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Installer vs builder

The differences between installers and builders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both an installer and a builder. Additionally, an installer has an average salary of $39,799, which is higher than the $33,117 average annual salary of a builder.

The top three skills for an installer include customer service, windows and plumbing. The most important skills for a builder are work ethic, safety rules, and construction sites.

Installer vs builder overview

InstallerBuilder
Yearly salary$39,799$33,117
Hourly rate$19.13$15.92
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs30,3034,074
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 34%
Average age4242
Years of experience1212

What does an installer do?

Installers are assigned to assemble equipment or fixtures in the client's work or home area. They should have extensive knowledge of the product they will install to ensure it works as intended. They should also be familiar with handling different tools, especially those that would help them build the product. Installers should be able to walk the client through how to use the product. They should also be able to answer any inquiries that the client may have. Installers should have quick decision-making skills, interpersonal skills, and creativity.

What does a builder do?

Builders are responsible for managing, coordinating, and working on the construction. They are also responsible for repairing and maintaining commercial and residential buildings. They oversee a project by either making arrangements with subcontractors to finish specific jobs or doing the work themselves. Builders need to ensure that the construction projects meet their client's requirements as well as the government and industry regulations. They often perform their work in an industrial setting. Their day-to-day activity depends on their specialization and level of experience.

Installer vs builder salary

Installers and builders have different pay scales, as shown below.

InstallerBuilder
Average salary$39,799$33,117
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $50,000Between $24,000 And $44,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyPellaGoogle
Best paying industryTechnologyFinance

Differences between installer and builder education

There are a few differences between an installer and a builder in terms of educational background:

InstallerBuilder
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 34%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Installer vs builder demographics

Here are the differences between installers' and builders' demographics:

InstallerBuilder
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 95.6% Female, 4.4%Male, 79.1% Female, 20.9%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 1.7% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between installer and builder duties and responsibilities

Installer example responsibilities.

  • Manage telecommunications, data and CCTV equipment.
  • Experience with brazing, running new line set, and EPA certify.
  • Install various heating and air conditioning systems like water heaters, furnaces, heat pumps, a/c condensers.
  • Work with steel snips, brake and screw guns.
  • Train in Crestron integrate systems.
  • Schedule and run sales appointments.
  • Show more

Builder example responsibilities.

  • Modify existing client websites with new HTML and CSS to achieve stakeholder requirements.
  • Manage the office for a small business; invoicing, accounts receivable, accounting, taxes, payroll, etc.
  • Operate a variety of tools, including power saws, planers, jointers, routers, and pneumatic equipment.
  • Boat builder Mig and tig welder
  • Replace broken pieces of the chep pallets
  • Preform aluminum spray transfer and Tig welding.
  • Show more

Installer vs builder skills

Common installer skills
  • Customer Service, 27%
  • Windows, 11%
  • Plumbing, 10%
  • Work Ethic, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%
  • HVAC, 4%
Common builder skills
  • Work Ethic, 21%
  • Safety Rules, 11%
  • Construction Sites, 10%
  • Windows, 7%
  • Quality Standards, 6%
  • Construction Process, 4%

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