Review Fair Work’s pay guides for your specific award.

Remember, this guide is an estimate. Your actual tax withholding depends on your individual circumstances, such as whether you claim the tax-free threshold, have a HELP debt, or are entitled to offsets. Always consult a tax professional or use official government tools for your final numbers.

Summary

The carpenter salary Australia benchmark of $1,760 per week gives a take-home of roughly $1,379 per week after income tax and Medicare. Your super is additional and not deducted from your pay. Use the resources on this site to tailor the calculation to your situation.