Occupation · SOC 47-3012
Helpers--Carpenters
Help carpenters by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
Median wage
$41,600
$31,540–$52,380
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
24,610
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
3 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationComplex Problem Solving
Knowledge areas
Building and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsTransportationEnglish Language
Technology & tools
Project management softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareAccounting softwareOperating system softwareData base user interface and query software
Representative tasks
Clean work areas, machines, or equipment, to maintain a clean and safe job site.Fasten timbers or lumber with glue, screws, pegs, or nails and install hardware.Perform tie spacing layout and measure, mark, drill or cut.Cut or weld metal.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Work area debris and waste materials — remove and dispose of under direct supervision to maintain a clean and safe job site.Basic hand tools and fasteners — identify and retrieve from storage and transport to the active work site as directed.Lumber and paneling — hold and position in place while a lead carpenter performs fastening or cutting operations.Nails, screws, and glue — apply to join timber pieces under step-by-step instruction from a journeyman carpenter.Power drill operation — practice drilling holes in lumber under direct supervision on a residential construction site.Tape measure and pencil — use to mark basic cut lines on lumber according to dimensions provided by a supervisor.Safety protocols and PPE requirements — recognize and follow on an active construction job site.Lumber and equipment requests — listen to and accurately fulfill by selecting correct materials from the storage area.Simple tie spacing layouts — assist in measuring and marking under the direct guidance of a lead carpenter.Tool storage and inventory — return all equipment to designated locations at the end of each shift as instructed.
developing
Circular saw and hand saw — operate independently to cut timbers and lumber to specified dimensions on a construction site.Framing lumber and paneling — align, straighten, and hold in proper position to support fastening by the carpentry crew.Nails, pegs, screws, and hardware — fasten and install routinely with reduced oversight on light commercial framing projects.Tie spacing layouts — measure, mark, and drill following established plans with minimal direction from the lead carpenter.Forms for concrete or structural installation — align, plumb, and square using levels and measuring instruments in the field.Job site cleanliness standards — maintain throughout the workday by proactively removing hazards and organizing materials.Material quantities and dimensions — calculate using basic math skills to support daily framing and installation tasks.Crew communication — relay task updates and material needs clearly to team members on a fast-paced construction site.Power tools and pneumatic nailers — select and use appropriately for each fastening task based on material specifications.Potential worksite hazards — monitor and report to the lead carpenter to support ongoing site safety on construction projects.
proficient
Full scope of lumber cutting and drilling tasks — execute autonomously to precise specifications across residential and commercial construction sites.Structural forms — align, plumb, square, and adjust independently to meet project tolerances without supervisory input.Non-routine fastening challenges — troubleshoot and resolve using appropriate hardware, adhesives, and techniques in the field.Complex tie spacing and layout sequences — perform from blueprints or verbal specifications with accuracy on multi-phase projects.Material and tool selection decisions — make independently by evaluating project requirements and available inventory at the job site.Work site safety conditions — assess continuously and implement corrective actions to protect crew members on active construction sites.Junior helpers and new hires — guide and demonstrate correct techniques during daily carpentry tasks on the job site.Coordination with other trades — communicate and sequence work effectively to avoid conflicts and delays on a shared construction site.Equipment maintenance and inspection — conduct routinely to ensure tools remain in safe working condition throughout the project.Depth perception and spatial judgment — apply when positioning and cutting large timber assemblies in confined or elevated work areas.
advanced
Site-wide material handling and staging systems — design and implement to maximize efficiency and safety across all phases of a construction project.Helper and apprentice training programs — develop and deliver on the job site to build foundational carpentry skills across the crew.Multi-task workflow sequencing — direct and coordinate among a team of helpers and carpenters to meet project milestones on schedule.Job site safety culture — lead by example and enforce compliance with protocols across all crew members and subcontractors.Quality standards for fastening, alignment, and cutting — establish and audit to ensure structural integrity across entire construction projects.Complex layout and framing challenges — resolve at the organizational level by applying advanced problem-solving and construction knowledge.Tool and equipment procurement decisions — recommend and justify based on project scope, crew capability, and budget on large-scale sites.Cross-trade communication — facilitate between carpentry crews and project managers or inspectors to resolve technical conflicts efficiently.Performance evaluation of helpers and developing carpenters — conduct and document to support professional growth and crew accountability.Organizational best practices for carpentry support operations — define and refine to continuously improve productivity and safety across multiple job sites.
Also known as
19 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Timber Framer HelperJoiner HelperCarpenter MateCarpenter AssistantShipwright HelperConstruction Worker IHelperHouse Carpenter HelperTimber-Framer HelperConstruction Carpenter's HelperCarpenter's HelperBeam Builder HelperBuilding Carpenter HelperHardwood Floor Installation HelperCarpenter HelperConstruction Worker IICabinetmaker HelperCooper HelperHammerer Helper