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Journeyman carpenter vs construction assistant

The differences between journeyman carpenters and construction assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a journeyman carpenter has an average salary of $48,428, which is higher than the $39,072 average annual salary of a construction assistant.

The top three skills for a journeyman carpenter include hand tools, safety rules and work ethic. The most important skills for a construction assistant are safety procedures, construction projects, and general contractors.

Journeyman carpenter vs construction assistant overview

Journeyman CarpenterConstruction Assistant
Yearly salary$48,428$39,072
Hourly rate$23.28$18.78
Growth rate2%4%
Number of jobs8,87131,209
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age4239
Years of experience12-

What does a journeyman carpenter do?

Journeyman carpenters perform carpentry work in buildings and repair structures and elements, primarily by using wood and metal. Journeyman carpenters work directly in a team while reporting to a foreman. Most construction companies, builders, and construction staff hire journeyman carpenters to work mostly during daytime weekday shifts, but evening shifts, weekend, and on-call basis hours are sometimes required. Travel is commonly required for this job, as journeyman carpenters go to and from different supply houses, job sites, and the company shop.

What does a construction assistant do?

A construction assistant performs various clerical and operational support tasks to assist construction managers and maintain smooth workflow operations. Their responsibilities usually include monitoring budgets and costs, handling calls and correspondence, purchasing construction materials according to project requirements, liaising with suppliers and construction contractors, and participating in managing the schedules and activities of the workers. A construction assistant may also perform inspections to identify problem areas and ensure that all procedures adhere to the safety codes and standards.

Journeyman carpenter vs construction assistant salary

Journeyman carpenters and construction assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Journeyman CarpenterConstruction Assistant
Average salary$48,428$39,072
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $63,000Between $28,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASpringfield, MA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaHawaii
Best paying companyPacific Northwest National LaboratoryBeazer Homes
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between journeyman carpenter and construction assistant education

There are a few differences between a journeyman carpenter and a construction assistant in terms of educational background:

Journeyman CarpenterConstruction Assistant
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Journeyman carpenter vs construction assistant demographics

Here are the differences between journeyman carpenters' and construction assistants' demographics:

Journeyman CarpenterConstruction Assistant
Average age4239
Gender ratioMale, 96.4% Female, 3.6%Male, 80.7% Female, 19.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 1.6% White, 61.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 30.8% Asian, 2.4% White, 50.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between journeyman carpenter and construction assistant duties and responsibilities

Journeyman carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Manage complete renovations and new construction of banks for commercial construction company.
  • Supervise construction of residential home additions, roofing, decking and siding projects for a residential remodeling organization.
  • Manage complete renovations and new construction of banks for commercial construction company.

Construction assistant example responsibilities.

  • Fix electrical fixtures and manage plumbing problems effectively.
  • Employ a wide verity of hand and power tools including hoists, drills, precision measuring instruments and electronic testing devices.
  • Negotiate material sales contracts, document historical information, provide earned value management, and safety oversight for projects/programs.
  • Prepare plans and specifications for new and existing housing, supervise sub-contractors to insure compliance with HUD requirements.

Journeyman carpenter vs construction assistant skills

Common journeyman carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 14%
  • Safety Rules, 10%
  • Work Ethic, 10%
  • Ladders, 10%
  • Scaffolding, 8%
  • Scissor Lifts, 6%
Common construction assistant skills
  • Safety Procedures, 15%
  • Construction Projects, 11%
  • General Contractors, 7%
  • Drywall Installation, 7%
  • Equipment Operators, 4%
  • Manual Labor, 4%

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