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Carpenter helper vs journeyman plumber

The differences between carpenter helpers and journeyman plumbers 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 plumber takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a journeyman plumber has an average salary of $54,678, 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 plumber are plumbing, hand tools, and work ethic.

Carpenter helper vs journeyman plumber overview

Carpenter HelperJourneyman Plumber
Yearly salary$34,192$54,678
Hourly rate$16.44$26.29
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs29,20810,869
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 53%High School Diploma, 48%
Average age4242
Years of experience124

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 plumber do?

A journeyman plumber is responsible for conducting basic plumbing tasks, such as installing and repairing plumbing lines under the supervision of a head plumber. Journeyman plumbers connect pipes and ensure the stability of plumbing lines to avoid potential hazards and possible defects. They handle the maintenance and replacement of fixtures and identify the source of failure to adjust pressure and seal connections as needed. A journeyman plumber must be able to detect irregularities immediately and provide estimate costing to the customers for repairs.

Carpenter helper vs journeyman plumber salary

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

Carpenter HelperJourneyman Plumber
Average salary$34,192$54,678
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $45,000Between $36,000 And $81,000
Highest paying CityNorthampton, MAPortland, OR
Highest paying stateMassachusettsOregon
Best paying companyBlack & VeatchConstellation Energy Partners
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between carpenter helper and journeyman plumber education

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

Carpenter HelperJourneyman Plumber
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 53%High School Diploma, 48%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Carpenter helper vs journeyman plumber demographics

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

Carpenter HelperJourneyman Plumber
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 92.9% Female, 7.1%Male, 97.1% Female, 2.9%
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, 8.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 1.9% White, 65.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between carpenter helper and journeyman plumber 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 plumber example responsibilities.

  • Train and manage less experience plumbers and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
  • Operate equipment such as cutting torches, threading machines, grinder, soldering and brazing.
  • Install and join copper, PVC, black iron and cast iron pipe and fittings below grind and above grind.
  • Work on sanitary sewer, rain leaders, and condensate lines using cast iron, PVC, and copper pipe.
  • Replace plumbing fixtures, water heaters, gas and electric, filtration systems, dishwashers, and service piping to structures.
  • Perform complete plumbing installations from rough-in to finishing according to Minnesota codes.
  • Show more

Carpenter helper vs journeyman plumber skills

Common carpenter helper skills
  • Hand Tools, 30%
  • Ladders, 13%
  • Safety Rules, 7%
  • Scaffolding, 6%
  • Door Frames, 6%
  • Caulking, 4%
Common journeyman plumber skills
  • Plumbing, 20%
  • Hand Tools, 19%
  • Work Ethic, 12%
  • Drainage Systems, 6%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Pipe Fittings, 4%

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