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The differences between construction inspectors and carpenters 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 a carpenter takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a construction inspector has an average salary of $52,306, which is higher than the $41,748 average annual salary of a carpenter.
The top three skills for a construction inspector include asphalt, ACI and construction inspection. The most important skills for a carpenter are hand tools, ladders, and install windows.
| Construction Inspector | Carpenter | |
| Yearly salary | $52,306 | $41,748 |
| Hourly rate | $25.15 | $20.07 |
| Growth rate | -4% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 42,007 | 5,862 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.86 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| 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.
A carpenter is a skilled worker responsible for different areas of construction. Carpenters perform fabrication from raw materials. They use tools to create a successful finished product on their client's request. Carpenters must be able to multi-task, resolve any possible complications, strictly follow safety standards, and ensure that the project adheres to protocols without compromising quality and accuracy of work. Since carpentry is physical labor, carpenters are expected to be physically fit to accomplish various maintenance and production tasks.
Construction inspectors and carpenters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Construction Inspector | Carpenter | |
| Average salary | $52,306 | $41,748 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $75,000 | Between $31,000 And $54,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | California | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Orange County Sanitation District | Argonne National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Construction |
There are a few differences between a construction inspector and a carpenter in terms of educational background:
| Construction Inspector | Carpenter | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Civil Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | San Diego State University | - |
Here are the differences between construction inspectors' and carpenters' demographics:
| Construction Inspector | Carpenter | |
| Average age | 50 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| 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, 7.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 2% |