Carpenter Salary in Germany (2026): What Tischler and Zimmerer Earn Per Month

Hourly rates are converted at a 38-39 hour week. Your exact group depends on your qualification, experience and the work you do – CNC joinery, furniture design or site management are grouped higher than simple assembly. A new agreement for Hessen and Rheinland-Pfalz (September 2026) raises pay again from February 2027.

Tischler, Schreiner, Zimmerer – what is the difference?

Tischler (north) and Schreiner (south) are the same trade: furniture, windows, doors, kitchens and interior fit-out, paid by the joinery agreements above. Zimmerer are construction carpenters who build roof structures and timber-frame houses and are paid by the construction agreement. See our Tischler vs Schreiner vs Zimmermann guide.

Social insurance (pension, health, care and unemployment) takes about 20-21% of gross pay and income tax the rest of the difference. Married employees whose spouse earns little or nothing can take home more with tax class III. Rent for a shared flat or small apartment in a mid-sized city is often EUR 500-900 a month, more in Munich, Stuttgart or Frankfurt.

Route 1: recognition of your ITI or diploma, then the skilled-worker visa

If you hold an ITI carpenter or wood-working certificate, the Handwerkskammer (chamber of crafts) compares it with the German Tischler or Zimmerer qualification. With full recognition and a job offer you can apply for the skilled-worker visa. Partial recognition can be completed in Germany through an adaptation programme.

Route 2: the experience-based route

Since 2024, experienced workers with a state-recognised qualification (at least two years of training) and at least two years of work experience in the last five years can come without prior recognition – if the job pays at least EUR 45,630 a year in 2026 or the employer is bound by a collective agreement. Check the current rules on the official Make it in Germany portal.

Route 3: a paid Ausbildung as Tischler or Zimmerer

If you are younger or have no formal certificate, the 3-year dual training is the cleanest route: you are paid from day one and finish with a German qualification every employer recognises. Most workshops expect B1 German. Read our carpenter Ausbildung guide.

What about the EU Blue Card or Opportunity Card?

The Blue Card needs a university degree, so carpenters normally use the skilled-worker visa. The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) can let you look for a job in Germany for up to a year if you meet its points criteria.