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.
Installer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real installer resumes:
- 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.
- Recover refrigerant by EPA standards.
- Install internal and external Ethernet devices.
- Work on TRANE VAV air distribution.
- Log into servers and input static IP's.
- Complete bathroom tear-outs and remodel per blueprints instructions.
- Operate hydraulic lifts, bucket lifts, ladders etc.
- Follow OSHA regulations regarding job safety and equipment use.
- Complete regular annual inspections in accordance with FAA guidelines.
- Remove and replace condensers, indoor furnaces, package units.
Installer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 27% of Installers are proficient in Customer Service, Windows, and Plumbing. They’re also known for soft skills such as Business skills, Problem-solving skills, and Dexterity.
We break down the percentage of Installers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 27%
Managed customer-installation projects of varying levels of difficulty, including custom-curved handrails and iron banisters, providing quality customer service.
- Windows, 11%
Installed and configured Windows 2000, XP, 7 and the networking of all machines in a lab and office environment.
- Plumbing, 10%
Adhered to proper installation of electrical components, plumbing, roofing, painting and flooring per work procedure and work orders.
- Work Ethic, 9%
Received Multiple raises due to work ethic and ability to retain information being taught on the job or in the shop.
- Safety Procedures, 5%
Adhere to company safety procedures and policy, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and operation of company vehicles and equipment.
- HVAC, 4%
Performed preventative maintenance, troubleshot breakdowns and repaired malfunctioning HVAC systems and components; utilized measuring and testing instruments.
"customer service," "windows," and "plumbing" are among the most common skills that installers use at work. You can find even more installer responsibilities below, including:
Business skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an installer to have is business skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "self-employed carpenters must conduct activities such as bidding on new jobs, tracking inventory, and directing workers." Installers often use business skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "trained to install alarm systems as well as rough in alarm systems for new construction for residential and commercial businesses. "
Problem-solving skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling installer duties is problem-solving skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "carpenters may work independently with little guidance." According to an installer resume, here's how installers can utilize problem-solving skills in their job responsibilities: "job duties: install office furniture, run crew of 15 men, create solutions for problems with installations. "
Dexterity. installers are also known for dexterity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to installer responsibilities, because "carpenters use many tools and need hand-eye coordination to avoid injuring themselves or damaging materials." An installer resume example shows how dexterity is used in the workplace: "performed heavy lifting, assembled from specification sheets, used various power tools, including routers, drills, jig saws. "
Detail oriented. For certain installer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "detail oriented." The day-to-day duties of an installer rely on this skill, as "carpenters must be able to precisely cut, measure, and modify the materials they work with." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what installers do: "provided excellent customer service and detailed work, while constantly working under the stress of company time frames. "
Math skills. Another crucial skill for an installer to carry out their responsibilities is "math skills." A big part of what installers relies on this skill, since "carpenters frequently use math skills, including basic trigonometry, to calculate the area, size, and amount of material needed for the job. ." How this skill relates to installer duties can be seen in an example from an installer resume snippet: "work from apartment complex's and other businesses skills used used customer service mathematics and measurement"
Physical strength. Lastly, "physical strength" is an important element of what an installer does. Installer responsibilities require this skill because "carpenters use heavy tools and materials that weigh up to 100 pounds." This resume example highlights how installer duties rely on this skill: "performed excellent customer service explained the terms and conditions, the process, and physically installed low voltage cable. "
The three companies that hire the most installers are:
- Bath Fitter156 installers jobs
- Window Nation61 installers jobs
- RF56 installers jobs
Compare different installers
Installer vs. Carpenter/labour
Carpenters/ Laborers do general maintenance tasks and help in mechanical and carpentry-related jobs. Carpenters are versatile workers and perform different construction duties. They construct, install, erect, and repair structures and fixtures. Blueprints and building plans are followed by carpenters to meet their customer's needs. Typically, they install structures and fixtures like windows and molding. They also construct building frameworks like floors, walls, and door frames. Additionally, they operate forklifts, wheel loaders, skid steers, and similar equipment. Qualified applicants need manual dexterity, a good sense of balance as well as hand-eye coordination and must be physically fit.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an installer are more likely to require skills like "customer service," "windows," "plumbing," and "work ethic." On the other hand, a job as a carpenter/labour requires skills like "roofing," "safety rules," "drywall installation," and "door installation." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Carpenter/labours really shine in the construction industry with an average salary of $42,011. Comparatively, installers tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $40,956.The education levels that carpenter/labours earn slightly differ from installers. In particular, carpenter/labours are 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an installer. Additionally, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Installer vs. Apprentice carpenter
An apprentice carpenter is responsible for assisting the carpenter on construction operations, ensuring the adherence to safety protocols, and following clients' specifications. Apprentice carpenters monitor carpentry tools and equipment adequacy, inspect the items for any defects for immediate repair or replacements, and analyze blueprints and schematics, especially for installing systems and essential components on the construction. An apprentice carpenter must have excellent organizational and time-management skills and extensive knowledge of the carpentry industry to support the project completion for the customer's satisfaction.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, installer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "customer service," "windows," "safety procedures," and "air ducts." Meanwhile, an apprentice carpenter has duties that require skills in areas such as "hand tools," "ladders," "scaffolding," and "strong work ethic." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, apprentices carpenter earn a lower salary than installers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, apprentices carpenter earn the most pay in the construction industry with an average salary of $42,204. Whereas installers have higher pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $40,956.In general, apprentices carpenter achieve similar levels of education than installers. They're 0.4% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Installer vs. Lead carpenter
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.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, installers are more likely to have skills like "customer service," "windows," "work ethic," and "tape measure." But a lead carpenter is more likely to have skills like "safety rules," "roofing," "door installation," and "drywall installation."
Lead carpenters make a very good living in the construction industry with an average annual salary of $53,642. On the other hand, installers are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $40,956.When it comes to education, lead carpenters tend to earn similar degree levels compared to installers. In fact, they're 1.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Installer vs. Builder
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.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between installers and builders, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an installer might have more use for skills like "customer service," "plumbing," "safety procedures," and "air ducts." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of builders require skills like "safety rules," "c #," "quality standards," and "construction process. "
The finance industry tends to pay the highest salaries for builders, with average annual pay of $42,512. Comparatively, the highest installer annual salary comes from the technology industry.In general, builders hold similar degree levels compared to installers. Builders are 2.9% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of installer
Updated January 8, 2025