In this chat, we’re talking about how to handle getting hired as an experienced carpenter at a landscaping company when you originally applied for a laborer job, and figuring out the best way to ask for a pay raise up to $30 an hour once you start taking on more responsibility.

So here’s the deal: you landed a sweet gig as a carpenter even though you only applied for landscape labor, which is kinda awesome because it shows they trust your skills. You lowballed yourself at $23 an hour, but they already bumped it to $23.50 with potential to hit $30 or more, which is a solid starting point. Since you’re mostly flying solo, doing fences and installing benches, and not driving their trucks yet because of your breathalyzer program, it makes sense to start at a modest rate. When the deck project kicks off with a landscaping foreman tagging along who’s making $30 an hour, that’s your cue to think about your value. My advice? Keep crushing it for the first month or two to show your worth, build trust, and get familiar with their expectations. Then, when you’re clearly stepping into a leadership role or training others, it’s a good time to bring up your raise. Be straightforward but respectful. highlight how you appreciate the opportunity and want your pay to reflect the added responsibility. Don’t rush it too much or come off pushy. Timing is key, so wait until you’re confident in your role and they see you as a long-term asset.

One of the biggest mistakes I see folks make when negotiating raises in construction or similar trades is jumping in too early before proving themselves fully or before the company has had time to recognize their value. Another common issue is not having clear examples of what extra responsibilities they’ve taken on, so when the time comes to ask for more money, it feels vague or undeserved. Lastly, some people get too informal or aggressive with their requests, which can backfire. The fix? Start by showing consistent great work, keep track of your contributions (like training the foreman or handling solo jobs), and approach the raise convo like a professional. thank them for the chance, explain why your role justifies the bump, and stay open to feedback.

BigHomeProjects.com is a great place if you’re looking to connect with trusted local contractors or if you’re a contractor wanting steady work. They make it easy for homeowners to find skilled pros like carpenters or landscapers while helping contractors build their client base without all the hassle of chasing leads on their own. It’s pretty clutch for folks wanting legit, reliable projects that can help grow their career or business.

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