Joiner
Also advertised as: Architectural Joiner, Bench Joiner, Cabinet Maker, Joiner, Self-employed Joiner, Site Joiner
Makes and fits doors, windows, staircases and fitted units from timber.
What the job involves
Joiners produce and install the timber components of a building, from doors and skirting to staircases and bespoke fitted furniture, either in a workshop or on site. You measure precisely, cut and shape timber, and fit finished pieces so they sit flush and function properly. Many joiners split their time between workshop production and site fitting.
Typical responsibilities
- Measure and mark out timber for cutting
- Cut and shape components using hand and power tools
- Assemble and fit doors, windows and staircases
- Install skirting, architrave and fitted units on site
- Check finished work for fit and function
Common employers
- Joinery workshops
- Construction contractors
- House building companies
- Kitchen and furniture manufacturers
- Self-employment
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£22,000 – £27,000 a year
With experience
£30,000 – £42,000 a year
Typical hours
37-40 hours in a workshop, or site hours when fitting
Working environment
Workshop or construction site
Remote working
on_site
Demand for this work
steady
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- Timber cutting and shaping
- Reading joinery drawings
- Use of hand and power tools
- Precision measuring
- Fitting and finishing
Transferable skills you may already have
- Manual dexterity
- Attention to detail
- Practical problem solving
Requirements employers ask for
- Timber cutting and shaping
- Reading joinery drawings
- Use of hand and power tools
- Precision measuring
- Fitting and finishing
- Level 2 or 3 apprenticeship in joinery, or equivalent experience
- CSCS card for site-based work
Useful but not essential
- Manual dexterity
- Attention to detail
- Practical problem solving
- Level 3 NVQ for bespoke and site supervisory work
Helpful qualifications
- Level 3 NVQ for bespoke and site supervisory work
Licences and checks
- CSCS card for site-based work
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- Site Carpentry and Architectural Joinery (Level 2)
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Design and technology
Where this career can lead
next
Senior Joiner
next
Workshop Supervisor
next
Self-employed Contractor
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Skilled trade with strong apprenticeship route
- Combines craftsmanship with practical fitting work
- Good self-employment potential once experienced
What people find hard
- Exposure to wood dust requires careful precautions
- Workshop and site work can both be physically tiring
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a joiner?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. not_required
- How much does a joiner earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £22,000 to £27,000 a year, rising towards £42,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Manual dexterity, Attention to detail, Practical problem solving.
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Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 16 September 2026.
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