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General foreman vs journeyman carpenter

The differences between general foremen and journeyman 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 general foreman, becoming a journeyman carpenter takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a general foreman has an average salary of $48,517, which is higher than the $48,428 average annual salary of a journeyman carpenter.

The top three skills for a general foreman include safety procedures, OSHA and safety rules. The most important skills for a journeyman carpenter are hand tools, safety rules, and work ethic.

General foreman vs journeyman carpenter overview

General ForemanJourneyman Carpenter
Yearly salary$48,517$48,428
Hourly rate$23.33$23.28
Growth rate-3%2%
Number of jobs49,8758,871
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age4642
Years of experience-12

What does a general foreman do?

Using their knowledge and expertise of all construction disciplines, a general foreman plans and oversees operations within a construction site to ensure that everything is running smoothly. They are typically in charge of conducting regular inspections, coordinating with engineers and architects, managing the budget and expenditures, supervising workers, and ensuring that the project moves according to the desired time frame. Furthermore, a general foreman implements all safety regulations and policies to ensure a safe and productive work environment for everyone.

What does a journeyman carpenter do?

Journeyman carpenters perform carpentry work in buildings and repair structures and elements, primarily by using wood and metal. Journeyman carpenters work directly in a team while reporting to a foreman. Most construction companies, builders, and construction staff hire journeyman carpenters to work mostly during daytime weekday shifts, but evening shifts, weekend, and on-call basis hours are sometimes required. Travel is commonly required for this job, as journeyman carpenters go to and from different supply houses, job sites, and the company shop.

General foreman vs journeyman carpenter salary

General foremen and journeyman carpenters have different pay scales, as shown below.

General ForemanJourneyman Carpenter
Average salary$48,517$48,428
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $62,000Between $36,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CitySaint Louis, MOSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutCalifornia
Best paying companyPacifiPacific Northwest National Laboratory
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between general foreman and journeyman carpenter education

There are a few differences between a general foreman and a journeyman carpenter in terms of educational background:

General ForemanJourneyman Carpenter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

General foreman vs journeyman carpenter demographics

Here are the differences between general foremen' and journeyman carpenters' demographics:

General ForemanJourneyman Carpenter
Average age4642
Gender ratioMale, 97.0% Female, 3.0%Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 21.6% Asian, 1.4% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 1.6% White, 61.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between general foreman and journeyman carpenter duties and responsibilities

General foreman example responsibilities.

  • Manage and supervise residential remodel and new construction projects.
  • Install EMT, ridge, and PVC conduit systems for the protection and utilization of electrical wiring.
  • Work with many types of PVC style roof systems ..
  • Instruct on how to properly rig parts on flat bar, load and unload trucks
  • Clean and maintain seal coat rig including removing and replacing gaskets, spools and pipe.
  • Work involve using of hand and power tools, wedges, dogs, and turnbuckles.
  • Show more

Journeyman carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Manage complete renovations and new construction of banks for commercial construction company.
  • Supervise construction of residential home additions, roofing, decking and siding projects for a residential remodeling organization.
  • Manage complete renovations and new construction of banks for commercial construction company.

General foreman vs journeyman carpenter skills

Common general foreman skills
  • Safety Procedures, 11%
  • OSHA, 9%
  • Safety Rules, 8%
  • Quality Standards, 6%
  • Oversight, 5%
  • Safety Policies, 5%
Common journeyman carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 14%
  • Safety Rules, 10%
  • Work Ethic, 10%
  • Ladders, 10%
  • Scaffolding, 8%
  • Scissor Lifts, 6%

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