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Carpenter helper vs journeyman painter

The differences between carpenter helpers and journeyman painters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a carpenter helper, becoming a journeyman painter takes usually requires More than 10 years. Additionally, a journeyman painter has an average salary of $40,885, 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 journeyman painter are coats, work ethic, and exterior surfaces.

Carpenter helper vs journeyman painter overview

Carpenter HelperJourneyman Painter
Yearly salary$34,192$40,885
Hourly rate$16.44$19.66
Growth rate2%1%
Number of jobs29,2088,020
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 53%High School Diploma, 49%
Average age4242
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 journeyman painter do?

A Journeyman Painter specializes in painting walls and other surfaces according to project needs. Aside from applying paint, a journeyman painter is also responsible for cleaning and scraping off the dirt to prepare the painting procedures, identify client preferences, select equipment, and technique, and apply other finishes. They must also monitor their supplies and maintain the cleanliness of their work areas. Moreover, a Journeyman Painter typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.

Carpenter helper vs journeyman painter salary

Carpenter helpers and journeyman painters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Carpenter HelperJourneyman Painter
Average salary$34,192$40,885
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $45,000Between $26,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CityNorthampton, MASacramento, CA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsNew Jersey
Best paying companyBlack & VeatchUniversity of Southern California
Best paying industryConstructionAutomotive

Differences between carpenter helper and journeyman painter education

There are a few differences between a carpenter helper and a journeyman painter in terms of educational background:

Carpenter HelperJourneyman Painter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 53%High School Diploma, 49%
Most common majorBusinessFine Arts
Most common college--

Carpenter helper vs journeyman painter demographics

Here are the differences between carpenter helpers' and journeyman painters' demographics:

Carpenter HelperJourneyman Painter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 92.9% Female, 7.1%Male, 94.0% Female, 6.0%
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, 8.3% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 32.4% Asian, 2.5% White, 51.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage2%5%

Differences between carpenter helper and journeyman painter 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

Journeyman painter example responsibilities.

  • Manage painting crews in both commercial and industrial environments from swing stage to high boom work.
  • Apply materials with HVLP, airless, electro-static and conventional spray equipment.
  • Smooth and sand surfaces to remove ridges, tool marks, glue, and caulking.
  • Apply necessary masking and prep work prior to applying primer and finish coats to insure proper coating for any application.
  • Climb ladders and complete work utilizing rollers with extensions requiring repetitive motion.
  • Use special finishing techniques such as sponging, ragging, layering, or faux finishing.
  • Show more

Carpenter helper vs journeyman painter skills

Common carpenter helper skills
  • Hand Tools, 30%
  • Ladders, 13%
  • Safety Rules, 7%
  • Scaffolding, 6%
  • Door Frames, 6%
  • Caulking, 4%
Common journeyman painter skills
  • Coats, 14%
  • Work Ethic, 11%
  • Exterior Surfaces, 10%
  • Scaffolding, 10%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%

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