Considering a career working with wood? From framing homes and building commercial structures to crafting custom cabinets and fine woodwork, carpenters play a key role in shaping the spaces where people spend their time. But before committing to training, you probably want to know: How much do carpenters actually make in Ontario?
In this post, we break down average wages for general carpenters and cabinetmakers across the province, explain what influences your earning potential, and highlight practical steps you can take to boost your income.
Let’s get started.
We looked at salary data for a couple different roles.
General carpenters work in residential, commercial, industrial, and civil construction, often collaborating with other trades on job sites. Depending on the project, their tasks may include formwork, framing, renovations, and detailed finishing. They follow building codes and ensure structural integrity and safety while adapting to changing site conditions and project requirements.
According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, these are the median wages for general carpenters in:
Cabinetmakers specialize in crafting fine wood products such as cabinets, furniture, millwork, and custom built-ins. They work primarily in workshops, using both traditional hand tools and modern machinery to cut, shape, join, and finish wood with precision. Their work often involves veneering, sanding, staining, and installing hardware.
Unlike general carpenters, cabinetmakers focus on precision manufacturing and esthetic quality, producing custom pieces for kitchens, offices, commercial spaces, and architectural interiors where accuracy and finish are critical.
The Job Bank says these are the median wages for cabinetmakers in:
Here are some tips to help boost your wages.
There is no hard data that indicates Red Seal carpenters earn more than those without the endorsement. However, Red Seal allows for greater mobility within the country, which means you have more opportunities to chase higher-paying jobs.
Carpentry is a non-compulsory trade in Ontario, so you don’t have to get your Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal. But if you choose to go this route, it takes about four years. After completing the required apprenticeship hours and in-school training, candidates write the Certificate of Qualification exam through Skilled Trades Ontario. Achieving a minimum score of 70 per cent on this exam earns you both the C of Q and the Red Seal endorsement.
Focusing your skills in areas where demand is strongest can significantly increase your earning potential. In Ontario, high-demand niches include:
Carpenters specializing in formwork, framing, interior systems, or energy-efficient retrofits may command higher rates because these skills are consistently needed. Targeting one of these niches helps you stand out.
Another way to increase your earnings is to operate your own carpentry business. Self-employment is common in this trade, and running your own company puts you in control of pricing, project selection, and profit margins. It also allows you to specialize, build a reputation, and grow a client base that values quality craftsmanship.
While working for yourself does require additional skills such as estimating, project management, marketing, and bookkeeping, the financial upside can be big. By setting your own rates and taking on larger or more complex contracts, you can significantly increase your income compared to working solely as an employee.
Carpenters in Ontario and in the Toronto area in particular are in a good position thanks to government infrastructure spending as well as ongoing residential development. The JobBank gives the job of carpenter in both Ontario and Toronto three out of five stars, meaning moderate outlook and growth through 2027.
However, BuildForce Canada expects strong demand for carpenters in the GTA over the next few years. It estimates the non-residential market will be stronger in 2026, while the residential market will overtake it in 2027 and 2028.
Develop the skills you need to stand out through the carpentry pre-apprenticeship training offered by Herzing College in Toronto. It takes just 18 weeks to complete and includes instruction in safety, servicing and installation methods, building codes, and blueprint reading.
Click below to get more details on the program and chat live with a knowledgeable and friendly admissions advisor. We’re here to help!