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Framer vs lead installer

The differences between framers and lead installers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a framer and a lead installer. Additionally, a lead installer has an average salary of $59,596, which is higher than the $34,298 average annual salary of a framer.

The top three skills for a framer include customer service, safety rules and nail guns. The most important skills for a lead installer are HVAC, customer service, and hand tools.

Framer vs lead installer overview

FramerLead Installer
Yearly salary$34,298$59,596
Hourly rate$16.49$28.65
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs5,24717,808
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 44%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age4242
Years of experience1212

What does a framer do?

A framer is responsible for devising work plans and assembling the framework structure essential for constructing houses and other facilities. Moreover, they are also responsible for finding the appropriate materials needed for the project, setting the budget, managing the schedule, and consulting with the client for their preferences. The duties of a framer mainly involve physical work and attention to detail. There are instances when one must operate various power tools and equipment, understand blueprints, and even climb up high places.

What does a lead installer do?

Lead installers are individuals who execute residential construction activities. The installers review the organization's blueprints with its sales, supervise the loading and unloading procedure, and manage the crew during the installation process. They set up and maintain the workstations, maintain the VoIP phone systems, and construct the cubicles for modular offices. The necessary skills for this job include customer service, knowledge of the installation process, and attention to detail. They are also expected to develop skills in communication, diligence, and the ability to follow instructions.

Framer vs lead installer salary

Framers and lead installers have different pay scales, as shown below.

FramerLead Installer
Average salary$34,298$59,596
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $45,000Between $38,000 And $91,000
Highest paying CityApple Valley, CASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaWashington
Best paying companyBuilders FirstSourcePFS
Best paying industryConstructionEnergy

Differences between framer and lead installer education

There are a few differences between a framer and a lead installer in terms of educational background:

FramerLead Installer
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 44%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Framer vs lead installer demographics

Here are the differences between framers' and lead installers' demographics:

FramerLead Installer
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 88.2% Female, 11.8%Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 1.6% White, 61.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.0% Asian, 1.6% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between framer and lead installer duties and responsibilities

Framer example responsibilities.

  • Build walls, soffits, bulkheads, jigs.
  • Build walls, soffits, bulk heads, jigs.
  • Help set up temporary scaffolding.
  • Install siding and shingles to exterior.
  • Light demo clean up and organization of construction materials.
  • Used impact drills, drivers, cut metal studs with snips
  • Show more

Lead installer example responsibilities.

  • Manage crew working on Nortel CDMA network doing upgrades at cell site.
  • Install battery plants, rectifiers, power distribution bays, and fuse panels.
  • Repair and replace condensers, compressors, pumps, valves, furnace, air handlers, and coils.
  • Install telecommunication equipment; routers, switches, connections and programming features following industry standards.
  • Sprint mobile and Ericsson wireless.
  • Team member for FBI LAN install Washington DC.
  • Show more

Framer vs lead installer skills

Common framer skills
  • Customer Service, 26%
  • Safety Rules, 13%
  • Nail Guns, 10%
  • Tape Measure, 10%
  • Window Frames, 6%
  • Sheetrock, 3%
Common lead installer skills
  • HVAC, 17%
  • Customer Service, 12%
  • Hand Tools, 11%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 6%
  • Windows, 6%
  • Roofing, 6%

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