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Construction supervisor vs finish carpenter

The differences between construction supervisors and finish 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 finish carpenter takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a construction supervisor has an average salary of $62,881, which is higher than the $46,987 average annual salary of a finish carpenter.

The top three skills for a construction supervisor include customer service, OSHA and project management. The most important skills for a finish carpenter are hand tools, custom cabinets, and safety rules.

Construction supervisor vs finish carpenter overview

Construction SupervisorFinish Carpenter
Yearly salary$62,881$46,987
Hourly rate$30.23$22.59
Growth rate8%2%
Number of jobs32,48711,653
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 44%High School Diploma, 36%
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 finish carpenter do?

Finish carpenters are skilled professionals who perform the final touches on homes after the structure is fully built. These carpenters must carry out various tasks such as installing doors, building bookshelves, and adding designs to window and door trims. They are required to follow work from sketches and drawings to complete the job to the right specifications as well as collecting the correct materials before beginning a job. Finish carpenters must also dismantle and demolish before carrying out repairs or installing new materials.

Construction supervisor vs finish carpenter salary

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

Construction SupervisorFinish Carpenter
Average salary$62,881$46,987
Salary rangeBetween $42,000 And $92,000Between $34,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYBoston, MA
Highest paying stateNew YorkMassachusetts
Best paying companySBA CommunicationsTurner Construction
Best paying industryEnergyConstruction

Differences between construction supervisor and finish carpenter education

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

Construction SupervisorFinish Carpenter
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 44%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Construction supervisor vs finish carpenter demographics

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

Construction SupervisorFinish Carpenter
Average age4642
Gender ratioMale, 94.3% Female, 5.7%Male, 96.5% Female, 3.5%
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, 7.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between construction supervisor and finish 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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Finish carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Install cabinets, vinyl, FRP, carpet, windows, Sheetrock, painting, HVAC
  • Assist with electrical wiring and HVAC installation.
  • Operate tools like lather, drills, sanders and planers.
  • Demo rooms and add on with new framing Sheetrock and flooring.
  • Assist HVAC technicians with changing filters and belts on the air handler units.
  • Complete demo of existing cabinets, tile, drywall, electrical wirings, appliances etc.
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Construction supervisor vs finish carpenter skills

Common construction supervisor skills
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • OSHA, 8%
  • Project Management, 8%
  • Work Ethic, 6%
  • Construction Management, 5%
  • Construction Sites, 5%
Common finish carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 19%
  • Custom Cabinets, 13%
  • Safety Rules, 7%
  • Drywall Installation, 4%
  • Door Hardware, 4%
  • Window Installation, 3%

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