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The differences between form carpenters and trim 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 form carpenter and a trim carpenter. Additionally, a trim carpenter has an average salary of $45,718, which is higher than the $40,274 average annual salary of a form carpenter.
The top three skills for a form carpenter include hand tools, ladders and scaffolding. The most important skills for a trim carpenter are hand tools, work ethic, and window sills.
| Form Carpenter | Trim Carpenter | |
| Yearly salary | $40,274 | $45,718 |
| Hourly rate | $19.36 | $21.98 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 4,775 | 4,929 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 43% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A form carpenter, also known as a formwork carpenter, specializes in creating frameworks, constructing scaffolding, and assembling forms from different materials such as wood, metal, or even plastic. Most form carpenters work on large-scale commercial projects such as bridges, buildings, and other tall structures. Their daily tasks may also include climbing up high places, lifting moderate to heavy forms, cutting and shaping materials, and securing frameworks before filling them with concrete. Moreover, as a form carpenter, it is crucial to maintain an active communication line with co-workers while adhering to the safety standards and regulations.
A Trim Carpenter is a specialized worker whose task is to install and carry out repairs on molds and trim found on doors, windows, baseboards, and other ornamental pieces. He's also called a Finish Carpenter because his/her job also entails carrying out "finishing," generally making a carpentry project look detailed and defined in appearance, shape, and texture. Aside from leveling and trimming of windows and doors, you will also have to create pieces of customized woodworks that can serve as accessories for wooden fixtures.
Form carpenters and trim carpenters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Form Carpenter | Trim Carpenter | |
| Average salary | $40,274 | $45,718 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $51,000 | Between $34,000 And $60,000 |
| Highest paying City | Denver, CO | Taunton, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Turner Construction | General Electric |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Construction |
There are a few differences between a form carpenter and a trim carpenter in terms of educational background:
| Form Carpenter | Trim Carpenter | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 43% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between form carpenters' and trim carpenters' demographics:
| Form Carpenter | Trim Carpenter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.5% Female, 2.5% | Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% | Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |