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The differences between construction carpenters and general contractors 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 general contractor takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a general contractor has an average salary of $66,602, 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 general contractor are plumbing, safety regulations, and contract negotiations.
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.
The job of general contractors is to oversee the day-to-day operations of projects in the organization. General contractors are considered seasoned experts when it comes to home improvement. They provide the material, equipment, labor, and services for a construction project. Often, they hire specialized subcontractors who will be working on some part of the construction work. They should have attained a bachelor's or associate's degree in construction management. Their experience in the industry is highly coveted.
Construction carpenters and general contractors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Construction Carpenter | General Contractor | |
| Average salary | $36,405 | $66,602 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $47,000 | Between $41,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | Garfield, NJ | - |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | - |
| Best paying company | B.R. Fries Constructors | - |
| Best paying industry | Construction | - |
There are a few differences between a construction carpenter and a general contractor in terms of educational background:
| Construction Carpenter | General Contractor | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo |
Here are the differences between construction carpenters' and general contractors' demographics:
| Construction Carpenter | General Contractor | |
| Average age | 42 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.9% Female, 3.1% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| 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, 3.6% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.8% White, 71.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 4% |