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Interior designer vs carpenter

The differences between interior designers and carpenters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an interior designer, becoming a carpenter takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an interior designer has an average salary of $52,482, which is higher than the $41,748 average annual salary of a carpenter.

The top three skills for an interior designer include revit, space planning and sketch. The most important skills for a carpenter are hand tools, ladders, and install windows.

Interior designer vs carpenter overview

Interior DesignerCarpenter
Yearly salary$52,482$41,748
Hourly rate$25.23$20.07
Growth rate1%2%
Number of jobs48,0205,862
Job satisfaction54.86
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%High School Diploma, 42%
Average age4242
Years of experience412

What does an interior designer do?

An interior designer helps people decorate their rooms and spaces, creating the most functional and beautiful area as possible. They sit with clients to plan desired goals, visualize the space's functions, and sketch the design plan. Then, they pick and order materials and furnishings needed for the project. Additionally, they create a project timeline, estimate cost, and supervise the construction and installation. They follow-up with clients to guarantee their satisfaction once the project is completed. Interior designers should have an understanding of building and construction as well as public safety and security. They must be flexible in their time since they work to meet client needs.

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.

Interior designer vs carpenter salary

Interior designers and carpenters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Interior DesignerCarpenter
Average salary$52,482$41,748
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $78,000Between $31,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CitySacramento, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateNorth DakotaNew Jersey
Best paying companyGerman International School New YorkArgonne National Laboratory
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between interior designer and carpenter education

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

Interior DesignerCarpenter
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorInterior DesignBusiness
Most common collegeCornell University-

Interior designer vs carpenter demographics

Here are the differences between interior designers' and carpenters' demographics:

Interior DesignerCarpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 21.0% Female, 79.0%Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 1.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian, 4.6% White, 82.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%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 Percentage23%2%

Differences between interior designer and carpenter duties and responsibilities

Interior designer example responsibilities.

  • Establish and manage firm's account on NYC DOB website; fulfill office duties and manage office.
  • Lead the development of BIM modeling content for the architecture team as a direct report to the executive and lead architects.
  • Project management, interior design, transition planning, and furniture specification for military healthcare projects.
  • Participate on leer certified projects.
  • Put together client invoices in QuickBooks.
  • Design email using HTML and inline CSS/CSS3.
  • 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

Interior designer vs carpenter skills

Common interior designer skills
  • Revit, 12%
  • Space Planning, 8%
  • Sketch, 6%
  • Design Concepts, 6%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • FF, 5%
Common carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 17%
  • Ladders, 8%
  • Install Windows, 7%
  • Roofing, 7%
  • Safety Rules, 6%
  • Scaffolding, 6%

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