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The differences between construction carpenters and contractor assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a construction carpenter, becoming a contractor assistant takes usually requires More than 10 years. Additionally, a contractor assistant has an average salary of $39,453, which is higher than the $36,405 average annual salary of a construction carpenter.
The top three skills for a construction carpenter include hand tools, safety rules and ladders. The most important skills for a contractor assistant are drywall installation, purchase orders, and administrative tasks.
A construction carpenter builds, designs, and installs structures, furniture, and fixtures from various materials. They are responsible for understanding and meeting the clients' needs, adhering to blueprints, operating different tools and equipment, measuring and cutting materials such as wood and metal, shaping and assembling various parts, and performing repairs or replacements. There are also instances where they must climb up high places, install doors and windows, and provide cost estimates to clients. Moreover, a construction carpenter typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a safe and efficient workflow.
A contractor assistant is responsible for overseeing construction operations under the supervision of the general contractor, from the initial designs to the final touches, ensuring that the final output meets the client's specifications, requirements, and budget goals. Contractor assistants evaluate the costs and expenses and monitor the financial transactions for the project. They also coordinate with the client for updates and other adjustments as needed without compromising the project deliverables. Additionally, a contractor assistant may perform administrative and clerical duties on top of site visits, depending on the general contractor's needs.
Construction carpenters and contractor assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Construction Carpenter | Contractor Assistant | |
| Average salary | $36,405 | $39,453 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $47,000 | Between $33,000 And $46,000 |
| Highest paying City | Garfield, NJ | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Illinois |
| Best paying company | B.R. Fries Constructors | University of California, Berkeley |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Construction |
There are a few differences between a construction carpenter and a contractor assistant in terms of educational background:
| Construction Carpenter | Contractor Assistant | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between construction carpenters' and contractor assistants' demographics:
| Construction Carpenter | Contractor Assistant | |
| Average age | 42 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.9% Female, 3.1% | Male, 68.2% Female, 31.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 1.6% White, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% | Black or African American, 5.6% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 22.5% Asian, 1.4% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |