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Entry Level Carpenter Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Anning-Johnson Company

Chicago-Carpenter

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$55.11/hr

A Carpenter constructs, erects, installs, and repairs structures and fixtures of wood, metal ... Range is $18.18 per hour for entry level apprentice to $55.11 per hour for journeyman, scales vary ...

StaffQuick

Carpenter

Sullivan, IL · On-site

$18/hr

StaffQuick is Hiring Carpenters in Sullivan, Illinois! StaffQuick hires for Temporary, Temp-to ... Local StaffQuick Office - Come apply in person! * Entry-level, skilled, and clerical positions

DH Pace

Entry Door Technician

Chicago, IL

$18.50 - $22/hr

If you have any experience in construction, as a general laborer, service technician, installer, carpenter, mechanic, assembly worker, or any skilled trade, you may find this opportunity to be a ...

DH Pace

Entry Door Technician

Bloomington, IL

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

If you have any experience in construction, as a general laborer, service technician, installer, carpenter, mechanic, assembly worker, or any skilled trade, you may find this opportunity to be a ...

HHDC

Maintenance Tech I

Woodstock, IL · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Hispanic Housing Development Corporation (HHDC) is seeking an entry-level Maintenance Technician I ... Complete basic plumbing, electrical, painting, drywall, carpentry, and general maintenance ...

HHDC

Maintenance Tech I

Woodstock, IL

$21/hr

Hispanic Housing Development Corporation (HHDC) is seeking an entry-level Maintenance Technician I ... Complete basic plumbing, electrical, painting, drywall, carpentry, and general maintenance ...

Marathon Staffing

Warehouse Associate

Colona, IL · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

General Labor, General Laborer, Entry-Level Labor, Laborer Jobs, Construction Laborer, Warehouse ... Carpentry Laborer, Plumber Helper, Electrician Helper, HVAC Helper, Utility Worker, General Trades ...

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Marathon Staffing

General Warehouse Worker

Cordova, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

General Labor, General Laborer, Entry-Level Labor, Laborer Jobs, Construction Laborer, Warehouse ... Carpentry Laborer, Plumber Helper, Electrician Helper, HVAC Helper, Utility Worker, General Trades ...

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Marathon Staffing

Production Material Handler

Andover, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

General Labor, General Laborer, Entry-Level Labor, Laborer Jobs, Construction Laborer, Warehouse ... Carpentry Laborer, Plumber Helper, Electrician Helper, HVAC Helper, Utility Worker, General Trades ...

New

Marathon Staffing

Warehouse Worker

Rock Island, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

General Labor, General Laborer, Entry-Level Labor, Laborer Jobs, Construction Laborer, Warehouse ... Carpentry Laborer, Plumber Helper, Electrician Helper, HVAC Helper, Utility Worker, General Trades ...

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All JobsCarpenter JobsEntry Level Carpenter JobsEntry Level Carpenter Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Carpenter information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$24

$34

How much do entry level carpenter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level carpenter in Illinois is $24.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level carpenter do?

An entry level carpenter assists with basic carpentry tasks such as measuring, cutting, and assembling wood and other materials under the supervision of experienced carpenters. They help build, install, or repair frameworks, structures, and fixtures in residential, commercial, or industrial settings. Common duties include using hand and power tools, following blueprints, and ensuring work areas are clean and safe. Over time, entry level carpenters gain hands-on experience and can advance to more complex tasks as they develop their skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level carpenter?

To thrive as an Entry Level Carpenter, you need basic knowledge of carpentry techniques, hand and power tool usage, and the ability to read blueprints or measurements, often gained through a high school diploma or apprenticeship. Familiarity with tools like saws, drills, levels, and safety equipment is standard, and OSHA safety certification may be required. Attention to detail, strong work ethic, and the ability to communicate and work well with a team are essential soft skills. These skills and qualities ensure safe, accurate, and efficient construction work, laying the foundation for long-term career growth.

What is the difference between Entry Level Carpenter vs Apprentice Carpenter?

AspectEntry Level CarpenterApprentice Carpenter
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some may have vocational trainingEnrolled in apprenticeship program, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, residential and commercial projectsSame as Entry Level Carpenter, often working under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageGeneral construction companies, remodeling firmsConstruction companies, union programs, trade schools

While both roles involve working on construction sites and require similar credentials, an Entry Level Carpenter is typically someone starting out with basic skills, whereas an Apprentice Carpenter is actively enrolled in a formal training program to develop carpentry skills under supervision. The apprentice role often leads to becoming a fully qualified carpenter.

How much do entry level carpenters make?

Entry-level carpenters typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, which translates to approximately $30,000 to $40,000 annually for full-time work. Wages can vary based on location, experience, and whether they work in residential or commercial construction, often requiring basic skills with hand and power tools.
More about Entry Level Carpenter jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Carpenter jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Carpenter jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Carpenter jobs in Illinois?

For Entry Level Carpenter jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Carpenter jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Carpenter jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Carpenter jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Carpenter job openings:

Entry Level Carpenter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Carpenter job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,500 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Lead Carpenter - Residential Remodeling

Express Employment

Champaign, IL

$24 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor a small crew while remaining hands-on with daily carpentry work

  • Complete framing, trim, finish carpentry, cabinetry, drywall, flooring, and general repairs

  • Coordinate with other trades to keep projects moving on schedule

Job description

Top Job
Located in Champaign, IL
Salary: $24 - $35/hr DOE
Champaign-Urbana, IL | $24-$35.00 per hour | Full-time
If You're the Carpenter Everyone Else Looks To, Keep Reading
We are hiring a hands-on Lead Carpenter who can guide a small crew, solve problems in the field, and deliver work that looks right the first time.
This is not a clipboard-only leadership role. You might frame a wall, install cabinets, complete detailed trim work, and knock out a punch list all in the same week. You will work on residential remodeling, renovations, repairs, and light commercial projects throughout the Champaign-Urbana area.
This Team Is Built Around Three Things
  • Care about craftsmanship and the details that separate excellent work from "good enough."
  • Respect the client's home, business, time, and investment.
  • Communicate clearly, follow through, and finish what you start.

These are the standard for how every project is handled.
What You'll Own
  • Lead and mentor a small crew while remaining hands-on with daily carpentry work
  • Complete framing, trim, finish carpentry, cabinetry, drywall, flooring, and general repairs
  • Frame walls, roofs, and other structural components
  • Deliver clean, detailed finish work with strong attention to craftsmanship
  • Complete punch lists, warranty repairs, and smaller projects efficiently
  • Coordinate with other trades to keep projects moving on schedule
  • Communicate professionally with clients, coworkers, and project leadership
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe job site

What You Need
  • At least 3 years of professional carpentry or construction experience
  • Strong experience with framing, trim, finish carpentry, and remodeling
  • Previous experience leading a small crew or mentoring laborers
  • Proficiency with carpentry hand tools and power tools
  • Knowledge of construction-site safety practices
  • Ability to troubleshoot and work without constant direction
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
  • Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds

This is not an entry-level carpenter position.
You need to know your craft, make good decisions in the field, and take ownership when something needs to get done. The right person is reliable, professional, detail-oriented, and proud of the finished product.
Pay and Benefits
  • $24-$35.00 per hour based on experience and demonstrated skill
  • Full-time schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Varied residential and light commercial projects
  • Opportunity to grow with a company that recognizes skill, leadership, and follow-through

Ready to Build Something You're Proud Of?
If you can lead from the front, solve problems, and deliver craftsmanship that speaks for itself, we want to talk with you.
Apply today with a resume or detailed work history showing your carpentry, remodeling, framing, finish work, and crew leadership experience.
#CHAMILST
Express Office: Champaign
1001 North Mattis Avenue
Champaign, IL 61821
Express Employment Professionals logo

About Express Employment Professionals

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Express Employment Professionals, based in Oklahoma City, OK, USA, operates in the staffing industry and is renowned for providing robust and reliable staffing solutions. Their official website - expresspros.com - details their variety of services, which include temporary and full-time staffing, human resources services, and professional search. The company was established in 1983 with the aim of helping as many people as possible to find good jobs, and since then, it has grown exponentially, expanding its reach to various domains within the job market.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Oklahoma City, OK, US

Social media

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