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How to hire a rough carpenter

Rough carpenter hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring rough carpenters in the United States:

  • There are currently 234,107 rough carpenters in the US, as well as 4,893 job openings.
  • Rough carpenters are in the highest demand in Olathe, KS, with 2 current job openings.
  • The median cost to hire a rough carpenter is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new rough carpenter to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a rough carpenter, step by step

To hire a rough carpenter, you should clearly understand the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, and allocate a budget for the position. You will also need to post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a rough carpenter:

Here's a step-by-step rough carpenter hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a rough carpenter job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new rough carpenter
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the rough carpenter you need to hire. Certain rough carpenter roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A rough carpenter's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, rough carpenters from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    This list presents rough carpenter salaries for various positions.

    Type of Rough CarpenterDescriptionHourly rate
    Rough CarpenterCarpenters construct and repair building frameworks and structures—such as stairways, doorframes, partitions, rafters, and bridge supports—made from wood and other materials. They also may install kitchen cabinets, siding, and drywall.$14-25
    InstallerInstallers 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... Show more$14-24
    BuilderBuilders are responsible for managing, coordinating, and working on the construction. They are also responsible for repairing and maintaining commercial and residential buildings... Show more$11-21
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Hand Tools
    • OSHA
    • Construction Projects
    • Power Saws
    • Tape Measure
    • Window Frames
    • Drywall Installation
    • Project Layout
    • Construction Sites
    • Hoists
    • Door Hardware
    • Nail Guns
    • Residential Homes
    • Commercial Buildings
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Experience with an assortment of power and air tools OSHA safety standards.
    • Frame and insulate walls-Completed demo work-instal cabinets, flooring, and new trim-Made and finish trim-Constructed stairway
    • Advance knowledge of architectural millwork.
    More rough carpenter duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in the rough carpenter job description is a good way to get more applicants. A rough carpenter salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

    For example, the average salary for a rough carpenter in Alabama may be lower than in California, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level rough carpenter. Additionally, a rough carpenter with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

    Average rough carpenter salary

    $41,325yearly

    $19.87 hourly rate

    Entry-level rough carpenter salary
    $31,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 19, 2025

    Average rough carpenter salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$61,937$30
    2Washington$58,533$28
    3Arizona$44,760$22
    4Wisconsin$40,133$19
    5Michigan$39,822$19
    6Ohio$39,065$19
    7Florida$36,725$18
    8Tennessee$36,593$18
    9Kansas$35,084$17
    10Nebraska$34,444$17
    11Oklahoma$30,764$15
    12South Dakota$29,036$14

    Average rough carpenter salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Dondlinger Construction$46,636$22.422
    2M&m$42,112$20.25
    3Tradesmen International$40,904$19.6792
    4Aerotek$40,659$19.5574
    5Medical Billing$40,315$19.38
    6AGC of Texas$40,168$19.315
    7Boyd Jones$40,168$19.31
    8Hire Velocity$39,962$19.21
    9PeopleReady$39,700$19.0912
    10Binny's$39,522$19.00
  4. Writing a rough carpenter job description

    A rough carpenter job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a rough carpenter job description:

    Rough carpenter job description example

    Dondlinger Construction Company is one of the industry's most experienced general contractors with over 122 years in business. Founded in 1898, Dondlinger has a long history of completing landmark projects throughout the region, including Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Missouri and Iowa. We have capabilities in commercial building, civil construction; including bridge and heavy highway, and underground utility construction. In addition, Dondlinger works year-round, has career advancement opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. Visit our website at www.dondlinger.biz to learn more about our completed and currently "under construction" projects, our rich past and our exciting future. Dondlinger Construction is an EEO compliant employer. Veterans, women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
    Job Title: Form/Rough Carpenter-Commercial & Heavy Civil

    A Carpenter performs any of the following duties on construction projects and will sometimes transfer from one job to another where labor demands are required. In addition, carpenters are asked to spend a significant amount of time working in a laborer capacity as well.

    Job Responsibilities:

    + Construct formwork into which concrete is poured

    + Set an outline of the structure on the ground of the site using string and pegs to allow for excavations

    + Have good working knowledge of OSHA regulations

    + Erect decks/floors and walls/retaining walls, to included roadways, bridges, heavy highway and/or commercial building projects.

    + Read plans and specifications to determine materials required, dimensions, and installation processes

    + Cut materials with hand and power tools, assemble and nail, cut and shape items

    + Will assist other workers in various labor-based tasks. This will require lifting (heavy at times)

    + Working at significant heights

    + Must have knowledge of all hand tools and how to operate them efficiently

    + Other misc. duties as directed by your supervisor

    + Know Company safety policies and adhere to them while working at all times

    Physical Requirements:

    + N = Never (Never)

    + O = Occasionally (0-33%)

    + F = Frequently (33%-66%)

    + C = Constantly (66%-100%)

    + Climbing: F

    + Balancing: O

    + Stooping: F

    + Kneeling: F

    + Sitting: N

    + Crouching: F

    + Crawling: O

    + Reaching: C

    + Gripping: C

    + Lifting: C

    Lifting Requirements (In Pounds):

    + 0-25: C

    + 25-75: F

    + 75+:0

    + Exposure to Weather: C

    + Exposure to Fumes: O

    + Use of Hand Tools: C

    + Use of Vibratory Tools: F

    + Working above ground: F

    + Working overhead: F

    + Time spent on your feet: C

    + Work Boots, Safety Glasses, and a hard hat are required at all times

    What do we offer?

    + Health Insurance

    + Dental Insurance

    + Life Insurance

    + Vision Plan

    + 401K/Retirement

    + Employee Stock Ownership Program

    + Holiday Pay

    + Paid Time Off
  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find rough carpenters for your business:

    • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your rough carpenter job on Zippia to find and attract quality rough carpenter candidates.
    • Use niche websites such as constructionjobs.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting rough carpenters requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new rough carpenter

    Once you've found the rough carpenter candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

    It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

    To prepare for the new rough carpenter first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a rough carpenter?

Before you start to hire rough carpenters, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire rough carpenters pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

The median annual salary for rough carpenters is $41,325 in the US. However, the cost of rough carpenter hiring can vary a lot depending on location. Additionally, hiring a rough carpenter for contract work or on a per-project basis typically costs between $14 and $25 an hour.

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