What does a trim carpenter do?

A Trim Carpenter is a specialized worker whose task is to install and carry out repairs on molds and trim found on doors, windows, baseboards, and other ornamental pieces. He's also called a Finish Carpenter because his/her job also entails carrying out "finishing," generally making a carpentry project look detailed and defined in appearance, shape, and texture. Aside from leveling and trimming of windows and doors, you will also have to create pieces of customized woodworks that can serve as accessories for wooden fixtures.
Trim carpenter responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real trim carpenter resumes:
- Used woodworking tools such as jigsaws, planers, jointers, table saws and band saws.
- Install and repair roofs, flashing/weatherproofing, HVAC, plumbing, and electric fixtures
- Smooth or sand surfaces to remove ridges, tool marks, glue, or caulking.
- Finish crown mold including caulking.
- Focus on high-end remodel projects and new home construction.
- Frame and sheet houses sometimes doing siding and shingles also
- install shop build cabinets run all trim inside home interpret blue prints
- Perform a wide variety of duties including framing, sheet rock, flooring and plumbing.
- Perform the levelling and trimming of doors and windows using implements such as power sanders and planers.
- Install exterior windows, frame fire extinguisher cabinets, install blocking, straps, sheetrock and plywood.
- Erect forms for concrete, erect scaffolds, hoists, roof supports using whatever tools are necessary.
- Champion for safety and work hard to ensure all guidelines and OSHA requirements are not only meet but exceed.
- Assemble scaffolding for structural repairs at refinery facility.
- Demonstrate knowledge of safety requirements for building scaffolding and work platforms.
- Assist with removal of defective parts for repair while working with in strict boundaries of OSHA safety regulations & building codes.
Trim carpenter skills and personality traits
We calculated that 15% of Trim Carpenters are proficient in Hand Tools, Work Ethic, and Window Sills. They’re also known for soft skills such as Business skills, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.
We break down the percentage of Trim Carpenters that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hand Tools, 15%
Installed doors, handrails, and moldings, using various hand tools, measuring to an accurate measurement each time.
- Work Ethic, 11%
Complimented by foreman on quality workmanship, reliability, and good work ethics.
- Window Sills, 9%
Create and install window sills, stair/hand rail.
- Safety Rules, 8%
Organized safety rules and regulations for all machinery.
- Ladders, 7%
Use of various sized ladders and wood work tools.
- Scaffolding, 7%
Performed applied carpentry including installation of structures, blueprint interpretation, and limited scaffolding.
Common skills that a trim carpenter uses to do their job include "hand tools," "work ethic," and "window sills." You can find details on the most important trim carpenter responsibilities below.
Business skills. The most essential soft skill for a trim carpenter to carry out their responsibilities is business skills. This skill is important for the role because "self-employed carpenters must conduct activities such as bidding on new jobs, tracking inventory, and directing workers." Additionally, a trim carpenter resume shows how their duties depend on business skills: "job duties: worked on residential homes and business complexes. "
Detail oriented. Many trim carpenter duties rely on detail oriented. "carpenters must be able to precisely cut, measure, and modify the materials they work with.," so a trim carpenter will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways trim carpenter responsibilities rely on detail oriented: "recognized for superior work ethic and attention to detail. "
Dexterity. This is an important skill for trim carpenters to perform their duties. For an example of how trim carpenter responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "carpenters use many tools and need hand-eye coordination to avoid injuring themselves or damaging materials." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a trim carpenter: "ensured quality of interior trim, ceiling and wood flooring installation operated forklifts, pallet-jacks, and skid loaders. ".
Math skills. trim carpenter responsibilities often require "math skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "carpenters frequently use math skills, including basic trigonometry, to calculate the area, size, and amount of material needed for the job. ." This resume example shows what trim carpenters do with math skills on a typical day: "used mathematical calculations in order to create/custom-design formwork. "
Physical strength. A commonly-found skill in trim carpenter job descriptions, "physical strength" is essential to what trim carpenters do. Trim carpenter responsibilities rely on this skill because "carpenters use heavy tools and materials that weigh up to 100 pounds." You can also see how trim carpenter duties rely on physical strength in this resume example: "performed task involving, physical labor in building, framing, roofing, window installation, drywall, custom finish. "
Problem-solving skills. Lastly, "problem-solving skills" is an important element of what a trim carpenter does. Trim carpenter responsibilities require this skill because "carpenters may work independently with little guidance." This resume example highlights how trim carpenter duties rely on this skill: "provide plumbing and electrical solutions for custom home remodels. "
The three companies that hire the most trim carpenters are:
- Kitchen Tune-Up Franchise System29 trim carpenters jobs
- TPI25 trim carpenters jobs
- Award Staffing
11 trim carpenters jobs
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Trim carpenter vs. Mason
A mason is responsible for shaping artificial mineral products, concrete blocks, stone pieces, and bricks to create structures essential for construction or other building purposes using various machinery and equipment, following the highest safety standards and production procedures. Masons analyze schematics and blueprints, applying the clients' specifications and customization to their product expertise. They also inspect tools and equipment, ensuring that the materials are free from any defects to avoid hazards and construction delays.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between trim carpenters and mason. For instance, trim carpenter responsibilities require skills such as "hand tools," "work ethic," "window sills," and "safety rules." Whereas a mason is skilled in "masonry," "safety regulations," "dump truck," and "retaining walls." This is part of what separates the two careers.
On average, masons reach similar levels of education than trim carpenters. Masons are 4.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Trim carpenter vs. General foreman
Using their knowledge and expertise of all construction disciplines, a general foreman plans and oversees operations within a construction site to ensure that everything is running smoothly. They are typically in charge of conducting regular inspections, coordinating with engineers and architects, managing the budget and expenditures, supervising workers, and ensuring that the project moves according to the desired time frame. Furthermore, a general foreman implements all safety regulations and policies to ensure a safe and productive work environment for everyone.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that trim carpenter responsibilities requires skills like "hand tools," "work ethic," "window sills," and "ladders." But a general foreman might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "safety procedures," "osha," "quality standards," and "oversight."
On average, general foremen earn a higher salary than trim carpenters. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, general foremen earn the most pay in the construction industry with an average salary of $54,753. Whereas trim carpenters have higher pay in the construction industry, with an average salary of $48,114.Average education levels between the two professions vary. General foremen tend to reach similar levels of education than trim carpenters. In fact, they're 2.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Trim carpenter vs. Construction foreman
A construction foreman is responsible for overseeing construction operations and determining the construction progress by monitoring plans and schedules. A construction foreman allocates tasks to the workers and ensures that everyone adheres to the safety guidelines and regulations, preventing potential hazards in the work area and avoiding construction delays. They also identify cost-reduction opportunities by handling negotiation with trusted suppliers and third-party vendors. A construction foreman inspects the quality of materials, including the equipment and machinery, allocates adequate resources for production, and resolves issues immediately.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, trim carpenters are more likely to have skills like "window sills," "scaffolding," "custom cabinets," and "door frames." But a construction foreman is more likely to have skills like "cdl," "osha," "strong work ethic," and "construction equipment."
Construction foremen earn the highest salary when working in the professional industry, where they receive an average salary of $62,811. Comparatively, trim carpenters have the highest earning potential in the construction industry, with an average salary of $48,114.Most construction foremen achieve a similar degree level compared to trim carpenters. For example, they're 1.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Trim carpenter vs. Pipe foreman
A pipe foreman oversees the daily operations of piping projects, from planning to execution, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. They manage different teams, supervise the installation and maintenance of pipes, prepare and process documentation, set objectives and guidelines, delegate tasks and schedules among staff, liaise with external parties such as vendors and suppliers, and maintain an active communication line with clients or representatives. Moreover, a pipe foreman monitors all activities while implementing the company's safety standards and policies for a safe and efficient workflow.
Types of trim carpenter
Updated January 8, 2025











