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Carpenter vs woodworker

The differences between carpenters and woodworkers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a woodworker has an average salary of $51,598, 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 woodworker are hand tools, table saws, and tape measure.

Carpenter vs woodworker overview

CarpenterWoodworker
Yearly salary$41,748$51,598
Hourly rate$20.07$24.81
Growth rate2%-
Number of jobs5,86284
Job satisfaction4.86-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 42%Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age4245
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 woodworker do?

A woodworker is primarily focused on producing products from wood materials. Products designed by woodworkers include musical instruments, furniture, kitchen cabinets, and other similar products. Woodworkers are also called carpenters, and they are skilled in building with carpentry tools. They must have excellent physical strength.

Carpenter vs woodworker salary

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

CarpenterWoodworker
Average salary$41,748$51,598
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $54,000Between $24,000 And $108,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYMarshfield, MA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyAlaska
Best paying companyArgonne National LaboratoryArmstrong World Industries
Best paying industryConstructionManufacturing

Differences between carpenter and woodworker education

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

CarpenterWoodworker
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 42%Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common majorBusinessFine Arts
Most common college--

Carpenter vs woodworker demographics

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

CarpenterWoodworker
Average age4245
Gender ratioMale, 95.7% Female, 4.3%Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%
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, 6.2% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 2.5% White, 75.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage2%3%

Differences between carpenter and woodworker 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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Woodworker example responsibilities.

  • Used all wood shop saws, drills, planers, routers etc.
  • Operate all types of woodworking equipment, sliding panel saws, band saws, mortise machines, planers, etc.
  • Follow blueprints of pianos to be build.
  • Prep fruits and vegetables for smoothies and juices.
  • Operate CNC machines in the production of wooden table legs and columns.
  • Produce wood products using industrial shapers, saws, planers and sanders.
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Carpenter vs woodworker skills

Common carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 17%
  • Ladders, 8%
  • Install Windows, 7%
  • Roofing, 7%
  • Safety Rules, 6%
  • Scaffolding, 6%
Common woodworker skills
  • Hand Tools, 31%
  • Table Saws, 11%
  • Tape Measure, 10%
  • Pallets, 9%
  • CNC, 9%
  • Routers, 5%

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