Helpers--Carpenters
Construction and Extraction
Timbers, lumber, and paneling are measured, marked, drilled, and cut to the sizes needed, then held in place for fastening. The work also covers laying out tie spacing, squaring and plumbing forms, and fastening wood with nails, screws, glue, or pegs, plus installing hardware. Tools and stock come from storage and go to the site; work areas and machines are cleaned afterward. Days are spent on job sites handling wood and tools, often holding pieces steady so the carpenter can cut or fasten them. A good fit is someone who likes accurate measuring, physical teamwork, and following a carpenter's lead.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$43'780
Median Wage Market Position
$43'780
What you might do
- Hold boards in place for nailing or cutting
- Cut lumber or paneling to marked sizes
- Nail, screw, or glue wood pieces together
- Straighten and square forms before they go in
- Fetch tools and lumber from storage
- Clean saws, tools, and the work area
Skills that matter
- Holding lumber in place for fastening
- Measuring, marking, and cutting boards
- Plumbing and squaring forms for installation
- Selecting and carrying tools to the work
- Fastening timbers with nails or screws
- Listening for the carpenter's next instruction
AI & the future of this role
Much of the role is hauling lumber, supplying tools, and keeping work areas ready for carpenters. Hands-on assistance on active sites tends to hold up, even if planning apps gradually tidy material lists and task sequencing.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details