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Construction assistant vs journeyman

The differences between construction assistants and journeymen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a journeyman has an average salary of $57,682, which is higher than the $39,072 average annual salary of a construction assistant.

The top three skills for a construction assistant include safety procedures, construction projects and general contractors. The most important skills for a journeyman are hand tools, work ethic, and HVAC.

Construction assistant vs journeyman overview

Construction AssistantJourneyman
Yearly salary$39,072$57,682
Hourly rate$18.78$27.73
Growth rate4%2%
Number of jobs31,20913,953
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 47%Associate Degree, 31%
Average age3942
Years of experience-4

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.

What does a journeyman do?

A journeyman is an experienced worker whose role will vary on the line of industry where one is involved. They work without supervision from a master craftsman. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around performing manual work such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical tasks, and other forms of trade. Furthermore, a journeyman can choose whether to work independently or to be part of a business entity. They can also recruit and train an apprentice, or even pursue to become a master in their preferred field.

Construction assistant vs journeyman salary

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

Construction AssistantJourneyman
Average salary$39,072$57,682
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $54,000Between $39,000 And $83,000
Highest paying CitySpringfield, MASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateHawaiiWashington
Best paying companyBeazer HomesCVR Energy
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between construction assistant and journeyman education

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

Construction AssistantJourneyman
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 47%Associate Degree, 31%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Construction assistant vs journeyman demographics

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

Construction AssistantJourneyman
Average age3942
Gender ratioMale, 80.7% Female, 19.3%Male, 87.2% Female, 12.8%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between construction assistant and journeyman duties and responsibilities

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.

Journeyman example responsibilities.

  • Manage 22 active duty hydraulic technicians in support of 32 of USAF's 59 KC-10A aircraft.
  • Serve as the hoisting specialist for critical glass lifts in order to achieve proper install while mitigating any risk for loss.
  • Implement and manage training program for incoming and/or replacement facility managers enhancing overall knowledge of CE maintenance and repair operations.
  • Install EMT to rigid including PVC.
  • Perform arc welding of steel clips for curtain wall installation.
  • Repair the electrical systems of various engineering equipment utilizing soldering irons, resistors, relays, switches, and hand tools.
  • Show more

Construction assistant vs journeyman skills

Common construction assistant skills
  • Safety Procedures, 15%
  • Construction Projects, 11%
  • General Contractors, 7%
  • Drywall Installation, 7%
  • Equipment Operators, 4%
  • Manual Labor, 4%
Common journeyman skills
  • Hand Tools, 21%
  • Work Ethic, 13%
  • HVAC, 12%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Plumbing, 5%
  • OSHA, 5%

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