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Construction apprentice vs construction assistant

The differences between construction apprentices and construction assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a construction apprentice has an average salary of $47,983, which is higher than the $39,072 average annual salary of a construction assistant.

The top three skills for a construction apprentice include hand tools, demolition and ladders. The most important skills for a construction assistant are safety procedures, construction projects, and general contractors.

Construction apprentice vs construction assistant overview

Construction ApprenticeConstruction Assistant
Yearly salary$47,983$39,072
Hourly rate$23.07$18.78
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs40,76031,209
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 34%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age3939
Years of experience--

What does a construction apprentice do?

Construction apprentices are individuals who are trained by experienced professionals for entry-level tasks involving the trade of construction work on the job. Their complimentary training experience helps them to become skilled in a specific trade by combining hands-on work and classroom learning, as they apply the lessons learned through working. Since apprenticeship is considered full-time employment with an average length of 3-4 years, these individuals are being paid just like other employees and may soon have a permanent job.

What does a construction assistant do?

A construction assistant performs various clerical and operational support tasks to assist construction managers and maintain smooth workflow operations. Their responsibilities usually include monitoring budgets and costs, handling calls and correspondence, purchasing construction materials according to project requirements, liaising with suppliers and construction contractors, and participating in managing the schedules and activities of the workers. A construction assistant may also perform inspections to identify problem areas and ensure that all procedures adhere to the safety codes and standards.

Construction apprentice vs construction assistant salary

Construction apprentices and construction assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Construction ApprenticeConstruction Assistant
Average salary$47,983$39,072
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $70,000Between $28,000 And $54,000
Highest paying City-Springfield, MA
Highest paying state-Hawaii
Best paying company-Beazer Homes
Best paying industry-Construction

Differences between construction apprentice and construction assistant education

There are a few differences between a construction apprentice and a construction assistant in terms of educational background:

Construction ApprenticeConstruction Assistant
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 34%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Construction apprentice vs construction assistant demographics

Here are the differences between construction apprentices' and construction assistants' demographics:

Construction ApprenticeConstruction Assistant
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 92.8% Female, 7.2%Male, 80.7% Female, 19.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 29.8% Asian, 2.6% White, 51.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7%Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 30.8% Asian, 2.4% White, 50.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between construction apprentice and construction assistant duties and responsibilities

Construction apprentice example responsibilities.

  • Fix electrical fixtures and manage plumbing problems effectively.
  • Remodel houses and learned carpentry, plumping, HVAC and tiling for rental homes own by the companyOwner.
  • Apply caulking compounds by hand or caulking gun to seal.
  • Operate power tools, measuring equipment, mechanical hoists and other instruments to complete jobs.
  • Set braces to support the sides of excavations, clean up rubble/debris and remove waste materials.
  • Perform maintenance tasks including basic electric circuit and plumbing.
  • Show more

Construction assistant example responsibilities.

  • Fix electrical fixtures and manage plumbing problems effectively.
  • Employ a wide verity of hand and power tools including hoists, drills, precision measuring instruments and electronic testing devices.
  • Negotiate material sales contracts, document historical information, provide earned value management, and safety oversight for projects/programs.
  • Prepare plans and specifications for new and existing housing, supervise sub-contractors to insure compliance with HUD requirements.

Construction apprentice vs construction assistant skills

Common construction apprentice skills
  • Hand Tools, 15%
  • Demolition, 8%
  • Ladders, 8%
  • Safety Rules, 7%
  • Roofing, 6%
  • Tape Measure, 6%
Common construction assistant skills
  • Safety Procedures, 15%
  • Construction Projects, 11%
  • General Contractors, 7%
  • Drywall Installation, 7%
  • Equipment Operators, 4%
  • Manual Labor, 4%

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