Carpentry is one of the most versatile trades in the construction industry. From framing new houses to fitting out luxury apartments, building formwork for high-rise concrete pours to crafting custom joinery, carpenters are needed on virtually every construction project in Perth.
Here’s your complete guide to carpenter jobs in Perth.
How to Become a Carpenter in Perth
Apprenticeship Pathway
A carpentry apprenticeship takes 3 to 4 years and leads to a Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220). You’ll work with a qualified carpenter while attending TAFE for the theory components.
During your apprenticeship, you’ll learn:
- Reading construction plans and drawings
- Setting out and levelling
- Framing walls, floors, and roofs
- Installing windows, doors, and hardware
- Building and stripping formwork
- Installing cladding, lining, and finishing elements
- Safe use of hand and power tools
- Work health and safety
Pre-apprenticeship courses (Certificate II in Building and Construction) are available at Perth TAFEs and give you a head start.
Licensing
Unlike electricians and plumbers, carpenters in WA don’t need a specific trade licence to work as an employee. However, if you want to run your own carpentry business and take on work above a certain value, you’ll need a Building Registration with the Building Commission WA.
Carpenter Salary in Perth
Perth Metro
- Residential framing carpenter: $70,000 to $90,000
- Residential fix carpenter: $65,000 to $85,000
- Commercial carpenter: $80,000 to $105,000
- Formwork carpenter: $85,000 to $115,000
- Joiner/cabinet installer: $65,000 to $90,000
- Maintenance carpenter: $70,000 to $90,000
FIFO and Mining
- Mine site carpenter: $95,000 to $130,000
- Shutdown carpenter: $100,000 to $130,000+
- Camp maintenance carpenter: $90,000 to $120,000
Subcontractor Rates
Self-employed carpenters in Perth charge $45 to $80+ per hour, or price by the job. Framing carpenters working on volume builders often price per square metre.
Types of Carpentry Jobs in Perth
Framing Carpenter
The backbone of residential construction. Framing carpenters build the structural timber frame of a house — wall frames, roof trusses, and floor systems. Perth’s new suburbs create constant demand for framers. This is physically demanding, fast-paced work, often done in teams.
Fix Carpenter (Second Fix)
Fix carpenters handle the finishing work — hanging doors, installing skirting boards, architraves, shelving, built-in robes, and kitchen installations. Fix work requires precision and attention to detail.
Formwork Carpenter
Building timber or steel formwork into which concrete is poured for foundations, slabs, walls, columns, and beams. Formwork carpenters are essential on commercial and civil construction sites. This specialisation typically pays more than residential carpentry due to the technical complexity and physical demands.
Commercial Carpenter
Working on offices, retail spaces, hospitals, schools, and other non-residential buildings. Commercial carpenters handle partitioning, ceiling frameworks, door frames, and general fit-out work. Commercial projects often run under EBA rates, which means higher pay.
Joiner and Cabinetmaker
Manufacturing and installing custom joinery — kitchens, vanities, built-in furniture, reception desks, and architectural features. Some joiners work in workshops while others are site-based installers. This overlaps with the cabinetmaking trade.
Roof Carpenter
Specialising in roof structures — installing trusses, rafters, purlins, fascia, and barge boards. Roof carpenters need to be comfortable working at heights and in all weather conditions.
Maintenance Carpenter
Carrying out repairs, replacements, and maintenance work on existing buildings. Maintenance carpenters work for property management companies, real estate groups, councils, and facility management firms. These roles offer stable, predictable work.
Heritage Carpenter
Restoring and repairing heritage and period buildings — working with traditional timber construction methods, replicating original profiles, and matching existing work. Perth has significant heritage building stock, particularly in Fremantle, Subiaco, and the CBD. Heritage carpentry is a niche that commands premium rates.
Where Are the Best Carpenter Jobs in Perth?
New Housing Estates
Perth’s growth suburbs need hundreds of carpenters at any given time. Framing crews work across Alkimos, Baldivis, Byford, Brabham, Piara Waters, and other developing suburbs.
Commercial Projects
CBD office towers, shopping centre upgrades, school builds, and hospital expansions all need commercial carpenters. These projects typically pay better and offer longer engagement periods.
Apartment and Multi-Storey Residential
Perth’s apartment construction sector employs formwork carpenters, commercial carpenters, and fix carpenters across projects in the CBD, South Perth, Scarborough, and other urban centres.
AUKUS and Defence
The Henderson shipyard precinct needs carpenters for construction support, fit-out work, and infrastructure builds associated with the submarine program.
Tips for Getting Hired as a Carpenter in Perth
Specialise
Carpenters who specialise — whether in formwork, commercial fit-out, or heritage restoration — command higher rates than generalists. Pick an area that interests you and build deep experience.
Get Additional Tickets
Carpenters with working at heights, EWP, forklift, and first aid certificates are more employable. If you’re targeting commercial or industrial work, confined space is useful too.
Own Your Tools
Most employers expect carpenters to bring their own hand tools and basic power tools. Having a well-maintained, professional tool kit shows you’re serious about the trade.
Build Your Network
Word of mouth is how most carpenters find their best work. Stay in touch with former colleagues, builders, and site supervisors. A good reputation travels fast in Perth’s construction industry.
Register With Perth Trades Recruitment
Perth Trades Recruitment places carpenters in residential, commercial, and industrial roles across Perth. We work with builders and contractors who are hiring right now.
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Contact Perth Trades Recruitment to find carpenter jobs in Perth today.