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Installer vs carpenter

The differences between installers and carpenters 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 carpenter. Additionally, a carpenter has an average salary of $41,748, which is higher than the $39,799 average annual salary of an installer.

The top three skills for an installer include customer service, windows and plumbing. The most important skills for a carpenter are hand tools, ladders, and install windows.

Installer vs carpenter overview

InstallerCarpenter
Yearly salary$39,799$41,748
Hourly rate$19.13$20.07
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs30,3035,862
Job satisfaction-4.86
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 42%
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 carpenter do?

A carpenter is a skilled worker responsible for different areas of construction. Carpenters perform fabrication from raw materials. They use tools to create a successful finished product on their client's request. Carpenters must be able to multi-task, resolve any possible complications, strictly follow safety standards, and ensure that the project adheres to protocols without compromising quality and accuracy of work. Since carpentry is physical labor, carpenters are expected to be physically fit to accomplish various maintenance and production tasks.

Installer vs carpenter salary

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

InstallerCarpenter
Average salary$39,799$41,748
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $50,000Between $31,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WANew York, NY
Highest paying stateWashingtonNew Jersey
Best paying companyPellaArgonne National Laboratory
Best paying industryTechnologyConstruction

Differences between installer and carpenter education

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

InstallerCarpenter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Installer vs carpenter demographics

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

InstallerCarpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 95.6% Female, 4.4%Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
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, 7.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between installer and carpenter 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

Carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Remodel homes, roofing, electric, plumbing, framework, Sheetrock, finishing work.
  • Hoist tar and roofing materials to roofs, using ropes and pulleys, or carry materials up ladders.
  • Follow establish safety rules and regulations as specified by OSHA and maintain a safe and clean work environment.
  • Perform new construction, concrete foundations, layout framing, formwork, roofing, site preparation through fine finish.
  • Perform work including, fiberglass framing, concrete form, scaffolding, erecting metal stud walls, drywall and general carpentry
  • General labor practices, carpentry, masonry, cement pouring, hardwood floors, cleanup, and other duties as assigned.
  • Show more

Installer vs carpenter skills

Common installer skills
  • Customer Service, 27%
  • Windows, 11%
  • Plumbing, 10%
  • Work Ethic, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%
  • HVAC, 4%
Common carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 17%
  • Ladders, 8%
  • Install Windows, 7%
  • Roofing, 7%
  • Safety Rules, 6%
  • Scaffolding, 6%

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