How much does a carpenter earn?
Carpenters (Zimmerer) plan, fabricate and install timber structures – from roof trusses and floors to timber-frame and prefab house construction, stairs, façades and renovations of existing buildings. They read plans, work in the cutting yard and on site, and make load-bearing connections properly. Gross pay depends on region, collective agreements in construction and wood trades, employer, share of on-site work and specialisation. As a guide, qualified carpenters in Germany in 2026 often earn about €3,200–€3,800 gross per month; during apprenticeship around €980–€1,310 is typical.
Salary by region (gross/month)
Guide figures as of 2026. The apprenticeship column means dual training as carpenter (Zimmerer); qualified means working carpenters. Actual pay depends on collective agreements (construction/wood trades), site and hardship allowances, employer, region, cutting/CAD skills and experience and is not a guarantee.
Further training options
Job and everyday work
A carpenter fabricates and installs load-bearing timber structures: from cutting in the workshop to assembling roof trusses, floors and timber-frame elements on site. Everyday work includes plans and site measurement, physical work at height, power and hand tools, and coordination with roofers, bricklayers and site management – often weather-dependent and under deadline pressure.
- Plan, cut and install roof trusses, floors, timber-frame walls and other timber structures.
- Read technical drawings and cutting lists, take measurements and make connections properly.
- Saw, plane, mill and drill with hand tools and stationary or cutting machines; use CNC cutting where available.
- Coordinate with site management, roofers, bricklayers and other trades; clarify junctions, schedules and safety.
- Work at height with fall protection, material transport and weather exposure on site are typical.
- Maintain tools and machines, plan material use and meet quality and fire-safety requirements.
