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Carpenter vs general foreman

The differences between carpenters and general foremen 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, becoming a general foreman takes usually requires More than 10 years. Additionally, a general foreman has an average salary of $48,517, which is higher than the $41,748 average annual salary of a carpenter.

The top three skills for a carpenter include hand tools, ladders and install windows. The most important skills for a general foreman are safety procedures, OSHA, and safety rules.

Carpenter vs general foreman overview

CarpenterGeneral Foreman
Yearly salary$41,748$48,517
Hourly rate$20.07$23.33
Growth rate2%-3%
Number of jobs5,86249,875
Job satisfaction4.86-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 42%High School Diploma, 33%
Average age4246
Years of experience12-

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 a general foreman do?

Using their knowledge and expertise of all construction disciplines, a general foreman plans and oversees operations within a construction site to ensure that everything is running smoothly. They are typically in charge of conducting regular inspections, coordinating with engineers and architects, managing the budget and expenditures, supervising workers, and ensuring that the project moves according to the desired time frame. Furthermore, a general foreman implements all safety regulations and policies to ensure a safe and productive work environment for everyone.

Carpenter vs general foreman salary

Carpenters and general foremen have different pay scales, as shown below.

CarpenterGeneral Foreman
Average salary$41,748$48,517
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $54,000Between $37,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSaint Louis, MO
Highest paying stateNew JerseyConnecticut
Best paying companyArgonne National LaboratoryPacifi
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between carpenter and general foreman education

There are a few differences between a carpenter and a general foreman in terms of educational background:

CarpenterGeneral Foreman
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 42%High School Diploma, 33%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Carpenter vs general foreman demographics

Here are the differences between carpenters' and general foremen' demographics:

CarpenterGeneral Foreman
Average age4246
Gender ratioMale, 95.7% Female, 4.3%Male, 97.0% Female, 3.0%
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, 5.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 21.6% Asian, 1.4% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between carpenter and general foreman 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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General foreman example responsibilities.

  • Manage and supervise residential remodel and new construction projects.
  • Install EMT, ridge, and PVC conduit systems for the protection and utilization of electrical wiring.
  • Work with many types of PVC style roof systems ..
  • Instruct on how to properly rig parts on flat bar, load and unload trucks
  • Clean and maintain seal coat rig including removing and replacing gaskets, spools and pipe.
  • Work involve using of hand and power tools, wedges, dogs, and turnbuckles.
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Carpenter vs general foreman skills

Common carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 17%
  • Ladders, 8%
  • Install Windows, 7%
  • Roofing, 7%
  • Safety Rules, 6%
  • Scaffolding, 6%
Common general foreman skills
  • Safety Procedures, 11%
  • OSHA, 9%
  • Safety Rules, 8%
  • Quality Standards, 6%
  • Oversight, 5%
  • Safety Policies, 5%

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