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Carpentry Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Assistant

Evanston, IL ยท On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Structural/Carpentry - Assist with apartment remodels, furniture repair, drywall replacement, and cabinet installation. * Painting - Perform interior and exterior painting in a professional, timely ...

Carpenter

Hobart, IN

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

Complete carpentry repairs and installations (doors, cabinets, flooring, handrails, furniture) * Assist with general maintenance: drywall, painting, minor plumbing/electrical * Respond to work orders ...

Carpenter

Bartlett, IL ยท On-site

$30/hr

Additionally, candidates will be expected to assist as a Mitigation Technician as needed. Key Responsibilities: Execute carpentry tasks, including framing, drywall installation, and finishing.

Carpenter Foreman

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

... carpentry tasks as needed. This is a full-time, on-site position. Key Responsibilities * Assist the Project Manager with day-to-day project oversight and coordination * Attend and participate in site ...

Carpenter

Portage, IN ยท On-site

$20 - $27/hr

... detail - Assist with flooring installation, including measuring, cutting, and laying flooring ... carpenter. We offer competitive compensation and opportunities for career growth within our ...

Carpenter

East Chicago, IN ยท On-site

$21 - $28.50/hr

CARPENTRY-Any combination of training, experience, and/or education equivalent to completion of a ... Drive a truck or van * Assist in removal of graffiti from school facilities * Perform related ...

Carpenter

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$25 - $30/hr

... * Assist with onboarding, mentoring, and guiding less experienced crew members when required. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR * Proven construction, carpentry, or installation experience * Ability to read ...

Carpenter

Chicago, IL

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

Perform rough framing and finish carpentry utilizing a variety of materials and tools * Perform ... Occasionally utilize the assistance of other station personnel to complete tasking, or assist other ...

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Carpentry Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$21

$34

How much do carpentry assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for carpentry assistant in Chicago, IL is $21.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a carpentry assistant do?

A carpentry assistant supports carpenters by measuring, cutting, and assembling materials, often using hand tools and power tools. They help prepare work sites, organize materials, and ensure safety protocols are followed, gaining experience in construction environments. Basic knowledge of carpentry techniques and safety standards is typically required.

What are some common challenges carpentry assistants face when starting out, and how can they overcome them?

New Carpentry Assistants often encounter challenges such as learning to use various tools safely, understanding construction terminology, and adapting to the physical demands of the job. To overcome these, it's helpful to seek mentorship from experienced carpenters, consistently practice safe tool handling, and gradually build stamina through regular work. Open communication with the team and being proactive in asking questions also fosters faster learning and integration into the workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a carpentry assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Carpentry Assistant, you need a basic understanding of woodworking, measuring, and construction techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, safety protocols, and sometimes OSHA certification are typically required. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and teamwork are valuable soft skills that help you excel in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality support for carpenters on construction projects.

What is the difference between Carpentry Assistant vs Carpenter?

AspectCarpentry AssistantCarpenter
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship or vocational training
Work EnvironmentAssist in construction sites, workshops, or renovation projectsLead construction tasks, framing, and finishing work on-site
Job ResponsibilitiesSupport carpenters, measure, cut materials, prepare work areasDesign, build, install structures, and supervise assistants

The main difference between a Carpentry Assistant and a Carpenter lies in their responsibilities and experience level. Carpentry Assistants support carpenters with basic tasks, while Carpenters perform more complex construction and installation work. Both roles are essential in the construction industry, with Assistants often gaining experience to become Carpenters.

What is a carpentry assistant?

Carpentry Assistants are entry-level workers who support carpenters by performing a variety of tasks on construction sites or in workshops. Their duties often include preparing materials, cleaning work areas, carrying tools, measuring and cutting wood, and assisting with assembling or installing structures. They help ensure that carpentry projects run smoothly and efficiently, learning valuable skills along the way. Carpentry Assistants typically work under the supervision of experienced carpenters, gaining hands-on experience in the trade.

What are the most commonly searched types of Carpentry jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Carpentry jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Carpentry Assistant jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Carpentry Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Carpentry Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,287 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Maintenance Assistant

Trulee Evanston

Evanston, IL โ€ข On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Maintenance Assistant - Trulee Evanston


Position Available: Part Time

Love to make a difference in the lives of seniors?

At Solera Senior Living, we are guided by our Core Values—Compassion, Communication, Commitment, and Creativity—which shape how we care for residents, support families, and work together as a team.

What Solera Offers You
  • A growing company with opportunities for career advancement

  • Immediate pay access — no more waiting for payday

  • Tuition reimbursement to support your professional growth

  • Comprehensive medical benefits with discounted gym memberships

  • Dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match

  • Paid holidays and paid time off

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Perks and employee discount programs

  • Supportive, team-oriented workplace culture

Maintenance Assistant Position Summary
The Maintenance Assistant supports the Maintenance Director in the day-to-day operation, upkeep, and repair of the community’s physical plant, equipment, and grounds. This role also assists in housekeeping operations to ensure the community remains safe, clean, comfortable, and tour-ready at all times.

Essential Functions 

Maintenance Assistant General Responsibilities

  • Assist with the coordination of maintenance and housekeeping services with other departments.

  • Complete assigned work in a timely manner, prioritizing urgent repairs.

  • Maintain compliance with local, state, and federal codes, safety regulations, and company policies.

  • Keep all maintenance and storage areas clean, organized, and secure.

  • Display professionalism, tact, and teamwork when interacting with residents, families, visitors, and co-workers.

Cleaning & Housekeeping Support

  • Maintain cleanliness of common areas, hallways, stairways, elevators, and grounds.

  • Perform floor care (sweeping, mopping, stripping, waxing, buffing) and carpet care (vacuuming, shampooing, deodorizing).

  • Clean walls, ceilings, and surfaces using appropriate cleaning agents.

  • Ensure safety signage is posted during cleaning tasks.

Repairs & Preventive Maintenance

  • Electrical – Troubleshoot and repair switches, outlets, lighting, control devices, call systems, and small appliances.

  • Plumbing – Repair faucets, showers, drains, and other minor plumbing issues.

  • Structural/Carpentry – Assist with apartment remodels, furniture repair, drywall replacement, and cabinet installation.

  • Painting – Perform interior and exterior painting in a professional, timely manner, disposing of materials per EPA guidelines.

  • HVAC – Troubleshoot and perform minor HVAC repairs; replace filters and maintain equipment.

  • Grounds – Mow, edge, fertilize lawns; prune trees; maintain pool/spa equipment, water quality, and chemical balance.

Safety & Compliance

  • Participate in quarterly fire drills, semi-annual disaster drills, and safety committee activities.

  • Follow OSHA guidelines, use proper PPE, and ensure hazardous materials are properly labeled and stored.

  • Maintain SDS documentation and ensure accessibility to team members.

  • Monitor and ensure compliance with the community’s Hazard Communication Program.

Resident & Property Support

  • Respond promptly to resident maintenance requests and log work completed.

  • Assist in scheduled maintenance of HVAC, elevators, fire equipment, sprinklers, generators, kitchen equipment, and emergency systems.

  • Drive and maintain the community van as needed.

  • Support engagement activities by ensuring event spaces and equipment are in working order.

Maintenance Assistant Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent.

  • 1+ year of experience in maintenance, building operations, or housekeeping preferred.

  • Basic knowledge of building systems, construction types, and common repairs (electrical, plumbing, structural).

  • Ability to perform basic math and follow written and verbal instructions.

  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to assist with building maintenance issues.

  • Clear oral and written communication skills; able to work effectively with residents, families, co-workers, and vendors.

  • Skilled in the safe operation of a variety of tools and equipment.

  • Physically able to perform manual labor, remain mobile throughout the day, and meet job health requirements.

  • Compassionate, respectful, and committed to serving older adults.

  • Able to work both indoors in a climate-controlled environment and outdoors in various weather conditions.


At Trulee Evanston, we’ve partnered with MemoMate, an AI-powered virtual interviewer, to make the first step in our hiring process simple, convenient, and engaging for all candidates.


Solera Senior Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.