Framer
Build the bones of every building. Framers lay out, cut, and assemble the wood or metal frame that everyone else builds onto. The first crew on most residential jobs and the trade that defines the build schedule.
Framer goes by many names
On KinTrades, all of these job titles route to the Framer trade — so search any of them and you'll find matching work.
Day to day on the job
Framers cut and assemble the structural skeleton of a building — the studs, plates, joists, rafters, and trusses that everything else attaches to. On residential, that means walls, floors, and roofs in stick-built or panelized construction. On commercial, that's metal stud framing or heavy timber for low-rise.
Specializations diverge by material. A Wood Framer works residential and light commercial. A Metal Stud Framer works commercial interior framing — schools, offices, retail. A Timber Framer works heavy timber, post-and-beam, and engineered wood products.
Most framers work for framing subcontractors or general contractors. The work is fast-paced, physical, and outdoor-heavy. Direct hire as a helper is the standard entry — no formal apprenticeship required to start, though UBC tracks pay better long-term.
How you move up as a Framer
Most framers come up through the UBC 4-year apprenticeship or direct hire at a framing subcontractor. Pay ranges are U.S. national medians. BLS OES 47-2031, May 2024.
Apprentice — what this rung looks like
What Framers earn in VA, DC, MD & NC
Pay data: BLS OEWS · May 2024 · VA · DC · MD · NC. Expanding nationally.
Core craft + supporting skills
Pulled from your taxonomy. Core skills (orange) are required for the Framer trade; supporting skills (gray) round out a well-rounded journeyworker.
Paths into the Framer trade
UBC Carpenters Apprenticeship
Same UBC track as carpenters; framing-focused. Mid-Atlantic Carpenters Regional Council covers VA/DC/MD/NC. UBC →
ABC Carpentry Apprenticeship
DOL-Registered apprenticeships through ABC Virginia, ABC Metro Washington, ABC Greater Baltimore.
Direct hire as framer helper
Most framers come in as helpers at framing subcontractors. No prior credentials required.
Certifications that help
NCCER Carpentry Levels 1–4, OSHA 10/30, fall-protection cert, lift cert.
Common pathways into Framer work
KinTrades welcomes Framer workers from every walk of life. Whether you're a veteran transitioning out of service, a student planning your career, or someone returning to work — there's a clear path in.
Veterans
Army 12W Carpentry & Masonry Specialist and Navy BU (Builder, Seabees) crosswalk directly into framing. Air Force 3E3X1 Structural covers framing in civil engineering work.
Helmets to Hardhats connects veterans to UBC apprenticeships.
The GI Bill covers apprenticeship-related fees.
Veterans on KinTradesHigh School Students
Framing is one of the lowest-barrier construction entry points — direct hire as a helper requires no prior credentials. HS construction CTE programs are widespread.
UBC apprenticeships start at age 18 with HS diploma or GED.
FastForward VA covers tuition for VA students.
Students on KinTradesSecond Chance
Framing is among the most second-chance friendly trades — most framing subcontractors hire on physical readiness and willingness to learn. Background checks are uncommon at entry level.
UBC and ABC apprenticeships consider applicants with felony histories case-by-case.
Federal construction projects require security screening for site access.
Second-chance hiringIf Framer interests you, also look at
Common questions about becoming a Framer
What does a Framer do?
Framers cut and assemble the structural skeleton of a building — the studs, plates, joists, rafters, and trusses that everything else attaches to. On residential, that means walls, floors, and roofs in stick-built or panelized construction. On commercial, that's metal stud framing or heavy timber for low-rise.
What does a Framer make in Virginia, DC, Maryland, and North Carolina?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024, Framers earn an annual median of $55K in Virginia (range $42K–$74K), $72K in DC ($56K–$96K), $64K in Maryland ($50K–$84K), and $48K in North Carolina ($38K–$64K).
How do you become a Framer?
UBC Carpenters Apprenticeship: Same UBC track as carpenters; framing-focused. Mid-Atlantic Carpenters Regional Council covers VA/DC/MD/NC. UBC →
How long is Framer apprenticeship in Virginia, DC, Maryland, or North Carolina?
1–2 years on the job before running solo, or 4 years through UBC. Most framers come up through the UBC 4-year apprenticeship or direct hire at a framing subcontractor. Pay ranges are U.S. national medians.
Is Framer a good career path for someone with a record?
Framing is among the most second-chance friendly trades — most framing subcontractors hire on physical readiness and willingness to learn. Background checks are uncommon at entry level. UBC and ABC apprenticeships consider applicants with felony histories case-by-case. Federal construction projects require security screening for site access.