How much does a master carpenter earn?

Are you a master carpenter or want to become one? Then you're probably wondering: What is the salary as a master carpenter and is it worth doing the master carpenter training? You've come to the right place: We explain what you can earn in this profession, which factors influence the salary and what differences there are in the federal states (unfortunately, we can't answer whether you should "only" do the master carpenter training for this reason or not!) You'll also find out how you can increase your earning potential now and how to find the right job as a carpenter. 

Maybe you're hesitating here because you're thinking "I'm a carpenter, aren't I?" - Don't worry, you're still in the right place with this article! Nowadays, carpenter and joiner are actually the same thing, in the south of Germany people tend to talk about a carpenter, but in the north they talk about a joiner - and the official job title according to the trade regulations is also joiner.

The salary as a master carpenter or master joiner

But now to the essentials: Your salary as a master craftsman. On average, you can earn between €4,040 and €5,030 gross per month as a master carpenter (according to Gehalt.de, 2025). According to Stepstone (2025), the average salary in Germany is €41,600 gross per year, or €4,070 per month. Please note, however, that the salary of a master carpenter varies depending on experience, location and company size, as well as any collective bargaining agreements. 

Here is an overview of earning potential according to professional experience (source Stepstone):

Important to know: These figures are average values that come mainly from employed master carpenters. Self-employed master carpenters can earn significantly more depending on the order situation and company, but they also bear a higher risk. The collective bargaining agreement with the IG Metall trade union also has a major influence on the average values - if you are employed by a company that is bound by a collective bargaining agreement, it is always worth keeping an eye on the current wage scales. 

Salary as a master carpenter: differences in the federal states

The salary of a master carpenter or master joiner depends heavily on the federal state and the collective agreement there. In southern Germany, such as Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, wages in the skilled trades are still often higher than in eastern Germany (as of 2025). Here you can get a rough overview of the salary differences within Germany:

You can earn top wages as a master carpenter or master joiner in Hesse, minimum wages in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and the eastern federal states. As already mentioned above: In addition to the location, the size of the company and the collective agreement (IG Metall as a carpenter) also play an extremely important role. Companies that are bound by collective agreements often pay better and often offer additional benefits that exceed the collective agreement, such as additional payments, vacation and Christmas bonuses or a 13th salary.

Do you need tips on how to get the best out of salary negotiations? Read our article on salary negotiations in the skilled trades.

Your career opportunities as a master carpenter and joiner

So - as a master carpenter, you not only earn a solid salary, but also have numerous opportunities to develop your career:

• Self-employment: Many master carpenters set up their own business, as master carpentry training also teaches them business management skills. Although this requires a lot of commitment and time, it can be financially and personally rewarding.
• Further training: Additional qualifications, such as a business economist in the skilled trades, surveyor or restorer in the carpentry and joinery trade can further increase your earning potential. 
• Management positions: In addition to more technical responsibility, you can of course also take on more personnel responsibility. In larger companies, you can often work as a workshop manager or switch to project management.

It can also be worth switching to related professions as a career changer (if you no longer want to work in wood): Find out more about the salary of an electrician or the earning potential of a roofer here. As an experienced carpenter or even a master craftsman, you have a very good chance of making a successful start as a career changer thanks to your professional experience! 

Find jobs in the skilled trades with WorkerHero

Are you looking for a job as a master carpenter or in another skilled trade? Then WorkerHero is the right place for you! Our platform will help you find the right job - even if you don't speak perfect German yet. We specialize in blue- and grey-collar jobs and support you in starting your career in Germany.

Start your search now on WorkerHero and find the job that suits you perfectly!