salary question (home, neighborhoods, luxury)

[KellyFG]

for those of you living & working in TN, what would you say a skilled carpenter would be paid? lets say as an hourly wage.

[akm4]

Speaking for the Nashville area, I can tell you it varies wildly. Sorry, I know that's not an answer, but it's the truth. I know guys working for a handyman service making $9 an hour, and other skilled guys with great referrals/reputation making $65. I think it's one of those places where you start out low and, if you're reliable and do excellent work, quickly earn more. As you already know, having ALL of your own tools, showing up on time, doing excellent work, leaving your site clean-every time-, and kissing the right butts make all the difference

If you have a niche skill, like home wine cellars or custom bookcases, etc., try making up a flyer or business card and distributing through luxury neighborhoods. That type of specialty, if done well, will perpetuate itself through referrals. You can name your price once word gets out.

Another way to get and stay busy is to partner up with others in related fields. Find an independent painter or plumber who is as much a perfectionist as you will have to be, and recommend each other to your customers.

Good luck!

[mbmouse]

From my experiences with skilled / specialty carpenters in East TN $15-$20 per hour is not uncommon. If you are independent some folks refuse to pay per hour and would prefer a per job quote.

[dreamofmonterey]

Originally Posted by mbmouse

From my experiences with skilled / specialty carpenters in East TN $15-$20 per hour is not uncommon. If you are independent some folks refuse to pay per hour and would prefer a per job quote.

lol- yes we had a large dog run/fencing project in the backyard. It took awhile to get someone to write down an estimate. I would not pay by the hour. It does seem strange that plumbers and such at first try to do a job without writing something down.

[mbmouse]

Yes, a job done on verbal agreement and a handshake is still common here.