What is a trim carpenter and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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Trim carpenters are responsible for installing and repairing molding and trim found on windows, doors, baseboards, mantels, and other ornamental pieces. They perfect the feel and form of woodworks and are engaged in the cutting and shaping of wooden components using tools such as saws and planers. They utilize tools such as jointers and nail guns in the assembly of wooden components to form structures for windows and doors.

Trim carpenters earn a median sum of $39,000 annually or $19 per hour. They are also known as finish carpenters, and they bridge the occupational gap between framing carpenters and fine furniture makers. Their duties include reading and interpreting construction plans, diagrams, and blueprint for a carpentry project. They scribe moldings to allow for proper fitting on even or uneven surfaces. A great trim carpenter is detail-oriented and has excellent business and communication skills.

Trim carpenters typically hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, they need their tools and vehicles, along with a good driving record. They are expected to have some experience as a carpenter or in a similar role. Some employers prefer candidates who can stand for long periods, in addition to working under all types of weather conditions.

ScoreTrim CarpenterUS Average
Salary
3.6

Avg. Salary $45,718

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.6

Growth Rate 2%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.06%

Asian 1.60%

Black or African American 7.12%

Hispanic or Latino 23.33%

Unknown 4.63%

White 62.27%

Gender

female 4.39%

male 95.61%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress Level
7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.8

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
5.3

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

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Trim Carpenter career paths

Key steps to become a trim carpenter

  1. Explore trim carpenter education requirements

    Most common trim carpenter degrees

    High School Diploma

    43.4 %

    Associate

    21.4 %

    Bachelor's

    20.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific trim carpenter skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Hand Tools15.35%
    Work Ethic11.11%
    Window Sills9.06%
    Safety Rules7.92%
    Ladders7.15%
  3. Complete relevant trim carpenter training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New trim carpenters learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a trim carpenter based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real trim carpenter resumes.
  4. Research trim carpenter duties and responsibilities

    • 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.
  5. Prepare your trim carpenter resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your trim carpenter resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a trim carpenter resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Trim Carpenter Resume templates

    Build a professional Trim Carpenter resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Trim Carpenter resume.
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    Trim Carpenter Resume
    Trim Carpenter Resume
  6. Apply for trim carpenter jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a trim carpenter job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Trim Carpenter Job

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Average trim carpenter salary

The average Trim Carpenter salary in the United States is $45,718 per year or $22 per hour. Trim carpenter salaries range between $34,000 and $60,000 per year.

Average Trim Carpenter Salary
$45,718 Yearly
$21.98 hourly

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How do trim carpenters rate their job?

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Trim Carpenter reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2023
Pros

Seeing the finished product

Cons

I am a master carpenter. It’s hard sometimes waiting on materials to finish a job


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2023
Pros

Livable wage

Cons

Travel expenses, working away from home, working in bad conditions


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A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2022
Pros

I enjoy building things with wood. The gratification of seeing things come together from bottom, to top, when building. From top to bottom when taking down. All the way from pouring the slab, to hanging pictures on the painted walls..

Cons

Rainy days, lazy Co workers,


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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