Interior Trim and Door Installer
Hang interior doors and fit baseboards, casing and shelving for homeowners, builders and landlords.
- $2.5k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
32,219 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.2% in a year
NAICS 238350 “Finish carpentry contractors”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
Fitting finish carpentry inside buildings: interior doors, baseboards, door and window casing, crown molding and built-in shelving. You work from your truck or van at the customer's property.
Your first three steps
- Price a basic kit (miter saw, nailer, compressor, levels) and check local rates by asking for quotes on similar jobs
- Take photos of your best work on a friend's or family member's project and build a simple portfolio
- Introduce yourself to local remodelers and small builders and offer a paid trial job
Who pays
Homeowners doing renovations, small general contractors, remodelers, landlords and real estate flippers.
How it makes money
Fixed quote per job or per door, or a linear-foot rate for trim. Repeat work from contractors who need a reliable finish carpenter.
Skills that help
- Accurate measuring and cutting
- Using a miter saw and nail gun
- Reading simple plans and clear quoting
- Neat finish work
Watch out for
- Whether your state or city requires a contractor license, and any dollar limit for unlicensed work
- General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire help
- Lead paint rules (EPA RRP) if working on homes built before 1978, check certification requirements
- Quote carefully, as walls and floors are rarely straight and can add time
🔒 Full research report for US
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a trim carpentry business?
Startup costs are typically around $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the tools you already own, your vehicle setup and insurance. Quote carefully, since walls and floors are rarely straight and can add time to a job.
Do I need a contractor license to install trim and doors?
Check whether your state or city requires a contractor license, and any dollar limit for unlicensed work. Also check general liability insurance, workers' compensation once you hire help, and EPA lead paint (RRP) certification for homes built before 1978.
How much can an interior trim installer earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $2,500 to $10,000, depending on how many jobs you take, your pricing and your local market. You can start with roughly 15 hours a week and build up as you win repeat builders and landlords.
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