Skilled Trades

Joiner

SOC 51-7011.00 · ESCO 7115 · OSCA 372133

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Role snapshot

Overview

A Joiner crafts and assembles detailed timber components such as doors, windows, staircases, and cabinetry. Working primarily in a workshop, they utilize precision machinery and hand tools to produce finished pieces that meet exact specifications and high quality standards.

Produces essential structural and aesthetic timber components for buildings and furniture, ensuring precision, functionality, and visual appeal in construction and interior fit-outs.

On the job

  • Read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and specifications for joinery projects.
  • Measure, cut, shape, and join timber and timber-based products using hand tools and power machinery.
  • Assemble doors, windows, staircases, cabinetry, and other custom joinery components.
  • Operate and maintain woodworking machinery such as saws, planers, routers, and sanders safely and effectively.
  • Perform quality checks on finished products to ensure accuracy, structural integrity, and adherence to design standards.
Joiner at work

Tools & technology

Table sawPlaner/ThicknesserRouterChisels and hand planesSanding machinesMeasuring tools (tape measure, squares, calipers)

Average salary

$45K
MEDIAN SALARY Annual · USD
$32K Bottom 10%
$65K Top 10%

Job outlook

Stable

Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.

Education & training

Completion of a vocational certificate, diploma, or apprenticeship in carpentry or joinery is typically required.

Career pathways

WHERE YOU COULD GO

Senior Joiner
Workshop Manager

CURRENT ROLE

Joiner

Skilled Trades

ADJACENT MOVES

Cabinet Maker (Specialist)
Furniture Designer/Maker
Woodworking Apprentice
Carpenter Helper
General Laborer Construction

STARTING POINTS

Who thrives here

Interest profile

R

realistic · RCA

Individuals who enjoy hands-on work, precise craftsmanship, and following detailed plans to create tangible products often find satisfaction in this role.

Personality characteristics

Precise

Possesses a meticulous approach to measurements and cuts, ensuring high-quality output and minimal waste.

Methodical

Follows established procedures and safety protocols consistently to achieve accurate and reliable results.

Practical

Enjoys working with tangible materials and solving hands-on challenges to create functional items.

Composed

Maintains a steady focus and calm demeanor, especially when operating machinery or handling intricate tasks.

Independent

Comfortable working autonomously on detailed projects, managing one's own workflow effectively.

Best for

  • Individuals who enjoy craftsmanship and mastering technical skills in woodworking.
  • Those who appreciate precision, systematic work, and producing high-quality finished goods.
  • People who prefer a workshop environment over an office setting.

Watch out for

  • Work can be physically demanding and requires sustained focus on detailed tasks.
  • Limited direct client interaction, with most work being workshop-based.

A week in the life

A representative working week for a Joiner — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.

8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm
Mon
Project brief and material review
Measure and cut timber components
Machine setup and initial shaping
Tue
Detailed joinery work and assembly (doors/windows)
Sanding and preparing components for finishing
Wed
Cabinetry assembly and fitting
Quality control and adjustments
Staircase component fabrication
Thu
Final assembly of large units
Workshop maintenance and tool sharpening
Team coordination and next day's plan
Fri
Finishing work (varnish prep, final polish)
Inventory check and material ordering
Workshop cleanup and end-of-week review
Deep work Meeting External Social Admin

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