Carpenter: What is the cost of hiring?

Why hire a carpenter?

The need for new staff can affect both your existing team and your bottom line.

A great carpenter can help your business:

• Propose drawings and schematics for on-site construction within set parameters
• Produce and install cabinetry
• Ensure any new build is up to code for remodeling projects

Deciding between a full-time vs freelance carpenter

Before creating a job listing, consider whether a full-time or freelance carpenter is the right fit for your needs.

Full-time carpenters are typically employed by businesses with ongoing construction projects, such as home builders, general contractors, cabinetry shops and remodeling companies. These companies often need carpenters to work on multiple projects at a time, some of which can take weeks or months to complete.

Many carpenters are freelance workers and self-employed. These carpenters can handle projects for different companies and may work for several businesses at once. They usually supply their own tools and transportation to job sites.

What are the ranks of carpenters?

Carpentry is a skilled trade that requires a firm knowledge of construction and woodworking expertise. Many carpenters choose to seek certification through a union apprenticeship program. Carpentry students work their way up through several ranks, from the lowest to the highest, as follows:

• Carpenter’s helper: Before joining an apprenticeship program, many people work alongside an experienced carpenter as a helper. They learn the basics of tools and processes used in carpentry work.
• Apprentice: Apprentice carpenters learn mathematics, blueprint reading, first aid practices and building code requirements.
• Journeyman: Journeyman carpenters are responsible for teaching skills to newer apprentice carpenters. They may also maintain service trucks and track inventory in addition to regular building work.
• Master: Master carpenters have advanced woodworking skills and are able to handle all types of tasks related to carpentry. Some choose to specialize in a specific field, such as cabinetry or furniture making.

Where to find carpenters

To find the right carpenter for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

• Ask for recommendations. If you work with general contractors or other tradespeople, ask for their opinion on carpenters they’ve worked with. They may know a carpenter who’s a good match for you. Homeowners who have hired a carpenter might also have suggestions.
• Use labor staffing services. These services can find carpenter candidates, check their references and conduct preliminary interviews for you.
• Attend a construction trade show. A trade show gives you the chance to meet and network with job-seeking carpenters.
• Put up a help wanted sign. Hanging a help wanted sign in your business’s window can be an effective way to attract carpenters.
• Post your job online: Try posting your carpenter job on Indeed to find and attract quality carpenter candidates.

Skills to look for in a great Carpenter

A great carpenter candidate will have the following skills and attributes as well as work experience that reflects:

• Extensive knowledge of safe, proper tool use including saws and drills
• Precise use of power tools
• Knowledge of lumber styles and grades
• Innovative thinker to create fitted works
• Hardworking grit with an overtime mentality
• Comfortable on ladders and carrying heavy loads

Writing a carpenter job description

A thoughtful description is important when finding qualified carpenter candidates. A carpenter job description includes a compelling summary of the role, a detailed list of duties and responsibilities and the required and preferred skills for the position.

When writing your carpenter job description, consider including some or all of the following keywords to improve the visibility of your job posting . These are the most popular search terms leading to clicks on carpenter jobs, according to Indeed data:

• Carpenter
• Construction
• Carpentry
• Woodworking
• Hiring immediately
• Finish carpenter
• Woodworker
• Maintenance
• Trim carpenter
• Framing

Interviewing carpenter candidates

Strong candidates for carpenter positions will be confident answering questions regarding:

• Familiarity with installing remodel objects to code
• Knowing the right tools for the job
• Previous experience on other job sites

Need help coming up with interview questions? See our list of carpenter interview questions for examples (with sample answers).