The short answer
ATO 2023–24 total expenses for carpentry average 41% of turnover under $110,000, 56% up to $400,000 and 81% above. Bricklaying averages 38%, 60% and 77%. Labour runs 21–49% and motor vehicles 2–12%. For sole traders and partnerships the owner’s own pay is not an expense on the tax return, which is why the smallest turnover band shows so much left over: much of it is the owner’s wage.
Carpentry services: ATO benchmark ranges, 2023–24
| Annual turnover | $50,000 – $110,000 | $110,001 – $400,000 | More than $400,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total expenses ÷ turnover (key benchmark) | 32–50% | 46–66% | 76–87% |
| Average | 41% | 56% | 81% |
| Labour ÷ turnover | 24–39% | 21–35% | 27–43% |
| Motor vehicle ÷ turnover | 8–12% | 5–8% | 2–4% |
Source: ATO small business benchmarks, carpentry services, from tax returns for the 2023–24 financial year (page updated 16 March 2026).
Bricklaying services: ATO benchmark ranges, 2023–24
| Annual turnover | $50,000 – $150,000 | $150,001 – $350,000 | More than $350,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total expenses ÷ turnover (key benchmark) | 29–46% | 51–68% | 70–84% |
| Average | 38% | 60% | 77% |
| Labour ÷ turnover | 23–38% | 29–43% | 35–49% |
| Motor vehicle ÷ turnover | 7–11% | 5–7% | 3–4% |
Source: ATO small business benchmarks, bricklaying services, from tax returns for the 2023–24 financial year (page updated 16 March 2026).
Reading the ranges
- Growth is expensive. The move from a one-person trade to a crew is where total expenses jump: wages, a second ute, insurance, a yard.
- Vehicles are a big line when small: 7–12% of turnover in the smallest bands.
- Labour includes the crew you employ; subcontractors may sit in other expense lines, so compare total expenses first.
Worked example: a carpentry business with a crew of four, $650,000 turnover
| Line | A year | % of turnover | ATO range (More than $400,000) | Where it sits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total expenses | $591,500 | 91.0% | 76–87% | Above |
| Labour | $234,000 | 36.0% | 27–43% | Inside |
| Motor vehicle | $32,500 | 5.0% | 2–4% | Above |
Labour is inside range. Vehicles a point above it and total expenses four points above leave 9% instead of the typical 19%. On a business this size the first places to look are quoted prices against actual hours, and materials bought for jobs not yet invoiced.
Where building trades usually leak
- Quotes that miss the real hours. Compare quoted and actual hours on the last ten jobs.
- Variations done and not charged.
- Progress claims and final payments late: see customers who owe you money.
- Materials bought ahead and left in the yard.
See where your business sits, from your bank statement
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