What does a form carpenter do?
A form carpenter, also known as a formwork carpenter, specializes in creating frameworks, constructing scaffolding, and assembling forms from different materials such as wood, metal, or even plastic. Most form carpenters work on large-scale commercial projects such as bridges, buildings, and other tall structures. Their daily tasks may also include climbing up high places, lifting moderate to heavy forms, cutting and shaping materials, and securing frameworks before filling them with concrete. Moreover, as a form carpenter, it is crucial to maintain an active communication line with co-workers while adhering to the safety standards and regulations.
Form carpenter responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real form carpenter resumes:
- Build wooden forms for concrete to build walls, stairs, home foundations, etc.
- Build stairs, mantles, and furniture.
- Have security passport and OSHA card.
- Assist to erect scaffolding to complete all projects.
- Work using all PPE along when using power tools.
- Fabricate and erect formwork and bulkheads using wood and proprietary systems.
- Use laser to set elevation pour concrete level it to grade.
- Climb in and out of foundation pits or along scaffolding situate above the ground.
- Operate heavy equipment to excavate job sites in preparation for new concrete and asphalt construction.
- Help concrete finishers complete each pour, as well as operate hose off pump truck.
- Supervise a crew of four laborers and finishers and ensure OSHA safety guidelines are followed.
- Frame wood, laid cinderblock foundation, perform carpentry, and install roofing and siding.
- Grade for slabs, parking lots, roadways, footings, foundations, sidewalks, curb and gutter.
- Install all phases of slab preparation from formwork and stone to reinforcing steel and vapor barrier.
- concrete form set with gang form, play wood, Simons form
Form carpenter skills and personality traits
We calculated that 18% of Form Carpenters are proficient in Hand Tools, Ladders, and Scaffolding. They’re also known for soft skills such as Business skills, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.
We break down the percentage of Form Carpenters that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hand Tools, 18%
Performed work with help of power and hand tools as per specifications.
- Ladders, 14%
Constructed safety provisions, including scaffolding, gang ladders, perimeter railings, fall protection and temporary covers.
- Scaffolding, 12%
Climbed in and out of foundation pits or along scaffolding situated above the ground.
- Safety Rules, 10%
Followed established safety rules and regulations and maintained a safe and clean working environment.
- Clean Environment, 6%
Complied and followed safety procedures when performing assigned responsibilities while maintaining a safe and clean environment.
- Construct Forms, 3%
Construct forms and assist in raising them to the required elevation.
Most form carpenters use their skills in "hand tools," "ladders," and "scaffolding" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential form carpenter responsibilities here:
Business skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a form carpenter to have is business skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "self-employed carpenters must conduct activities such as bidding on new jobs, tracking inventory, and directing workers." Form carpenters often use business skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "work on top of stilts, ladders, and the top beams of buildings accomplishments remodel homes and businesses. "
Detail oriented. Many form carpenter duties rely on detail oriented. "carpenters must be able to precisely cut, measure, and modify the materials they work with.," so a form carpenter will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways form carpenter responsibilities rely on detail oriented: "job required attention to detail and disciplined work ethic. "
Dexterity. form carpenters are also known for dexterity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to form carpenter responsibilities, because "carpenters use many tools and need hand-eye coordination to avoid injuring themselves or damaging materials." A form carpenter resume example shows how dexterity is used in the workplace: "form carpentry, set walls with fork lift, set grades, layouts, and tied rebar. "
Problem-solving skills. For certain form carpenter responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "problem-solving skills." The day-to-day duties of a form carpenter rely on this skill, as "carpenters may work independently with little guidance." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what form carpenters do: "build foundations, walls and tie rebar read blueprints and find solutions to problems excelled in all aspects of the job. "
Math skills. A commonly-found skill in form carpenter job descriptions, "math skills" is essential to what form carpenters do. Form carpenter responsibilities rely on this skill because "carpenters frequently use math skills, including basic trigonometry, to calculate the area, size, and amount of material needed for the job. ." You can also see how form carpenter duties rely on math skills in this resume example: "can read blueprints, shoot grades and very good with mathatics. "
Physical strength. Another skill commonly found on form carpenter job descriptions is "physical strength." It can come up quite often in form carpenter duties, since "carpenters use heavy tools and materials that weigh up to 100 pounds." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day form carpenter responsibilities: "preformed physical labor for concrete and masonry construction projects, prepared sites, dig trenches, set braces and concrete forms. "
The three companies that hire the most form carpenters are:
- Aerotek5 form carpenters jobs
- Turner Construction5 form carpenters jobs
- PeopleReady4 form carpenters jobs
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Compare different form carpenters
Form carpenter vs. Builder
Builders are responsible for managing, coordinating, and working on the construction. They are also responsible for repairing and maintaining commercial and residential buildings. They oversee a project by either making arrangements with subcontractors to finish specific jobs or doing the work themselves. Builders need to ensure that the construction projects meet their client's requirements as well as the government and industry regulations. They often perform their work in an industrial setting. Their day-to-day activity depends on their specialization and level of experience.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between form carpenters and builder. For instance, form carpenter responsibilities require skills such as "hand tools," "ladders," "scaffolding," and "clean environment." Whereas a builder is skilled in "c #," "windows," "quality standards," and "construction process." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Builders earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $42,512. On the other hand, form carpenters are paid more in the construction industry with an average salary of $46,713.On average, builders reach similar levels of education than form carpenters. Builders are 3.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Form carpenter vs. Pallet builder
Installers are assigned to assemble equipment or fixtures in the client's work or home area. They should have extensive knowledge of the product they will install to ensure it works as intended. They should also be familiar with handling different tools, especially those that would help them build the product. Installers should be able to walk the client through how to use the product. They should also be able to answer any inquiries that the client may have. Installers should have quick decision-making skills, interpersonal skills, and creativity.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real form carpenter resumes. While form carpenter responsibilities can utilize skills like "hand tools," "ladders," "scaffolding," and "clean environment," pallet builders use skills like "pallets," "electric pallet jack," "nail guns," and "build pallets."
Pallet builders may earn a lower salary than form carpenters, but pallet builders earn the most pay in the hospitality industry with an average salary of $40,282. On the other hand, form carpenters receive higher pay in the construction industry, where they earn an average salary of $46,713.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Pallet builders tend to reach similar levels of education than form carpenters. In fact, they're 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Form carpenter vs. Installer
Lead installers are individuals who execute residential construction activities. The installers review the organization's blueprints with its sales, supervise the loading and unloading procedure, and manage the crew during the installation process. They set up and maintain the workstations, maintain the VoIP phone systems, and construct the cubicles for modular offices. The necessary skills for this job include customer service, knowledge of the installation process, and attention to detail. They are also expected to develop skills in communication, diligence, and the ability to follow instructions.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from form carpenter resumes include skills like "hand tools," "ladders," "scaffolding," and "safety rules," whereas an installer is more likely to list skills in "customer service," "windows," "plumbing," and "safety procedures. "
Installers earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $40,956. Comparatively, form carpenters have the highest earning potential in the construction industry, with an average salary of $46,713.installers typically earn similar educational levels compared to form carpenters. Specifically, they're 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Form carpenter vs. Lead installer
Types of form carpenter
Updated January 8, 2025
