6 free framing carpenter templates: residential, commercial metal stud, lead, rough, trim, and picture framer, with the OSHA fall-protection, FLSA, and 1099 guidance the generic templates skip. Download as DOCX.
A framer, or framing carpenter, builds the structural frame of a building: the floors, walls, and roof that every other trade builds on. Working from blueprints, a framer measures, cuts, and assembles lumber or metal studs, raises and plumbs walls, and sets joists, rafters, and trusses. It is physical, safety-critical work, and for a small framing contractor or homebuilder, hiring one well starts with a job description that names the role and gets the safety and classification right.
These six templates cover the role across settings and levels: residential framer, commercial metal stud framer, lead framer, rough crew member, trim carpenter, and retail picture framer. For a small framing contractor without an HR department, where the owner or lead runs hiring, the residential template and the OSHA and classification guidance are written for exactly that. For the fundamentals behind any posting, the guide to writing a job description helps, and FirstHR runs the onboarding once you hire.
TL;DR
A framer (framing carpenter) builds the structural frame: floors, walls, and roofs. The role is hourly and non-exempt, performed at height under the OSHA fall protection standard (29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, six-foot threshold), and framing crews carry real 1099-versus-W-2 misclassification risk. The closest federal occupation, carpenters, reports a median of $59,310 (May 2024). Download six templates as DOCX, by setting and level, with the compliance built in.
What a Framer Does
A framer builds the rough structural shell of a building from blueprints: framing floors, raising and plumbing walls, and setting the roof. The work is fast, physical, and exact, because everything that follows, from drywall to cabinets, depends on a frame that is plumb, level, and square. Framers work with nail guns, saws, and layout tools, often at height.
There is no separate federal occupation code for framers; they fall under carpenters, the trade that also covers finish and general carpentry. What stays constant is the structural framing mandate; what changes is the material and setting. A residential framer works in dimensional lumber, a commercial framer in metal studs, a lead framer adds layout and crew direction. Because the role spans these variants, the six templates here are split by setting and level rather than offering one generic version.
Framer Duties and Responsibilities
Framer duties group into layout and cutting, framing and assembly, tools and installation, and safety. The setting shifts the weighting, but these four areas hold across the role. These are the responsibilities grouped the way the templates use them.
Layout and cutting
Read blueprints and framing plans
Measure, mark, and cut lumber accurately
Lay out walls, floors, and openings
Framing and assembly
Frame floors, walls, and roof systems
Raise, plumb, and brace walls
Set joists, rafters, and trusses
Tools and installation
Use nail guns and saws safely
Install sheathing, subfloor, and openings
Operate layout and leveling tools
Safety and site
Follow OSHA fall protection rules
Wear required PPE on site
Keep the work area clean and organized
A strong posting picks the responsibilities from each area that match the role and materials, and states the physical demands and tools honestly. For a structured way to scope any role before posting, the guide to defining job responsibilities walks through the process.
Framer vs Carpenter vs Trim
Several titles get used loosely on a job site, and naming the right one is the first decision before posting, because framers and finish carpenters are often different people with different skills.
Role
Core focus
Phase
Framer / framing carpenter
Structural frame: floors, walls, roof
Rough carpentry
Trim / finish carpenter
Moldings, doors, cabinetry
Finish carpentry
General carpenter
Mixed rough and finish work
Both
Construction laborer
Supports trades, site work
Support
Picture / custom framer
Retail framing of art and photos
Not construction
A framer builds the shell; a finish carpenter does the visible trim; a general carpenter does both; a laborer supports the trades; and a picture framer is an unrelated retail craft role. Decide which you need and post that specific title rather than a generic listing.
Which Template Should You Use?
Pick the template by setting and level; the company, pay, and tools go in the fields. All six share the same framing skeleton, but the focus differs enough that the matched version reads correctly to candidates. Use this guide to choose.
Residential Framer
Homes, framing contractors
The core, most small-contractor-relevant version: framing floors, walls, and roofs from blueprints on residential builds. The baseline to adapt.
Commercial / Metal Stud Framer
Commercial, drywall subs
The commercial version: light and heavy gauge metal stud framing, shaft walls, and soffits, held to layout tolerances and production rates.
Lead Framer / Foreman
Contractors with crews
The leadership version: reading plans, laying out the work, directing a crew, and owning quality and safety. Classification depends on the real duties.
Rough Framer / Crew Member
Entry-level, on-the-job training
The first-step version: staging materials, cutting lumber, and nailing off framing under a lead, with a path to framer. An hourly, non-exempt tier.
Trim / Finish Carpenter
Remodelers, finish work
The related, distinct version: interior trim, moldings, doors, and cabinetry. Precision finish work rather than structural rough framing.
Picture / Custom Framer
Frame shops, craft retail
The retail craft version, not construction: cutting mats and frames, fitting glass and art, and consulting on design. Included to keep the two roles clear.
Match the Template to the Role
Framing homes? Residential Framer. Metal studs on commercial jobs? Commercial / Metal Stud Framer. Running a crew? Lead Framer / Foreman. A first construction job? Rough Framer / Crew Member. Interior trim and doors? Trim / Finish Carpenter. A frame shop or craft store? Picture / Custom Framer. When in doubt for residential structural work, the Residential Framer version is the baseline.
6 Free Framer Job Description Templates
Download all six as a single Word document or copy individual templates. Each follows the same structure: a company brief, a job summary framing the structural mandate, responsibilities, requirements, and a compensation note. Fill in the brackets before you post.
Download All 6 Job Description Templates
Residential, commercial metal stud, lead, rough crew, trim, and picture framer. All in one DOCX.
The leadership version: reading plans, laying out the work, directing a crew, and owning quality and safety. Classification depends on the real duties.
Lead Framer / Framing Foreman Job Description
LEAD FRAMER / FRAMING FOREMAN JOB DESCRIPTION
Company: __
Location: __
Reports to: [Superintendent / Project Manager / Owner]
Employment type: Full-time
FLSA classification: [Confirm: non-exempt or exempt; see note]
Pay range: $_____ to $_____ per hour [or per year]
JOB SUMMARY
[Company Name] is hiring a Lead Framer to run framing crews and
deliver framed structures on schedule and to spec. You will read
and interpret plans, lay out the work, direct a crew, calculate
stairs and roof framing, and own quality and safety on your
sections. This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced
framer.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Read and interpret blueprints and framing plans
•Lay out walls, floors, roofs, stairs, and openings
•Direct and pace a framing crew
•Calculate stair stringers and roof/truss layout
•Check work for plumb, level, square, and code
•Coordinate materials, deliveries, and sequencing
•Enforce OSHA fall protection and site safety
•Train and mentor less experienced framers
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•[5]+ years of framing, with crew leadership
•Strong blueprint reading and layout skills
•Able to calculate stairs and complex roof framing
•Physically able to do the work and work at heights
•Leadership, communication, and scheduling skills
•OSHA 10 or 30; valid driver's license
NOTE ON CLASSIFICATION (read before posting)
A working lead who mainly frames is usually non-exempt and
overtime eligible. A foreman whose primary duty is managing a crew
and who meets the salary and duties tests may qualify as exempt.
Classify on the actual duties and salary, not the title. This is
general information, not legal advice.
COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY
Pay range: $_____ to $_____ per hour [or per year]
Benefits: __
To apply, send your resume to __.
[Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Template 4: Rough Framer / Framing Crew Member
The first-step version: staging materials, cutting lumber, and nailing off framing under a lead, with a path to framer. An hourly, non-exempt tier.
Rough Framer / Framing Crew Member Job Description (Entry-Level)
ROUGH FRAMER / FRAMING CREW MEMBER JOB DESCRIPTION (ENTRY-LEVEL)
Company: __
Location: __
Reports to: [Lead Framer / Foreman]
Employment type: Full-time
FLSA classification: Non-exempt (hourly)
Pay range: $_____ to $_____ per hour
JOB SUMMARY
[Company Name] is hiring a Framing Crew Member to support our
framing crew and learn the trade. This is an entry-level, physical
role with on-the-job training. You will carry and stage materials,
measure and cut lumber, nail off framing, and help raise walls
under the direction of a lead framer. Reliability and a strong work
ethic matter most.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Carry, stage, and organize lumber and materials
•Measure and cut lumber as directed
•Nail off and assemble framing components
•Help raise, plumb, and brace walls
•Keep the site clean and tools organized
•Follow instructions from the lead framer
•Wear required PPE and follow safety rules
•Learn framing methods on the job
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•No experience required; framing experience a plus
•Reliable, punctual, and hard-working
•Physically able to lift [70-80] lbs and work at heights
•Comfortable on ladders, scaffolds, and roofs
•Reliable transportation to job sites
•Willing to learn and follow safety procedures
COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY
Pay range: $_____ to $_____ per hour
Growth: clear path to framer with on-the-job training
To apply, send your resume to __.
[Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
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The related, distinct version: interior trim, moldings, doors, and cabinetry. Precision finish work rather than structural rough framing.
Trim / Finish Carpenter Job Description
TRIM / FINISH CARPENTER JOB DESCRIPTION
Company: __
Location: __
Reports to: [Lead Carpenter / Project Manager]
Employment type: Full-time
FLSA classification: Non-exempt (hourly)
Pay range: $_____ to $_____ per hour
JOB SUMMARY
[Company Name] is hiring a Trim / Finish Carpenter for the detailed,
visible work that finishes a space: interior trim, moldings, doors,
and cabinetry. This is a related but distinct role from rough
framing, calling for precision, clean joinery, and a careful eye.
You will measure, cut, and install finish materials to a high
standard.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Install interior trim, baseboard, casing, and crown molding
•Hang and adjust interior doors
•Install cabinets, shelving, and built-ins
•Measure, cut, and fit finish materials precisely
•Scribe and coped joints for tight, clean fits
•Fill, sand, and prep for paint where required
•Use finish tools and saws safely
•Protect finished surfaces and keep work clean
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•[2-3]+ years of trim or finish carpentry
•Precise measuring, cutting, and joinery skills
•Eye for detail and a quality finish
•Comfortable with finish nailers and miter saws
•Physically able to do the work
•Reliable transportation to job sites
COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY
Pay range: $_____ to $_____ per hour
Benefits: __
To apply, send your resume to __.
[Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Template 6: Picture / Custom Framer (Retail)
The retail craft version, not construction: cutting mats and frames, fitting glass and art, and consulting on design in a frame shop or craft store.
Picture / Custom Framer Job Description (Retail)
PICTURE / CUSTOM FRAMER JOB DESCRIPTION (RETAIL)
Company: __ (frame shop / craft retail)
Location: __
Reports to: [Store Manager / Owner]
Employment type: [ ] Full-time [ ] Part-time
FLSA classification: Non-exempt (hourly)
Pay range: $_____ to $_____ per hour
JOB SUMMARY
[Company Name] is hiring a Custom Picture Framer to help customers
design and build custom frames for art, photos, and keepsakes.
This is a retail craft role, different from a construction framer.
You will consult on design, cut mats and frames, fit glass and
artwork, and assemble finished pieces with care and precision.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Help customers choose frames, mats, and glass
•Measure artwork and recommend framing options
•Cut mats, mat openings, and frame moldings
•Join frames and fit glass, art, and backing
•Assemble and finish custom framed pieces
•Handle valuable and fragile items carefully
•Operate the point-of-sale and take orders
•Keep the work area and materials organized
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Custom framing experience a plus; training provided
•Detail-oriented with good hand skills
•Comfortable advising customers on design
•Careful handling of fragile, valuable items
•Reliable and customer-friendly
•Comfortable with measuring and basic math
COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY
Pay range: $_____ to $_____ per hour
To apply, send your resume to __.
[Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
OSHA, FLSA, and 1099 vs W-2
This is the part the generic templates skip, and the part that matters most for a framer hire: the OSHA fall-protection standard that governs the work, the FLSA classification, the worker-classification trap that can be expensive, and the disambiguation among carpentry titles. Get these right and your posting protects your business as well as your crew.
Fall protection is the rule that defines framing safety
Framing is high-risk work performed at height, on walls, roofs, and scaffolds, which puts it squarely under the OSHA fall protection standard for construction (29 CFR 1926 Subpart M). The standard generally requires fall protection at heights of six feet or more, met with guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems. Falls are consistently the leading cause of death in construction, and together with struck-by, electrocution, and caught-in or between hazards, the so-called Focus Four account for the majority of construction fatalities each year. For a framing employer this is not paperwork, it is the core of keeping a crew alive, and it belongs in your hiring and onboarding process from day one through training and a site-safety orientation. This is general information, not legal advice.
Framers are non-exempt and owed overtime
Framing is manual, blue-collar work, so framers are non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and entitled to overtime at one and a half times their regular rate for hours over forty in a week. The Department of Labor is explicit that blue-collar workers are entitled to minimum wage and overtime no matter how highly paid. A working lead who still spends most of the day framing is generally non-exempt too; only a foreman whose primary duty is genuinely managing a crew, and who meets the salary and duties tests, may be exempt. Because framing crews often work long days and Saturdays, track hours carefully and pay overtime correctly. Some states set higher minimums and stricter overtime rules. This is general information, not legal advice.
Do not misclassify a framing crew as 1099 contractors
Framing subcontractors are a classic misclassification trap. Paying a framing crew as 1099 independent contractors when they function as employees can trigger back taxes, unpaid overtime, and penalties. Under the strict ABC test used in California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Illinois, and other states, framing crews are usually presumed to be employees, in part because framing is within the usual course of a general contractor's business. A genuine subcontractor runs an independent business, carries insurance, uses their own tools, and controls how the work is done. If that does not describe your crew, they are likely W-2 employees. Get the classification right up front, since the penalties for getting it wrong can dwarf the payroll taxes you were trying to avoid. This is general information, not legal advice.
Framer, carpenter, and trim carpenter are not the same
The titles overlap and the federal data lumps them together under one occupation, carpenters, but the jobs differ on site. A framer, or framing carpenter, builds the structural shell: floors, walls, and roofs, the rough carpentry. A trim or finish carpenter does the precise, visible work that finishes a space, moldings, doors, and cabinetry. A general carpenter may do both, and a construction laborer supports the trades without doing skilled carpentry. Decide whether you need rough framing, finish work, or both, and post the specific title, since framers and finish carpenters are often different people with different skills and pay. Naming the wrong one draws the wrong candidates. This is general information, not legal advice.
Fall Protection at Six Feet
Framing is governed by the OSHA fall protection standard (29 CFR 1926 Subpart M), which generally requires fall protection at heights of six feet or more through guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems. Falls are the leading cause of construction fatalities, and the Focus Four hazards account for the majority of construction deaths each year.
Requirements for a framer start with blueprint reading, framing skill, and the physical ability to do the work safely at height, with OSHA cards and leadership as the role grows. State the demands honestly and keep every line job-related. The SHRM job description tools describe a good description as a plain-language summary of the role's real duties and requirements.
Requirement
What to look for
Experience
Residential or commercial framing; entry-level trained on the job
Blueprint reading
Reads framing plans and a tape measure accurately
Tools
Comfortable with nail guns, saws, and layout tools
Physical
Lifts 70 lbs, climbs, and works at heights
Safety
OSHA 10 or 30; follows fall protection rules
Classification
Non-exempt, hourly; overtime over 40 hours a week
Keep the posting neutral and inclusive, since the EEOC prohibits job advertisements that show a preference based on a protected characteristic. State the physical demands as genuine requirements of the framing work, not as a description of who you imagine doing it.
Framer Pay
Framers are paid hourly, with pay varying by region, experience, and project type. Set your range using federal data as a baseline, then adjust for your local market.
Median $59,310 for Carpenters (BLS)
There is no separate federal code for framers; they fall under carpenters, with a median annual wage of $59,310 (about $28.51 an hour) as of the May 2024 data, the 10th percentile under $38,760 and the 90th over $98,370. Carpenters held about 959,000 jobs, with employment projected to grow about 4 percent from 2024 to 2034. Market data for the framer title specifically tends to run a bit lower.
Entry-level crew members start lower, experienced and lead framers earn more, and commercial or metal stud framers paid on production can run higher, as can framers in high-cost and union markets. Benchmark your hourly range to your specific market, materials, and level rather than to a single national number, and publish a range where required. This is general information, not compensation advice.
Hiring a Framer for a Small Contractor
A large homebuilder hires framers through a recruiting team. A small framing subcontractor, a custom-home builder, or a remodeler does not. The owner or lead framer writes the posting, screens applicants, and onboards the new hire, often from a truck between job sites. For related trades, the same pattern holds, which is why hiring a carpenter or a construction laborer shares the same challenge. Here is how to write the posting for that reality.
Framer vs carpenter
A framer is a carpenter, but not every carpenter is a framer. Framer, or framing carpenter, refers specifically to the rough carpentry that builds a structure's frame: floors, walls, and roofs from dimensional lumber or metal studs. Carpenter is the broader trade that also covers finish work, cabinetry, concrete forms, and more. The federal data classifies both under a single occupation, carpenters, which is why salary figures cover the whole trade. When you hire, the practical question is whether you need someone for structural rough framing specifically or for general carpentry. If it is the frame, post for a framer; if it is mixed work, post for a carpenter and name the rough and finish duties you expect.
Framer vs trim or finish carpenter
These are often different people with different strengths. A framer builds the structural shell fast and square, working with rough lumber and tolerances measured in fractions of an inch across a whole house. A trim or finish carpenter does the visible, detailed work at the end: baseboard, casing, crown molding, doors, and built-ins, where joints must be tight and clean and the standard is cosmetic. Some carpenters do both well, but many specialize. A remodeler or finish contractor usually wants a finish carpenter; a framing subcontractor or homebuilder doing structural work wants a framer. Decide which phase of the build you are hiring for and use the matching template, since asking a rough framer to run delicate trim, or vice versa, often disappoints both sides.
Construction framer vs picture framer vs Framer designer
The word framer covers three unrelated jobs, and it is worth being clear which you mean so your posting reaches the right people. A construction framer builds the structural frame of buildings, the role this page is mainly about. A picture or custom framer is a retail craft role in a frame shop or craft store, cutting mats and frames and fitting artwork, classified under a different occupation entirely. And in tech, a Framer designer builds websites in the Framer design tool, a software role with nothing to do with the building trades. Use the specific title and a clear job summary so candidates immediately know which framer you are hiring, and so your posting does not surface for the wrong searches.
From Hiring to Onboarding
The job description is step one. Once a framer accepts, the same document becomes the basis for the offer and a safety-first onboarding. Because framing is high-risk and the trade sees plenty of movement between crews, a smooth, repeatable process, with safety handled before anyone goes up on a roof, pays off every time you hire.
Send the offer
Confirm the hourly rate, start date, and crew in writing. An offer letter with e-signature lets a framer accept from a phone on site.
Handle paperwork and classification
Collect I-9 and W-4, confirm W-2 employee status, and gather any OSHA cards. Get the 1099-versus-W-2 call right before day one.
Run safety orientation first
Cover fall protection, the Focus Four, tools, and PPE before the new framer sets foot on a roof or scaffold.
Store the records
Keep the signed offer, OSHA certifications, and safety acknowledgments organized and easy to produce if asked.
Once your offer is ready, the offer letter template handles the hire with the hourly rate and start date stated, and an onboarding template gives the new framer a structured, safety-first start. FirstHR connects the offer, e-signature, new-hire paperwork, training acknowledgments, and onboarding workflow in one place, so a small framing contractor can capture I-9 and W-4, store OSHA certifications, run a fall-protection safety orientation, and keep records organized from one system. FirstHR is an HR and onboarding platform, not a safety-management, payroll, or job-costing system, and it does not run payroll or administer benefits, so pair it with those tools. Applicant tracking is coming soon to FirstHR.
Key Takeaways
A framer (framing carpenter) builds the structural frame: floors, walls, and roofs, the rough carpentry every other trade builds on.
Use the template that matches the role: residential, commercial metal stud, lead, rough crew, trim, or retail picture framer.
Framing is governed by the OSHA fall protection standard (29 CFR 1926 Subpart M), with fall protection required at six feet.
Framers are non-exempt and hourly, owed overtime; a true managing foreman may be exempt, but a working lead usually is not.
Framing crews carry real 1099-versus-W-2 misclassification risk; under the ABC test they are usually employees, so classify carefully.
Pay is hourly; the closest federal occupation, carpenters, reports a median of $59,310 (May 2024), with the framer title a bit lower.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a framer do?
A framer, also called a framing carpenter, builds the structural frame of a building: the floors, walls, and roof. Working from blueprints, a framer measures, cuts, and assembles dimensional lumber or metal studs, raises and plumbs walls, sets joists, rafters, and trusses, and installs sheathing, subfloor, and exterior openings. The work is physical and safety-critical, performed with nail guns, saws, and layout tools, often at height on walls, scaffolds, and roofs. Framing is the rough carpentry that creates the shell every other trade builds on, so accuracy matters: walls must be plumb, level, and square. In residential work a framer frames homes with dimensional lumber; in commercial work a metal stud framer frames partitions and shaft walls with steel. It is one of the core construction trades. This is general information, not legal advice.
What are a framer's duties and responsibilities?
A framer's duties group into layout and cutting, framing and assembly, tools and installation, and safety. Layout and cutting: reading blueprints, measuring and marking, and cutting lumber or metal studs accurately. Framing and assembly: framing floors, walls, and roof systems, raising and bracing walls, and setting joists, rafters, and trusses. Tools and installation: operating nail guns and saws safely, and installing sheathing, subfloor, windows, and exterior doors. Safety: following OSHA fall protection rules, wearing PPE, and keeping the site clean and organized. The mix shifts by role: a residential framer works in dimensional lumber, a commercial framer in metal studs to production rates, a lead framer adds layout and crew direction, and an entry-level crew member focuses on staging materials and basic cutting under supervision. This is general information, not legal advice.
Is a framer the same as a carpenter?
A framer is a type of carpenter, but the terms are not interchangeable. Framer, or framing carpenter, refers specifically to rough carpentry, building the structural frame of floors, walls, and roofs. Carpenter is the broader trade that also includes finish carpentry, cabinetry, concrete formwork, and more. The federal government classifies both under a single occupation, carpenters, which is why wage data covers the whole trade rather than framers alone. When hiring, the useful distinction is the phase of work: if you need someone to build the structural shell, you want a framer; if you need finish and trim work, you want a finish carpenter; if you need both, you want a general carpenter and should name the rough and finish duties. Posting the specific title attracts the right skills. This is general information, not legal advice.
Is a framer exempt or non-exempt under the FLSA?
A framer is non-exempt and paid hourly. Framing is manual, blue-collar work, which does not qualify for the white-collar exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act, so framers are entitled to overtime pay at one and a half times their regular rate for hours worked over forty in a week. The Department of Labor is explicit that blue-collar workers are entitled to minimum wage and overtime no matter how highly paid. A working lead framer who still spends most of the day framing is generally non-exempt as well; only a foreman whose primary duty is genuinely managing a crew, and who meets the salary and duties tests, may qualify as exempt. Because framing crews often work long days and Saturdays, track hours and pay overtime carefully, and check for stricter state overtime rules. This is general information, not legal advice.
What OSHA requirements apply to framing work?
Framing is performed at height, so the central OSHA requirement is the fall protection standard for construction, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M. It generally requires fall protection at elevations of six feet or more, provided through guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems. Falls are consistently the leading cause of death in construction, and together with struck-by, electrocution, and caught-in or between hazards, the Focus Four account for the majority of construction fatalities each year. Beyond fall protection, framing employers must address ladder and scaffold safety, nail gun and power tool safety, and provide appropriate PPE and training. Many framers carry an OSHA 10 or 30 card. Building a safety orientation into onboarding, before a new framer goes up on a roof or scaffold, is both good practice and a legal expectation. This is general information, not legal advice.
Can I pay a framing crew as 1099 contractors?
Usually not without real risk. Framing crews are a classic worker-misclassification trap, and paying them as 1099 independent contractors when they function as employees can lead to back taxes, unpaid overtime, and significant penalties. Under the strict ABC test used in California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Illinois, and other states, framing crews are typically presumed to be employees, partly because framing is within the usual course of a general contractor's business. A genuine independent subcontractor runs their own business, carries insurance, uses their own tools, and controls how the work is performed. If that does not accurately describe your crew, they are most likely W-2 employees. Because the penalties for getting this wrong can far exceed the payroll taxes avoided, decide classification carefully up front and consider professional advice. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
How much does a framer make?
Framers are paid hourly, with pay varying by region, experience, and project type. There is no separate federal occupation code for framers; they fall under carpenters, which had a median annual wage of $59,310, about $28.51 an hour, as of the May 2024 federal data, with the lowest 10 percent under $38,760 and the highest 10 percent over $98,370. Market data focused on the framer title specifically tends to land a bit lower, commonly in the high forties to low fifties on average, with entry-level crew members lower and experienced or lead framers higher. Commercial and metal stud framers paid on production can earn more, and pay runs higher in high-cost regions and union markets. For a posting, set an hourly range benchmarked to your local market and project type rather than to a single national number, and publish a range where required. This is general information, not compensation advice.
What should a framer job description include?
A strong framer job description first names the specific role, since a residential framer, a commercial metal stud framer, a lead framer, an entry-level crew member, a finish carpenter, and a retail picture framer differ meaningfully. It should include a brief about the company and the work, a job summary that makes the structural framing focus clear, and responsibilities grouped into layout and cutting, framing and assembly, tools and installation, and safety. The qualifications should state the experience level, physical demands honestly, required transportation, and any OSHA cards. The most valuable additions that generic templates skip are the practical specifics: the FLSA non-exempt, hourly classification, the OSHA fall-protection expectation, and a clear honest call on W-2 employee status rather than 1099. Close with an hourly pay range, an equal opportunity statement, and clear apply instructions. This is general information, not legal advice.
