Canada PR for Carpenters & Trade Workers (NOC 72310) – Salaries & Immigration Guide

Introduction: Why Carpenters Matter More Than Ever

Walk through any Canadian city and it’s hard to miss — construction cranes in the sky, half-framed houses on the edge of town, reno vans parked in front of older homes. Behind all of that? Carpenters.

Canada’s construction industry is running hot. New housing demand is outpacing supply, homeowners are retrofitting for energy savings, and commercial spaces are constantly being reimagined. Carpenters make it all happen — whether you’re an apprentice, a rough carpenter, a finish carpenter, or that stair-building specialist everybody knows by name.

And here’s the interesting part: immigration policy is finally catching up. For years, Canada focused heavily on tech and healthcare, but in 2025? Skilled trades like carpentry are finally front and center in immigration programs. If you’ve got the skills, your timing couldn’t be better.

What’s NOC 72310?

Carpenters fall under NOC 72310 in Canada’s National Occupational Classification. It’s labeled as a TEER 2 trade job — government speak for a recognized, skilled trade.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Core work: Building, repairing, and maintaining structures made of wood, engineered materials, and sometimes even steel. Think walls, roofs, staircases, flooring, trim — the works.
• Not to confuse with: Cabinetmakers (fine furniture/cabinetry) or general labourers. Carpenters handle the structure and finishing, not just the furniture.
• Training: Most provinces require a 3–4 year apprenticeship and/or certification. The Red Seal program is the golden ticket since it lets you work across Canada without needing to re-certify.

The Day-to-Day: Life as a Carpenter in Canada

Carpentry in Canada isn’t just hammer-and-nails. One week you’re framing a new subdivision in Calgary, the next you’re perfecting trim on a luxury condo in Vancouver. A normal day could involve:

• Reading blueprints (and, let’s be honest, sometimes guessing what the architect scribbled).
• Measuring and laying out projects with laser levels and good old tape measures.
• Cutting and assembling everything from wood to steel studs.
• Building the bones of houses: walls, floors, roof systems.
• Adding the finishing touches — stairs, mouldings, cabinets, windows, doors.
• Renovation work: retrofits, replacements, repairs.

And if you stick around long enough? Many carpenters climb into lead roles — supervising crews, running sites, or even starting their own contracting businesses.

How Much Do Carpenters Earn in Canada?

Let’s talk numbers. Wages vary a lot depending on where you work. Here’s a provincial snapshot:

Alberta pays the most, Ontario has endless demand, and Atlantic provinces — while paying less — are eager to hire because of local shortages.

Future Outlook: Will Carpenters Still Be Needed?

Short version? Yes.

By 2030, Canada expects 20,000+ carpenter openings. Here’s why:

• Housing crisis: Ottawa’s housing targets can’t be met without skilled trades.
• Renovation boom: Aging homes + green retrofits = steady work.
• Retirements: The current workforce is graying fast.

If you’re certified — especially with a Red Seal — you’ll have no trouble finding steady work.

Immigration Programs for Carpenters

So, how do you turn your trade into permanent residency? Here are your main options:

1. Express Entry

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Designed for people exactly like carpenters.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Great if you’ve already got Canadian work experience.
• Category-Based Draws: Since 2023, IRCC has been inviting trades specifically. In 2025, one draw invited 1,250 tradespeople with a CRS cut-off of 505.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Each province runs its own trade-friendly streams:

• Ontario Skilled Trades Stream (through Express Entry).
• BC PNP Skilled Worker Stream — carpenters often make the “in-demand” list.
• Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Atlantic provinces — all have carpenter-friendly pathways.

3. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Quick route for those willing to work in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, or Newfoundland — especially with a job offer.

4. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

Perfect for smaller towns desperate for skilled trades. Often a faster, more community-driven option.

Recent Express Entry Draws for Carpenters (NOC 72310)

Carpenters fall under the Skilled Trades category in Express Entry. While IRCC does not always release occupation-specific breakdowns, trade occupations including NOC 72310 have been targeted in category-based draws.

Recent Express Entry Draws for Trades Occupations

Key Insight: Carpenters (NOC 72310) benefit from lower CRS cut-offs compared to general draws, making Express Entry trades rounds a strong pathway.

PNP Draws for Carpenters (NOC 72310)

Several provinces have targeted skilled trades streams where Carpenters are in demand.

Provincial Nominee Program Highlights

From Temporary Work to PR

Most carpenters don’t land with PR in hand. The usual path looks more like this:

1. Secure a job offer and LMIA-backed work permit.
2. Build Canadian work experience.
3. Get certified (provincially or Red Seal).
4. Enter Express Entry or a PNP.
5. Apply for PR once invited.

Another option? Study carpentry in Canada, grab a Post-Graduation Work Permit, and then apply under CEC or a provincial stream.

Paperwork & Costs

Not the fun part, but unavoidable. Here’s what you’ll likely need:

• ECA (Education Credential Assessment): $200–300
• Language test (IELTS/CELPIP): $300–400
• Medical exam: $100–300
• Police certificates: varies
• Biometrics: $85
• PR application fee: $1,365 (main applicant) + $550 (spouse)
• Proof of funds: unless already working in Canada
• Trade certification fees: depend on the province

Start gathering reference letters early. Employers don’t always reply fast.

Tips for Success

• Aim for Red Seal certification — it opens doors nationwide.
• Stay flexible with location — small towns often process faster.
• Push for higher language scores — every CLB level helps.
• Keep an eye on Express Entry trade draws.
• Highlight niche skills (like stair building or finish carpentry).

Final Word

If you’re a carpenter thinking about Canada, the timing’s about as good as it gets. Demand is real, salaries are solid, and immigration programs are finally tilted in favor of trades.

Start simple: gather your documents, line up your language test, and keep an eye on trade-focused draws. Piece by piece, you’ll build your Canadian future the same way you’d build a house — one solid layer at a time.

Because at the end of the day, if anyone knows how to build a strong foundation, it’s you.

FAQs