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The differences between carpenters and trim 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 trim carpenter. Additionally, a trim carpenter has an average salary of $45,718, 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 trim carpenter are hand tools, work ethic, and window sills.
| Carpenter | Trim Carpenter | |
| Yearly salary | $41,748 | $45,718 |
| Hourly rate | $20.07 | $21.98 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 5,862 | 4,929 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.86 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 43% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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.
A Trim Carpenter is a specialized worker whose task is to install and carry out repairs on molds and trim found on doors, windows, baseboards, and other ornamental pieces. He's also called a Finish Carpenter because his/her job also entails carrying out "finishing," generally making a carpentry project look detailed and defined in appearance, shape, and texture. Aside from leveling and trimming of windows and doors, you will also have to create pieces of customized woodworks that can serve as accessories for wooden fixtures.
Carpenters and trim carpenters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Carpenter | Trim Carpenter | |
| Average salary | $41,748 | $45,718 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $54,000 | Between $34,000 And $60,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Taunton, MA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | California |
| Best paying company | Argonne National Laboratory | General Electric |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Construction |
There are a few differences between a carpenter and a trim carpenter in terms of educational background:
| Carpenter | Trim Carpenter | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 43% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between carpenters' and trim carpenters' demographics:
| Carpenter | Trim Carpenter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 7.1% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |