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Head Carpenter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Emerson College

Head Carpenter

Boston, MA

$49K - $60K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Head Carpenter works closely with the Technical Director and scenic students & staff to build and install student scenic designs. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES * Partner closely with Technical Director to ...

Emerson College

Head Carpenter

Boston, MA · On-site

$49K - $60K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Head Carpenter works closely with the Technical Director and scenic students & staff to build and install student scenic designs. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES * Partner closely with Technical Director to ...

Broadway Dallas, Inc.

Head of Wardrobe

Dallas, TX

$44.06/hr

  • Medical

  • Vision

Head Carpenter & Crew Lead, Jason Bowman; Production Manager, Chris "Waffles" Wathen Type: Part-Time; Governed by IATSE Local 128/Broadway Dallas Collective Bargaining Agreement Schedule: Varies with ...

Broadway Dallas, Inc.

Head of Wardrobe

Dallas, TX · On-site

$44.06/hr

  • Medical

  • Vision

Head Carpenter & Crew Lead, Jason Bowman; Production Manager, Chris "Waffles" Wathen Type: Part-Time; Governed by IATSE Local 128/Broadway Dallas Collective Bargaining Agreement Schedule: Varies with ...

Broadway Dallas, Inc.

Head of Wardrobe

Dallas, TX · On-site

$44.06/hr

  • Medical

  • Vision

Head Carpenter & Crew Lead, Jason Bowman; Production Manager, Chris "Waffles" Wathen Type: Part-Time; Governed by IATSE Local 128/Broadway Dallas Collective Bargaining Agreement Schedule: Varies with ...

Valid8 Financial, Inc.

Head of Wardrobe

Dallas, TX · On-site

$35.82/hr

Head Carpenter & Crew Lead, Jason Bowman; Production Manager, Chris "Waffles" Wathen Type: Part-Time; Governed by IATSE Local 128/Broadway Dallas Collective Bargaining Agreement Schedule: Varies with ...

Sineath Construction

Head of Carpentry

Weaverville, NC · On-site

$26.75 - $33.50/hr

Head of Carpentry Full-Time (W2) | Sineath Construction | Weaverville, NC (Commute - Required) At Sineath Construction, we don't just build homes-we craft one-of-a-kind spaces with precision, care ...

Sineath Construction

Head of Carpentry

Weaverville, NC · On-site

$26.75 - $33.50/hr

Head of Carpentry Full-Time (W2) | Sineath Construction | Weaverville, NC (Commute - Required) At Sineath Construction, we don't just build homes-we craft one-of-a-kind spaces with precision, care ...

Sineath Construction

Head of Carpentry

Weaverville, NC · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Head of Carpentry Full-Time (W2) | Sineath Construction | Weaverville, NC (Commute - Required) At Sineath Construction, we don't just build homes-we craft one-of-a-kind spaces with precision, care ...

RMC Resort Management

Carpenter

Hilton Head Island, SC · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Hilton Head Island, we pride ourselves on delivering innovative management services, passionate ... The Mission As Carpenter, you'll keep our vacation rentals guest-ready by delivering sharp ...

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Head Carpenter information

See salary details

$14

$25

$35

How much do head carpenter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for head carpenter in the United States is $25.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a head carpenter?

Head Carpenters are skilled professionals responsible for overseeing carpentry work on construction sites, theaters, or production sets. They supervise and coordinate a team of carpenters, ensuring that all tasks are completed according to specifications, schedules, and safety standards. Head Carpenters also interpret blueprints, manage materials, and often liaise with other departments or clients to ensure the successful completion of projects. Their leadership and technical expertise are critical to the quality and efficiency of carpentry operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head carpenter?

To thrive as a Head Carpenter, you need advanced carpentry skills, blueprint reading, leadership experience, and typically a relevant vocational qualification or apprenticeship. Familiarity with construction management software, power tools, and OSHA safety standards is often required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and team management abilities set top candidates apart. These skills ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to high-quality standards while effectively leading and coordinating crews.

What are some common challenges faced by a head carpenter in managing construction projects?

As a Head Carpenter, one of the main challenges is balancing high-quality craftsmanship with tight project deadlines. You'll often need to coordinate work among a diverse team of carpenters and subcontractors while ensuring safety standards and building codes are met. Managing material delivery schedules and adapting to unforeseen site conditions are also frequent hurdles. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential to keep the project on track and ensure smooth collaboration with site managers, architects, and other trades.

What is the difference between Head Carpenter vs Carpenter?

AspectHead CarpenterCarpenter
CredentialsHigh school diploma, apprenticeship, and often leadership experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent, apprenticeship or on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentSupervises projects, manages teams, plans schedulesPerforms carpentry tasks, works on-site, follows plans
Industry UsageConstruction, remodeling, commercial and residential projectsConstruction, renovation, carpentry services

The main difference between a Head Carpenter and a Carpenter is that the Head Carpenter oversees project planning, supervises the team, and manages schedules, while the Carpenter focuses on executing carpentry tasks on-site. The Head Carpenter typically has more experience and leadership responsibilities, making them the project leader on construction sites.

How much do head carpenters make?

Head carpenters typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. They often oversee construction teams, read blueprints, and use tools like saws and drills, with some positions requiring relevant certifications or apprenticeships.

What cities are hiring for Head Carpenter jobs?

Cities with the most Head Carpenter job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Carpenter jobs?

The most popular types of Carpenter jobs are:

What states have the most Head Carpenter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Head Carpenter jobs include:

Head Carpenter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Carpenter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,115 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Head Carpenter / Prop Master, The Ford

Los Angeles Philharmonic

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$43.77/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

The Ford is currently accepting resumes for a Head Carpenter / Prop Master.
This dual-role position is responsible for Head Carpenter and Prop Master duties, servicing local community-produced concerts, jazz/pop/rock concerts, small theatrical and opera productions, orchestral programming, and movie nights. The Head Carpenter / Prop Master position is a working Head position.
About The Ford:
The Ford is a 100+ year-old, 1,200-seat, outdoor amphitheater in Los Angeles, owned by Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation and operated by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association. The venue operates seasonally between May and October.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Stage Operations: Set, move, and strike risers, musician platforms, scenery, and stairways.
• Sunshade Management: Regularly deploy and strike the sunshade over the stage and seating areas.
• Rigging Safety: Ensure the successful and safe implementation of all stage and rigging equipment.
• Orchestral Support: Set up and service the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
• Technical Tasks: Perform duties including, but not limited to, stage carpentry, rigging, prop
construction, vendor coordination, and equipment/facility maintenance.
• Crew Management: Supervise, train, and develop the stage crew; place necessary crew calls with the Local union as required.
• Administrative Duties: Enter and maintain carpenter and prop department weekly payroll; attend weekly remote production meetings.
• Collaboration: Partner with other departments to maintain a high quality of production.
• Compliance: Understand and adhere to the venue's current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Qualifications:
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Head Carpenter or Assistant Carpenter.
• Production Knowledge: Strong knowledge of orchestra set-ups, instrumentation, rigging, and stage carpentry.
• Safety Certifications: Minimum OSHA 10 Certification required upon hire; must obtain OSHA 30 certification once hired.
• Technical Skills: Experience with staging and dance flooring; proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Industry Standards: Competency in and knowledge of safe theatrical stage working conditions and practices.
• Leadership & Soft Skills: Strong leadership, organizational, and technical skills; excellent
communication skills with management staff and visiting production teams.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
• Environment: Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Mobility: Ability to bend, stand, and walk-including navigating hilly terrain and stairs-for the duration of an entire work shift.
• Lifting: Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 lbs. independently, and up to 150 lbs. with the
assistance of other employees.
• Pace: Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced work environment.
Pay Rate: $43.77/hour | Note that The Ford employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with I.A.S.T.E Local 33, and union membership is a condition of employment.
How to Apply:
Resumes must be submitted to applicant@laphil.org.
Please use the subject line: The Ford Head Carpenter/Prop

Apply