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Custom Carpentry Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Herr Display Vans

Be Seen First

Custom Vehicle Manufacturer

Chicago Heights, IL · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

  • Retirement

We are seeking a full-time Production Builders/Carpenters with a variety of skills and experience to assist in building and installing components in custom vehicles. Skills from the following trades ...

Up Closets

Closet and Home Storage Lead Installer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$29 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with custom carpentry and cabinetry a plus Responsibilities : * Install custom closet systems in clients' homes or businesses according to design specifications * Ensure high-quality ...

The Contractor Consultants

Finish Carpenter

Chicago, IL

$24 - $28/hr

Execute precision finish carpentry including custom millwork, trim, casing, baseboards, doors, and windows. * Verify precise layout and structural requirements prior to cutting wall framing, joists ...

Leapros Skilled Trades

Residential Carpenter

Elgin, IL

$20 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Perform high-precision rough and finish carpentry on luxury residential projects. * Install custom millwork, cabinetry, crown molding, and intricate trim packages. * Read and interpret detailed ...

ADVOCATE INC

Carpenter (Overnight Position)

New Lenox, IL · On-site

$25 - $50/hr

  • Retirement

Building, assembling, and installing cabinets (custom and/or pre-fabricated) * Repairing ... Strong knowledge of carpentry techniques, tools, and materials * Ability to work independently ...

TEEMA Group

Carpenter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

  • PTO

You'll install custom outdoor structures such as patio enclosures, pergolas, louvered roofs, and ... Construction, carpentry, or installation experience * Journeyperson Carpenter preferred; 3rd and ...

Ameriscan Designs

Millwork Carpenter

Bellwood, IL · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

High School diploma or GED; additional training or certification in carpentry or a related field is preferred with 3+ years of experience in custom millwork, cabinetry, or a related carpentry field.

The Contractor Consultants

Lead Carpenter

Chicago, IL

$32 - $36/hr

Execute precise rough and finish carpentry including framing, custom trim work, and cabinetry preparation. * Supervise daily jobsite operations to uphold strict standards for craftsmanship, safety ...

Suncoast

Carpenter

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

Team members will help install custom outdoor living products such as patio covers, pergola systems ... Proven construction, carpentry, or installation experience * Ability to read measurements and ...

Vertical Works, Inc.

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Carpenter

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$24 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work a 4-day workweek in an indoor manufacturing facility while building everything from custom ... Knowledge and ability to perform rough carpentry tasks such as identifying and cutting of all ...

Vertical Works, Inc.

Be Seen First

Carpenter

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$24 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work a 4-day workweek in an indoor manufacturing facility while building everything from custom ... Knowledge and ability to perform rough carpentry tasks such as identifying and cutting of all ...

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All JobsCustom Carpentry JobsCustom Carpentry Jobs in Chicago, IL

Custom Carpentry information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$25

$36

How much do custom carpentry jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for custom carpentry in Chicago, IL is $25.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.54 and $29.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is custom carpentry?

Custom carpentry involves designing, building, and installing unique wood structures or features tailored to a client's specific needs and preferences. Unlike standard carpentry, custom carpentry projects are often one-of-a-kind and can include cabinetry, built-in shelving, furniture, trim work, or decorative woodwork. Custom carpenters work closely with clients to bring their vision to life, ensuring a perfect fit and finish for each project.

What are some common challenges custom carpenters face when working on unique client projects?

Custom carpenters often encounter challenges related to interpreting client visions and translating them into practical, buildable designs. Each project tends to have unique requirements, which may involve sourcing special materials, adapting to non-standard measurements, or resolving unforeseen site constraints. Effective communication with clients, designers, and other trades is essential to ensure the final product meets expectations. Flexibility and creative problem-solving are key traits for success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Custom Carpenter, you need expert woodworking skills, precision in measuring and cutting, and a strong understanding of blueprint reading, often supported by an apprenticeship or vocational training. Familiarity with power tools, CAD design software, and various finishing techniques is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong problem-solving abilities make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure the creation of high-quality, tailored woodwork that meets client specifications and maintains safety and efficiency on the job.

What is the difference between Custom Carpentry vs Framing Carpenter?

AspectCustom CarpentryFraming Carpenter
CredentialsTypically requires carpentry licenses or certifications, apprenticeship, and experience in detailed woodworkingUsually requires apprenticeship and basic carpentry skills, with less emphasis on certifications
Work EnvironmentIndoor and outdoor projects involving detailed, custom woodwork for homes, offices, and renovationsPrimarily outdoor or on-site work focusing on constructing building frameworks
Industry UsageUsed in residential, commercial, and renovation projects requiring custom wood featuresCommonly employed in new construction and large-scale framing projects

Custom Carpentry involves creating tailored woodwork with detailed craftsmanship, often for renovations or unique projects. Framing Carpenters focus on constructing the structural framework of buildings. While both roles require carpentry skills, Custom Carpenters emphasize precision and finishing, whereas Framing Carpenters concentrate on structural integrity and foundational work.

How to get into custom carpentry?

To get into custom carpentry, gain experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions to develop skills in woodworking, measuring, and tool use. Obtaining relevant certifications or training in carpentry and building codes can improve job prospects, and familiarity with design software may be beneficial for custom projects.

What are popular job titles related to Custom Carpentry jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Custom Carpentry jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Custom Carpentry jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Custom Carpentry jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Custom Carpentry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Custom Carpentry job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,686 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

BENCH CARPENTER Cabinetry, Fixtures & Custom Builds

Cadence Inc

Wheeling, IL • On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Cadence is hiring a Bench Carpenter to support scenic, exhibit, and experiential builds for national brands.

This role is ideal for a skilled carpenter who wants to focus on building high-quality work without managing people or paperwork.


What you’ll do

  • Build cabinets, wall frames, kiosks, and fixtures
  • Perform detailed lamination and finish-ready assembly
  • Support larger scenic builds as needed
  • Work independently or alongside a lead carpenter

Most work is cabinet and fixture based, with some custom and non-standard builds mixed in.


What success looks like

  • You know when speed matters and when finish quality governs
  • You work clean, square, and accurate
  • You can take drawings and execute without constant direction


Required skills

  • Cabinet and furniture construction
  • Lamination and clean assembly
  • Ability to read shop drawings
  • Safe, efficient use of shop tools

Ideal background: cabinet shop, millwork, store fixture, or production scenic experience


Why you’ll like working here

You’ll work in a well-equipped shop on custom projects that actually get seen — not production repeats. The tools are top quality, the expectations are clear, and quality matters. If you take pride in clean builds and like solving real problems under real deadlines, this is a place where your work shows.


Compensation & Benefits

  • $30–$40/hr, based on experience
  • Overtime paid when applicable
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Optional travel opportunities available (not required)

This is a non-bargaining unit position.


About Cadence

Cadence builds custom scenic, tradeshow, and experiential environments for major brands. Projects move fast, drawings matter, and what leaves the shop has to work on site.