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Entry Level Carpenter Jobs in Chicago, IL (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 ...

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 ...

QXO

Carpenter Trainee (Entry-Level)

Naperville, IL · On-site

$20 - $55/hr

Start Your Career in Carpentry - We'll Train You We are the largest production residential carpentry contractor in the Chicago suburban market , and we're hiring Carpenter Trainees to join our ...

QXO

Carpenter Trainee (Entry-Level)

Naperville, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Start Your Career in Carpentry - We'll Train You We are the largest production residential carpentry contractor in the Chicago suburban market , and we're hiring Carpenter Trainees to join our ...

Integrity Trade Services

Production Laborers

Harvey, IL · On-site

$17/hr

Help with entry-level carpentry finishing tasks * Maintain a clean and safe work environment Qualifications: * High School Diploma or GED preferred * At least one year of similar experience preferred

DH Pace

Entry Door Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$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 ...

Swoon Staffing

Cable Installer South Bend, IN

Hammond, IN · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Previous experience in construction, electrical, installation, low voltage, carpentry, HVAC, solar ... Experience reading blueprints or construction drawings Why Join This Team? * Entry-level friendly ...

HHDC

Maintenance Tech I

Elgin, IL

$20 - $22/hr

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

HHDC

Maintenance Tech I

Elgin, IL · On-site

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

HHDC

Maintenance Tech I

Elgin, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

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

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All JobsCarpenter JobsEntry Level Carpenter JobsEntry Level Carpenter Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Carpenter information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$25

$36

How much do entry level carpenter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level carpenter in Chicago, IL is $25.83, 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 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 Chicago, IL?

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

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

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Carpenter jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Carpenter jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Carpenter jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Carpenter job openings:

Entry Level Carpenter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Carpenter job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,728 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Chicago-Carpenter

Anning-Johnson Company

Melrose Park, IL

$55.11/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

A Carpenter constructs, erects, installs, and repairs structures and fixtures of wood, metal, wallboard, etc., using carpenter’s hand tools and power tools, and conforming to local building codes. While maintaining the necessary production and quality required to complete a project and exceeding the customers’ expectations.

A Carpenter studies blueprints, sketches, or building plans for information pertaining to type of material required, such as metal studs or fiberboard, and dimensions of structure or fixture to be fabricated. Selects specified type of materials. Prepares layout, using tape, framing square, etc. Marks cutting and assembly lines on materials, using pencil, chalk, and marking gage. Shapes materials to prescribed measurements, using power and hand tools. Assembles, cuts and shapes materials and fastens them together with applicable fasteners. Verifies trueness of structures constructed prior to completion. Applies shock-absorbing, sound-deadening, and decorative paneling to ceilings and walls. Fits and installs prefabricated window frames, doors, doorframes, weather stripping, interior and exterior trim, and finish hardware, such as locks, letter drops, and kick plates.
Carpenters are typically responsible for the production and quality of the products they install. A carpenter will usually report to a foreman or lead man, and will be assigned a range of tasks to be completed. Timely production and quality are the main responsibilities of a carpenter. In addition, carpenters are responsible for working safely and maintaining a safe work environment.
Carpenters must work within precise limits and standards of accuracy. For example: carpenters must apply shop mathematics to solve problems; plan work and select proper tools; compare and see differences in the size, shape, and form of lines, figures, and objects; picture solid objects from drawings or diagrams; perform a variety of duties which may change often; and rate information using standards that can be measured or checked.
Physically, carpenters must be able to: Climb and maintain balance on scaffolds and ladders; reach for, handle, and manipulate objects and materials; lift and carry objects weighing up to 100 pounds; stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl, and see well (either naturally or with correction).
Wages based on unions scales: Range is $18.18 per hour for entry level apprentice to $55.11 per hour for journeyman, scales vary somewhat based on job site location.