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Carpenter vs helper

The differences between carpenters and helpers 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 a helper. Additionally, a carpenter has an average salary of $41,748, which is higher than the $31,331 average annual salary of a helper.

The top three skills for a carpenter include hand tools, ladders and install windows. The most important skills for a helper are food handling, safety procedures, and safety rules.

Carpenter vs helper overview

CarpenterHelper
Yearly salary$41,748$31,331
Hourly rate$20.07$15.06
Growth rate2%4%
Number of jobs5,86229,873
Job satisfaction4.865
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 42%High School Diploma, 52%
Average age4234
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 a helper do?

Helpers are employed by families or homeowners to provide overall assistance in the house. They are usually assigned to do household chores such as cleaning the house, doing the laundry, cooking meals, and tending the garden. They may also be assigned to do groceries or even drive the family around. They take care of children at home and assist them with their schoolwork should it be needed. They also address any other needs that the family may require assistance with. Helpers are expected to be patient and trustworthy since they will be working closely with the family members.

Carpenter vs helper salary

Carpenters and helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.

CarpenterHelper
Average salary$41,748$31,331
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $54,000Between $24,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSeattle, WA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyAlaska
Best paying companyArgonne National LaboratoryNational Grid plc
Best paying industryConstructionUtilities

Differences between carpenter and helper education

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

CarpenterHelper
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 42%High School Diploma, 52%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Carpenter vs helper demographics

Here are the differences between carpenters' and helpers' demographics:

CarpenterHelper
Average age4234
Gender ratioMale, 95.7% Female, 4.3%Male, 77.1% Female, 22.9%
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, 11.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 24.2% Asian, 2.2% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between carpenter and helper 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.
  • Show more

Helper example responsibilities.

  • Attach pulleys and blocks to fix overhead structures such as beams, etc.
  • Operate power nail guns, paint sprayers, ladders, power washers, drive company truck.
  • Clean areas that harbore pests, using rakes, brooms, shovels and mops, preparatory to fumigating.
  • Operate winches and hoisting devices.
  • Perform tack welding as necessary.
  • Install EMT and new wire throughout structure.
  • Show more

Carpenter vs helper skills

Common carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 17%
  • Ladders, 8%
  • Install Windows, 7%
  • Roofing, 7%
  • Safety Rules, 6%
  • Scaffolding, 6%
Common helper skills
  • Food Handling, 24%
  • Safety Procedures, 12%
  • Safety Rules, 7%
  • Construction Sites, 7%
  • Physical Labor, 5%
  • Windows, 3%

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