Is the work done at height and on frames?

Yes, the carpenter often works at height, on frames and roofs, using the safety equipment learned during training.

Is timber construction growing?

Yes, timber construction is growing and underpins strong demand for skilled carpenters.

Carpenter (Zimmerer)

A noble timber trade that builds the frames and sustainable houses of today.

The profession

The carpenter builds timber structures: frames, roof trusses, timber-frame houses, stairs and wood construction. They assemble and erect the structures on site.

Salary

In a SOKA-BAU tariff apprenticeship, pay is about 1,080 € (year 1), 1,300 € (year 2) and 1,550 € (year 3) per month (source: SOKA-BAU, 2025). The entry salary after the diploma starts at around 2,960 €/month and rises with experience and region (source: powerus, ulmato, 2025). In construction, pay follows a binding sector minimum wage (Mindestlohn Bau, skilled level about 17.34 €/h in 2026, above the general minimum), and the SOKA-BAU holiday fund grants 30 paid holiday days, a real selling point.

Duration and path

Training lasts 3 years in the dual system, split between the company and the vocational school (Berufsschule), and ends with the chamber exam.

Employers hiring

Employers are carpentry and timber-construction firms (Holzbau), roofing companies, as well as prefabricated timber house manufacturers.

Prospects

Prospects are strong, driven by the growth of timber construction.

Career progression

You can progress to team leader, then Polier, earn a Meister qualification or become a timber-construction technician.

Language level

The vocational school, the exam and the building site all take place in German. B2 is the standard employers expect, and that is the level we aim for.

Recognition and access

For an Ausbildung, no diploma recognition is required: you train directly in Germany and the diploma is recognised nationwide. You need an Ausbildung contract, the expected German level and, generally, a secondary school leaving certificate.

Visa

Entry is via the vocational training visa (Ausbildung). Once you graduate, you switch to a skilled worker permit to work in Germany. We check your eligibility and prepare the application with you.

Your Karriere Fähre support

We train you in German up to the required level, find the company and the Ausbildung contract, prepare the visa application and support you all the way to your arrival.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the work done at height and on frames?: Yes, the carpenter often works at height, on frames and roofs, using the safety equipment learned during training.
Is timber construction growing?: Yes, timber construction is growing and underpins strong demand for skilled carpenters.

Indicative gross ranges from public German sources (Federal Employment Agency, Entgeltatlas, Gehalt.de, StepStone, the construction tariff Bau-Hauptgewerbe / SOKA-BAU). In construction, pay often follows the collective agreement and the sector minimum wage, and varies by region, employer and experience. Recognition and visa rules change: always check your case with the competent German authorities.