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Carpenter vs journeyman carpenter

The differences between carpenters and journeyman carpenters 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 journeyman carpenter. Additionally, a journeyman carpenter has an average salary of $48,428, 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 journeyman carpenter are hand tools, safety rules, and work ethic.

Carpenter vs journeyman carpenter overview

CarpenterJourneyman Carpenter
Yearly salary$41,748$48,428
Hourly rate$20.07$23.28
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs5,8628,871
Job satisfaction4.864
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 42%High School Diploma, 36%
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 a journeyman carpenter do?

Journeyman carpenters perform carpentry work in buildings and repair structures and elements, primarily by using wood and metal. Journeyman carpenters work directly in a team while reporting to a foreman. Most construction companies, builders, and construction staff hire journeyman carpenters to work mostly during daytime weekday shifts, but evening shifts, weekend, and on-call basis hours are sometimes required. Travel is commonly required for this job, as journeyman carpenters go to and from different supply houses, job sites, and the company shop.

Carpenter vs journeyman carpenter salary

Carpenters and journeyman carpenters have different pay scales, as shown below.

CarpenterJourneyman Carpenter
Average salary$41,748$48,428
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $54,000Between $36,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyCalifornia
Best paying companyArgonne National LaboratoryPacific Northwest National Laboratory
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between carpenter and journeyman carpenter education

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

CarpenterJourneyman Carpenter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 42%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Carpenter vs journeyman carpenter demographics

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

CarpenterJourneyman Carpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 95.7% Female, 4.3%Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6%
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, 7.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 1.6% White, 61.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between carpenter and journeyman 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.
  • Show more

Journeyman carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Manage complete renovations and new construction of banks for commercial construction company.
  • Supervise construction of residential home additions, roofing, decking and siding projects for a residential remodeling organization.
  • Manage complete renovations and new construction of banks for commercial construction company.

Carpenter vs journeyman carpenter skills

Common carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 17%
  • Ladders, 8%
  • Install Windows, 7%
  • Roofing, 7%
  • Safety Rules, 6%
  • Scaffolding, 6%
Common journeyman carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 14%
  • Safety Rules, 10%
  • Work Ethic, 10%
  • Ladders, 10%
  • Scaffolding, 8%
  • Scissor Lifts, 6%

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