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Carpenter helper vs construction assistant

The differences between carpenter helpers and construction assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a construction assistant has an average salary of $39,072, which is higher than the $34,192 average annual salary of a carpenter helper.

The top three skills for a carpenter helper include hand tools, ladders and safety rules. The most important skills for a construction assistant are safety procedures, construction projects, and general contractors.

Carpenter helper vs construction assistant overview

Carpenter HelperConstruction Assistant
Yearly salary$34,192$39,072
Hourly rate$16.44$18.78
Growth rate2%4%
Number of jobs29,20831,209
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age4239
Years of experience12-

What does a carpenter helper do?

A carpenter helper is responsible for assisting carpenters with the construction duties, performing construction tasks as needed, and ensuring the completion of the project timely and efficiently. Carpenter helpers maintain the construction tools and equipment, including cleaning the materials before and after every use and inspecting for any possible defects. They also help with measuring surfaces to establish reference points for the installment of systems and other construction materials. A carpenter helper must have excellent communication and organizational skills, having the initiative to perform heavy-duty tasks under minimal supervision.

What does a construction assistant do?

A construction assistant performs various clerical and operational support tasks to assist construction managers and maintain smooth workflow operations. Their responsibilities usually include monitoring budgets and costs, handling calls and correspondence, purchasing construction materials according to project requirements, liaising with suppliers and construction contractors, and participating in managing the schedules and activities of the workers. A construction assistant may also perform inspections to identify problem areas and ensure that all procedures adhere to the safety codes and standards.

Carpenter helper vs construction assistant salary

Carpenter helpers and construction assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Carpenter HelperConstruction Assistant
Average salary$34,192$39,072
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $45,000Between $28,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CityNorthampton, MASpringfield, MA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsHawaii
Best paying companyBlack & VeatchBeazer Homes
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between carpenter helper and construction assistant education

There are a few differences between a carpenter helper and a construction assistant in terms of educational background:

Carpenter HelperConstruction Assistant
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Carpenter helper vs construction assistant demographics

Here are the differences between carpenter helpers' and construction assistants' demographics:

Carpenter HelperConstruction Assistant
Average age4239
Gender ratioMale, 92.9% Female, 7.1%Male, 80.7% Female, 19.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 1.7% White, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 30.8% Asian, 2.4% White, 50.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between carpenter helper and construction assistant duties and responsibilities

Carpenter helper example responsibilities.

  • Put up and dismantle scaffolding, shoring, bracing, ladders, handrails, platforms and gangways.
  • Cut and put up Sheetrock, as well as cement board.
  • Apply caulking compounds by hand and with caulking gun to seal crevices.
  • Assist lead carpenter with various jobs, including hanging Sheetrock and painting.
  • Assist in demo and construction of homes with water and/or fire damage.
  • Assist lead carpenter of demo and remodeling that mainly consist in kitchen and bathrooms.
  • Show more

Construction assistant example responsibilities.

  • Fix electrical fixtures and manage plumbing problems effectively.
  • Employ a wide verity of hand and power tools including hoists, drills, precision measuring instruments and electronic testing devices.
  • Negotiate material sales contracts, document historical information, provide earned value management, and safety oversight for projects/programs.
  • Prepare plans and specifications for new and existing housing, supervise sub-contractors to insure compliance with HUD requirements.

Carpenter helper vs construction assistant skills

Common carpenter helper skills
  • Hand Tools, 30%
  • Ladders, 13%
  • Safety Rules, 7%
  • Scaffolding, 6%
  • Door Frames, 6%
  • Caulking, 4%
Common construction assistant skills
  • Safety Procedures, 15%
  • Construction Projects, 11%
  • General Contractors, 7%
  • Drywall Installation, 7%
  • Equipment Operators, 4%
  • Manual Labor, 4%

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