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The differences between installers and general contractors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become an installer, becoming a general contractor takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a general contractor has an average salary of $66,602, 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 general contractor are plumbing, safety regulations, and contract negotiations.
| Installer | General Contractor | |
| Yearly salary | $39,799 | $66,602 |
| Hourly rate | $19.13 | $32.02 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 30,303 | 66,218 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 42 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 8 |
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.
The job of general contractors is to oversee the day-to-day operations of projects in the organization. General contractors are considered seasoned experts when it comes to home improvement. They provide the material, equipment, labor, and services for a construction project. Often, they hire specialized subcontractors who will be working on some part of the construction work. They should have attained a bachelor's or associate's degree in construction management. Their experience in the industry is highly coveted.
Installers and general contractors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Installer | General Contractor | |
| Average salary | $39,799 | $66,602 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $50,000 | Between $41,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | - |
| Highest paying state | Washington | - |
| Best paying company | Pella | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between an installer and a general contractor in terms of educational background:
| Installer | General Contractor | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo |
Here are the differences between installers' and general contractors' demographics:
| Installer | General Contractor | |
| Average age | 42 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 3.6% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.8% White, 71.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 4% |