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Construction carpenter vs journeyman carpenter

The differences between construction carpenters and journeyman carpenters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a construction carpenter and a journeyman carpenter. Additionally, a journeyman carpenter has an average salary of $48,428, 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 journeyman carpenter are hand tools, safety rules, and work ethic.

Construction carpenter vs journeyman carpenter overview

Construction CarpenterJourneyman Carpenter
Yearly salary$36,405$48,428
Hourly rate$17.50$23.28
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs31,5178,871
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age4242
Years of experience1212

What does a construction carpenter do?

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.

What does a journeyman carpenter do?

Journeyman carpenters perform carpentry work in buildings and repair structures and elements, primarily by using wood and metal. Journeyman carpenters work directly in a team while reporting to a foreman. Most construction companies, builders, and construction staff hire journeyman carpenters to work mostly during daytime weekday shifts, but evening shifts, weekend, and on-call basis hours are sometimes required. Travel is commonly required for this job, as journeyman carpenters go to and from different supply houses, job sites, and the company shop.

Construction carpenter vs journeyman carpenter salary

Construction carpenters and journeyman carpenters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Construction CarpenterJourneyman Carpenter
Average salary$36,405$48,428
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $47,000Between $36,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CityGarfield, NJSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyCalifornia
Best paying companyB.R. Fries ConstructorsPacific Northwest National Laboratory
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between construction carpenter and journeyman carpenter education

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

Construction CarpenterJourneyman Carpenter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Construction carpenter vs journeyman carpenter demographics

Here are the differences between construction carpenters' and journeyman carpenters' demographics:

Construction CarpenterJourneyman Carpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 96.9% Female, 3.1%Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6%
Race ratioBlack 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, 7.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 1.6% White, 61.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between construction carpenter and journeyman carpenter duties and responsibilities

Construction carpenter example responsibilities.

  • General construction including rough and finish carpentry, drywall, roofing, cement work, equipment operator, and landscaping
  • Interpret blueprints and schematics to construct scaffolding and supporting structures for major projects.
  • Complete home builds, additions, renovations (interior/kitchen), including plumbing, flooring.
  • Upgrade existing cooling tower (demo and install 2x6s,4x6s,2x4s, hogwire, and filters for water )
  • Arrange for subcontractors to deal with special areas such as heating, plumbing and electrical wiring work.
  • Design and layout in respect to flooring, wall, door, window systems, stairways and complete roofing systems.
  • Show more

Journeyman carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Manage complete renovations and new construction of banks for commercial construction company.
  • Supervise construction of residential home additions, roofing, decking and siding projects for a residential remodeling organization.
  • Manage complete renovations and new construction of banks for commercial construction company.

Construction carpenter vs journeyman carpenter skills

Common construction carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 16%
  • Safety Rules, 16%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • Scaffolding, 9%
  • Demolition, 5%
  • Roofing, 4%
Common journeyman carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 14%
  • Safety Rules, 10%
  • Work Ethic, 10%
  • Ladders, 10%
  • Scaffolding, 8%
  • Scissor Lifts, 6%

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