How much does a carpenter make in Japan?

Carpenters check plans, mark and cut timber, then fasten pieces into a frame with hand or power tools. They check that frames are level, fit floors or windows, and coordinate with other workers.

Did you know? Some Japanese craftsmen make Edo Sashimono furniture with specially cut wooden joints and almost no nails.

In Japan, people often study at a building-focused high school or vocational training school, or join a builder or master carpenter after middle or high school as an apprentice. Later, they can take the national Carpenter Skills Test and pass it to earn the “Skilled Worker” title; a certificate is not required to start.

Why does pay differ?

In Japan, pay can differ with experience, skill certificates, and whether a carpenter does general building or specialist work. It also depends on the employer’s size and type, the region, and the contract and hours: some are employees, others take jobs as self-employed workers, and bad weather can stop outdoor work.