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Construction supervisor vs carpenter

The differences between construction supervisors and carpenters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes More than 10 years to become a construction supervisor, becoming a carpenter takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a construction supervisor has an average salary of $62,881, which is higher than the $41,748 average annual salary of a carpenter.

The top three skills for a construction supervisor include customer service, OSHA and project management. The most important skills for a carpenter are hand tools, ladders, and install windows.

Construction supervisor vs carpenter overview

Construction SupervisorCarpenter
Yearly salary$62,881$41,748
Hourly rate$30.23$20.07
Growth rate8%2%
Number of jobs32,4875,862
Job satisfaction-4.86
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 44%High School Diploma, 42%
Average age4642
Years of experience-12

What does a construction supervisor do?

Construction supervisors ensure construction team members work jointly to deliver excellent work on time. They provide team-building sessions and training and monitor the construction processes. These professionals ensure the construction processes take place every time as per the safety regulations and health regulations. Besides creating budgets, project plans, reports and delivering them to the appropriate stakeholders, construction supervisors also perform routine site, material, and equipment inspections. They always remain updated about the construction advancements and construction safety codes.

What does a carpenter do?

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 supervisor vs carpenter salary

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

Construction SupervisorCarpenter
Average salary$62,881$41,748
Salary rangeBetween $42,000 And $92,000Between $31,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYNew York, NY
Highest paying stateNew YorkNew Jersey
Best paying companySBA CommunicationsArgonne National Laboratory
Best paying industryEnergyConstruction

Differences between construction supervisor and carpenter education

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

Construction SupervisorCarpenter
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 44%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Construction supervisor vs carpenter demographics

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

Construction SupervisorCarpenter
Average age4642
Gender ratioMale, 94.3% Female, 5.7%Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 22.9% Asian, 1.4% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%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 Percentage2%2%

Differences between construction supervisor and carpenter duties and responsibilities

Construction supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Manage third party contractors, including safety oversight, control inspection and environmental design specification compliance, and also direct consultants.
  • Conduct site visits to ensure OSHA and local safety regulations are adhered to in accordance with company policy.
  • Perform caulking tasks which include: priming, air barrier on walls and utilizing mechanical tools.
  • Perform daily project walk-through to assess safety and cleanliness, thus ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations and insurance requirement.
  • Maintain the church building and school including general repairs, preventative maintenance, HVAC and scheduling contractors for repairs as needed.
  • Purchase framing, siding, cornice, roofing, finish carpentry and all other materials necessary, maintaining effective inventory control.
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Carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Remodel homes, roofing, electric, plumbing, framework, Sheetrock, finishing work.
  • Hoist tar and roofing materials to roofs, using ropes and pulleys, or carry materials up ladders.
  • Follow establish safety rules and regulations as specified by OSHA and maintain a safe and clean work environment.
  • Perform new construction, concrete foundations, layout framing, formwork, roofing, site preparation through fine finish.
  • Perform work including, fiberglass framing, concrete form, scaffolding, erecting metal stud walls, drywall and general carpentry
  • General labor practices, carpentry, masonry, cement pouring, hardwood floors, cleanup, and other duties as assigned.
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Construction supervisor vs carpenter skills

Common construction supervisor skills
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • OSHA, 8%
  • Project Management, 8%
  • Work Ethic, 6%
  • Construction Management, 5%
  • Construction Sites, 5%
Common carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 17%
  • Ladders, 8%
  • Install Windows, 7%
  • Roofing, 7%
  • Safety Rules, 6%
  • Scaffolding, 6%

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