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Installer vs lead installer

The differences between installers and lead installers 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 installer. Additionally, a lead installer has an average salary of $59,596, 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 installer are HVAC, customer service, and hand tools.

Installer vs lead installer overview

InstallerLead Installer
Yearly salary$39,799$59,596
Hourly rate$19.13$28.65
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs30,30317,808
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 38%
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 lead installer do?

Lead installers are individuals who execute residential construction activities. The installers review the organization's blueprints with its sales, supervise the loading and unloading procedure, and manage the crew during the installation process. They set up and maintain the workstations, maintain the VoIP phone systems, and construct the cubicles for modular offices. The necessary skills for this job include customer service, knowledge of the installation process, and attention to detail. They are also expected to develop skills in communication, diligence, and the ability to follow instructions.

Installer vs lead installer salary

Installers and lead installers have different pay scales, as shown below.

InstallerLead Installer
Average salary$39,799$59,596
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $50,000Between $38,000 And $91,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyPellaPFS
Best paying industryTechnologyEnergy

Differences between installer and lead installer education

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

InstallerLead Installer
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Installer vs lead installer demographics

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

InstallerLead Installer
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 95.6% Female, 4.4%Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%
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, 23.0% Asian, 1.6% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between installer and lead installer 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

Lead installer example responsibilities.

  • Manage crew working on Nortel CDMA network doing upgrades at cell site.
  • Install battery plants, rectifiers, power distribution bays, and fuse panels.
  • Repair and replace condensers, compressors, pumps, valves, furnace, air handlers, and coils.
  • Install telecommunication equipment; routers, switches, connections and programming features following industry standards.
  • Sprint mobile and Ericsson wireless.
  • Team member for FBI LAN install Washington DC.
  • Show more

Installer vs lead installer skills

Common installer skills
  • Customer Service, 27%
  • Windows, 11%
  • Plumbing, 10%
  • Work Ethic, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%
  • HVAC, 4%
Common lead installer skills
  • HVAC, 17%
  • Customer Service, 12%
  • Hand Tools, 11%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 6%
  • Windows, 6%
  • Roofing, 6%

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