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The differences between installers and lead 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 lead carpenter. Additionally, a lead carpenter has an average salary of $49,228, 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 lead carpenter are safety rules, roofing, and plumbing.
| Installer | Lead Carpenter | |
| Yearly salary | $39,799 | $49,228 |
| Hourly rate | $19.13 | $23.67 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 30,303 | 6,359 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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.
A lead carpenter is responsible for monitoring field carpenters on performing construction duties, analyzing schematics and blueprints, following clients' specifications, completing the project within the agreed timeframe, and maintaining materials with the budget goals, ensuring the highest quality and client's satisfaction. Lead carpenters regularly inspect the project, perform adjustments as needed, repair defects and inconsistencies, and adhere to the safety standards and protocols during operations. A lead carpenter must have excellent knowledge of the carpentry industry to handle clients' demands and efficiently create the finished product.
Installers and lead carpenters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Installer | Lead Carpenter | |
| Average salary | $39,799 | $49,228 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $50,000 | Between $36,000 And $65,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Pella | Brasfield & Gorrie |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Construction |
There are a few differences between an installer and a lead carpenter in terms of educational background:
| Installer | Lead Carpenter | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between installers' and lead carpenters' demographics:
| Installer | Lead Carpenter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4% | Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4% |
| 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, 7.4% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |