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Carpenter vs apprentice carpenter

The differences between carpenters and apprentices carpenter can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a carpenter and an apprentice carpenter. Additionally, a carpenter has an average salary of $41,748, which is higher than the $37,902 average annual salary of an apprentice carpenter.

The top three skills for a carpenter include hand tools, ladders and install windows. The most important skills for an apprentice carpenter are hand tools, ladders, and caulking.

Carpenter vs apprentice carpenter overview

CarpenterApprentice Carpenter
Yearly salary$41,748$37,902
Hourly rate$20.07$18.22
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs5,86217,370
Job satisfaction4.86-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 42%High School Diploma, 45%
Average age4242
Years of experience1212

What does a carpenter do?

A carpenter is a skilled worker responsible for different areas of construction. Carpenters perform fabrication from raw materials. They use tools to create a successful finished product on their client's request. Carpenters must be able to multi-task, resolve any possible complications, strictly follow safety standards, and ensure that the project adheres to protocols without compromising quality and accuracy of work. Since carpentry is physical labor, carpenters are expected to be physically fit to accomplish various maintenance and production tasks.

What does an apprentice carpenter do?

An apprentice carpenter is responsible for assisting the carpenter on construction operations, ensuring the adherence to safety protocols, and following clients' specifications. Apprentice carpenters monitor carpentry tools and equipment adequacy, inspect the items for any defects for immediate repair or replacements, and analyze blueprints and schematics, especially for installing systems and essential components on the construction. An apprentice carpenter must have excellent organizational and time-management skills and extensive knowledge of the carpentry industry to support the project completion for the customer's satisfaction.

Carpenter vs apprentice carpenter salary

Carpenters and apprentices carpenter have different pay scales, as shown below.

CarpenterApprentice Carpenter
Average salary$41,748$37,902
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $54,000Between $30,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSeattle, WA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyWashington
Best paying companyArgonne National LaboratoryCold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between carpenter and apprentice carpenter education

There are a few differences between a carpenter and an apprentice carpenter in terms of educational background:

CarpenterApprentice Carpenter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 42%High School Diploma, 45%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Carpenter vs apprentice carpenter demographics

Here are the differences between carpenters' and apprentices carpenter' demographics:

CarpenterApprentice Carpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 95.7% Female, 4.3%Male, 93.3% Female, 6.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between carpenter and apprentice carpenter duties and responsibilities

Carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Remodel homes, roofing, electric, plumbing, framework, Sheetrock, finishing work.
  • Hoist tar and roofing materials to roofs, using ropes and pulleys, or carry materials up ladders.
  • Follow establish safety rules and regulations as specified by OSHA and maintain a safe and clean work environment.
  • Perform new construction, concrete foundations, layout framing, formwork, roofing, site preparation through fine finish.
  • Perform work including, fiberglass framing, concrete form, scaffolding, erecting metal stud walls, drywall and general carpentry
  • General labor practices, carpentry, masonry, cement pouring, hardwood floors, cleanup, and other duties as assigned.
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Apprentice carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Operate tools ranging from drills, caulking guns, tape measure to chop saws, table saws, skill saws.
  • Provide help with certain tasks such as drywall, paint, caulking and framing, brickwork, roofing, and landscaping.
  • Trim work, framing, paint, Sheetrock.
  • Maintain a clean work site, while utilizing the proper PPE.
  • Help with multiple side jobs and bathroom renovations, from demo to finish.
  • Operate a terrain telescoping man lift, backhoe, skid steer and tractor.
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Carpenter vs apprentice carpenter skills

Common carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 17%
  • Ladders, 8%
  • Install Windows, 7%
  • Roofing, 7%
  • Safety Rules, 6%
  • Scaffolding, 6%
Common apprentice carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 19%
  • Ladders, 10%
  • Caulking, 9%
  • Work Ethic, 9%
  • Scaffolding, 9%
  • Reference Points, 7%

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