Helpers--Carpenters
Help carpenters by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
Also called: Beam Builder Helper, Building Carpenter Helper, Cabinetmaker Helper, Carpenter Apprentice, Carpenter Assistant, Carpenter Helper
Median pay
$43,780
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$31,660 – $57,670
People employed
21,680
Holland code
RCS
Realistic · Conventional · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 4.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 5.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 6.Are you OK with hours that change?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
Helpers--Carpenters pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (47 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What helpers--carpenters do
- 01Erect scaffolding, shoring, or braces.
- 02Clean work areas, machines, or equipment, to maintain a clean and safe job site.
- 03Align, straighten, plumb, or square forms for installation.
- 04Select tools, equipment, or materials from storage and transport items to work site.
- 05Construct forms and assist in raising them to the required elevation.
- 06Secure stakes to grids for constructions of footings, nail scabs to footing forms, and vibrate and float concrete.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security
- Building and Construction
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from helpers--carpenters
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers85% · −9%
- Carpenters83% · +38%
- Terrazzo Workers and Finishers80% · +74%
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers80% · +35%
- Helpers--Extraction Workers80% · +9%
Change into helpers--carpenters
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers85% · $39,630
- Helpers--Extraction Workers83% · $47,730
- Fence Erectors78% · $47,980
- Construction Laborers75% · $47,120
- Carpet Installers74% · $50,340