Carpenter-Joiner Salary CCQ 2026: Rates and Trade

In 2026, the base salary of a CCQ carpenter-joiner varies according to the construction sector and the apprenticeship period. A journeyman earns $50.16/h in the institutional, commercial, and industrial (ICI) sector, $45.75/h in light residential, and $49.61/h in heavy residential. These rates have been in effect since April 26, 2026.

An apprentice does not immediately receive the journeyman rate. The trade includes three apprenticeship periods, each associated with a percentage of the journeyman rate. The tables below provide the base hourly rates applicable in 2026.

CCQ 2026 Salary for Carpenter-Joiner

The correct rate first depends on the declared sector for the construction site. Therefore, one must compare their pay to the correct collective agreement, not just the job title.

Institutional, Commercial, and Industrial (ICI)

Level	Hourly Rate 2026
Journeyman	$50.16/h
Apprentice, Period 1	$30.09/h
Apprentice, Period 2	$35.11/h
Apprentice, Period 3	$42.63/h

Light Residential

Level	Hourly Rate 2026
Journeyman	$45.75/h
Apprentice, Period 1	$27.45/h
Apprentice, Period 2	$32.03/h
Apprentice, Period 3	$38.89/h

Heavy Residential

Level	Hourly Rate 2026
Journeyman	$49.61/h
Apprentice, Period 1	$29.77/h
Apprentice, Period 2	$34.73/h
Apprentice, Period 3	$42.17/h

These amounts are base salary rates. They do not automatically represent the net amount deposited into the bank account. Taxes, employee contributions, and certain deductions reduce the net, while vacations, benefits, pension plans, and employer contributions follow their own rules. Our guide on CCQ pay and deductions explains where each portion goes.

To verify a specific case, the official CCQ Salary and Rates tool remains the reference, as a bonus, an appendix, or a particular condition may be added to the base rate.

Why the Rate Changes Between Apprentice and Journeyman

The carpenter-joiner undergoes three apprenticeship periods of 2,000 hours each, totalling 6,000 hours. Recognized and declared hours advance the apprentice from one period to the next. After the three periods, they must pass the provincial qualification exam to obtain the journeyman competency certificate.

In simple terms, the apprentice is paid according to their progress in the trade. The journeyman has completed the apprenticeship periods and passed the exam. This difference in status, combined with the construction sector, explains the rate gap.

What Does a Carpenter-Joiner Do on a Construction Site?

The trade covers a large part of the structure and envelope of a building. Depending on the project and the company's specialization, the work may include layout, formwork, wall framing, floors, roofs, installation of doors and windows, stairs, partitions, and various finishing works.

The work requires reading plans, measuring accurately, choosing the right assembly methods, and adhering to health and safety regulations. On a site subject to Law R-20, the work must be performed with the appropriate competency certificate.

DEP, CCQ Card, and Job Guarantee

The usual training path is the DEP 5319 in carpentry-joinery. The program and offered groups are listed on Inforoute FPT.

To work as an apprentice on regulated sites, one must obtain an apprentice competency certificate (CCA). Depending on the individual's situation, the CCQ may require a job guarantee from a registered employer. When required, this guarantee generally covers at least 150 hours spread over a period of no more than three consecutive months. The exact conditions differ depending on the path, particularly for a graduate, a student, or someone having hours recognized.

The official CCQ page on the apprentice competency certificate allows verification of the documents and conditions applicable to each situation.

Finding a Job as a Carpenter-Joiner

Before accepting an offer, it is useful to confirm the construction sector, declared apprenticeship level, schedule, region, travel, and applicable bonuses. These elements can change the actual compensation even when the trade is the same.

Workers who need to obtain or complete a guarantee can consult the construction job offers with a 150-hour guarantee. The worker must still verify that the employer and the offer meet the requirements of their file with the CCQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary of a journeyman carpenter-joiner in 2026?

The base rate is $50.16/h in ICI, $45.75/h in light residential, and $49.61/h in heavy residential. Always use the sector corresponding to the construction site.

What is the salary of an apprentice 1?

In period 1, the base rate is $30.09/h in ICI, $27.45/h in light residential, and $29.77/h in heavy residential.

Does the hourly rate correspond to the net salary?

No. The hourly rate is used to calculate the gross salary. The net salary then depends on the applicable taxes, contributions, and deductions for the worker.

How many hours are required to become a journeyman?

The trade's apprenticeship program includes three periods of 2,000 hours, totalling 6,000 hours, followed by a provincial qualification exam.

Key Takeaways

To understand their compensation, a carpenter-joiner must check three elements: the construction site's sector, their apprenticeship period, and any bonuses or special conditions. The journeyman rate is not a single rate for all sites, and the gross salary is not the net salary.