Rough Carpenter / Framer Salary Guide & Career Path

Focuses on the structural skeleton of a building, prioritizing strength over aesthetic detail.

High Demand
Apprenticeship Available
Physical Labor
Construction

Find Salary Data for Your City or State

Career Overview

What You Will Do: As a Rough Carpenter / Framer, you will be responsible for planning, executing, and finalizing construction projects according to strict deadlines and within budget. This includes acquiring resources and coordinating the efforts of team members and third-party contractors or consultants in order to deliver projects according to plan.
Work Environment: Work is typically performed outdoors on construction sites, which can be noisy, dirty, and expose you to varying weather conditions. Safety gear is mandatory.
Industry Demand: The demand for Rough Carpenter / Framers is expected to grow steadily over the next decade due to ongoing infrastructure development, residential building, and commercial real estate expansion.
How to Break In: Most Rough Carpenter / Framers begin their careers through a formal apprenticeship program or by starting as a laborer to gain on-the-job experience before moving into a specialized or supervisory role.

Career Progression

1

Entry Level (Apprentice)

Learning the basics of the trade, handling tools, and assisting senior tradespeople on active job sites.

2

Mid-Level (Journeyman)

Working independently, taking on more complex tasks, and potentially mentoring apprentices.

3

Senior / Master

Overseeing major projects, managing crews, handling complex problem-solving, and ensuring code compliance.

Growth Paths: Project Manager, Site Superintendent, Business Owner / Contractor
Capability Map: Safety Compliance, Blueprint Reading, Specialized Tool Operation, Project Estimation.
Stage Planning: Focus on obtaining certifications early, build a reputation for reliability, and transition into leadership as experience grows.

Resume Focus

Top Hard Skills

  • • Blueprint Reading
  • • OSHA Safety Standards
  • • Equipment Operation
  • • Project Estimation

Essential Soft Skills

  • • Team Leadership
  • • Problem Solving
  • • Time Management
  • • Physical Stamina

Key Certifications

  • • OSHA 30
  • • First Aid/CPR
  • • Trade-Specific Licensing (e.g. Journeyman Card)

Action Verbs to Use

Constructed
Managed
Operated
Supervised
Installed
Inspected

Core Competencies by Stage

  • 0-1 Years: Basic safety, tool handling, following directions, physical labor.
  • 1-3 Years: Independent task execution, basic blueprint reading, troubleshooting.
  • 3-5 Years: Complex installations, mentoring apprentices, code compliance.
  • 5-10 Years: Project management, crew leadership, estimation, client relations.

How HR Screens Resumes

Recruiters look for consistent employment history, clear mentions of safety certifications (like OSHA 30), and specific project types (e.g., commercial vs. residential).

How to Stand Out

Highlight specific large-scale projects you've completed on time and under budget, and clearly list all active licenses and certifications at the top of your resume.

Browse Salaries by State

AlabamaMedian: $51,456AlaskaMedian: $74,941AlbertaMedian: $50,768ArizonaMedian: $51,212ArkansasMedian: $48,709British ColumbiaMedian: $49,861CaliforniaMedian: $68,571ColoradoMedian: $55,531ConnecticutMedian: $53,223FloridaMedian: $46,209GeorgiaMedian: $47,565HawaiiMedian: $78,005IdahoMedian: $49,552IllinoisMedian: $56,689IndianaMedian: $56,608IowaMedian: $53,732KansasMedian: $55,541KentuckyMedian: $52,723LouisianaMedian: $46,792MaineMedian: $56,003ManitobaMedian: $52,408MarylandMedian: $53,580MassachusettsMedian: $64,664MichiganMedian: $56,517MinnesotaMedian: $59,366MississippiMedian: $50,543MissouriMedian: $53,882MontanaMedian: $53,740NebraskaMedian: $80,209NevadaMedian: $55,388New BrunswickMedian: $56,628New JerseyMedian: $51,395New MexicoMedian: $55,628New YorkMedian: $57,660Newfoundland and LabradorMedian: $49,844North CarolinaMedian: $48,726Northwest TerritoriesMedian: $40,299Nova ScotiaMedian: $54,869OhioMedian: $46,208OklahomaMedian: $46,873OntarioMedian: $52,720OregonMedian: $56,430PennsylvaniaMedian: $55,514Prince Edward IslandMedian: $36,480Puerto RicoMedian: $29,770QuebecMedian: $57,874SaskatchewanMedian: $57,991South CarolinaMedian: $45,952South DakotaMedian: $46,940TennesseeMedian: $45,923TexasMedian: $42,129UtahMedian: $53,723VirginiaMedian: $53,115WashingtonMedian: $62,119West VirginiaMedian: $50,464WisconsinMedian: $56,236WyomingMedian: $47,462