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The differences between construction inspectors and apprentices carpenter can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a construction inspector, becoming an apprentice carpenter takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a construction inspector has an average salary of $52,306, which is higher than the $37,902 average annual salary of an apprentice carpenter.
The top three skills for a construction inspector include asphalt, ACI and construction inspection. The most important skills for an apprentice carpenter are hand tools, ladders, and caulking.
| Construction Inspector | Apprentice Carpenter | |
| Yearly salary | $52,306 | $37,902 |
| Hourly rate | $25.15 | $18.22 |
| Growth rate | -4% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 42,007 | 17,370 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | High School Diploma, 45% |
| Average age | 50 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 12 |
A construction inspector is an individual who is responsible for inspecting construction sites to ensure that these sites are following local and building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications. Construction inspectors use survey equipment, metering devices, and test equipment to perform inspections of plumbing, electrical and other systems within the construction. They approve building plans that are satisfactory and issue violation notices and stop orders when there are violations. Construction inspectors also keep photographs taken during inspections and provide written documentation.
An apprentice carpenter is responsible for assisting the carpenter on construction operations, ensuring the adherence to safety protocols, and following clients' specifications. Apprentice carpenters monitor carpentry tools and equipment adequacy, inspect the items for any defects for immediate repair or replacements, and analyze blueprints and schematics, especially for installing systems and essential components on the construction. An apprentice carpenter must have excellent organizational and time-management skills and extensive knowledge of the carpentry industry to support the project completion for the customer's satisfaction.
Construction inspectors and apprentices carpenter have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Construction Inspector | Apprentice Carpenter | |
| Average salary | $52,306 | $37,902 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $75,000 | Between $30,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Orange County Sanitation District | Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Construction |
There are a few differences between a construction inspector and an apprentice carpenter in terms of educational background:
| Construction Inspector | Apprentice Carpenter | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | High School Diploma, 45% |
| Most common major | Civil Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | San Diego State University | - |
Here are the differences between construction inspectors' and apprentices carpenter' demographics:
| Construction Inspector | Apprentice Carpenter | |
| Average age | 50 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 93.3% Female, 6.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 3.4% White, 68.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 2% |