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Journeyman carpenter vs plumber helper

The differences between journeyman carpenters and plumber helpers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a journeyman carpenter, becoming a plumber helper takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a journeyman carpenter has an average salary of $48,428, which is higher than the $43,893 average annual salary of a plumber helper.

The top three skills for a journeyman carpenter include hand tools, safety rules and work ethic. The most important skills for a plumber helper are hand tools, plumbing, and cast iron.

Journeyman carpenter vs plumber helper overview

Journeyman CarpenterPlumber Helper
Yearly salary$48,428$43,893
Hourly rate$23.28$21.10
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs8,87121,963
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%High School Diploma, 58%
Average age4242
Years of experience124

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 plumber helper do?

A plumber helper is responsible for assisting the head plumber in installing plumbing systems, conducting preventive maintenance, and repairing broken components. Plumber helpers inspect and maintain the stability and condition of all the plumbing equipment to avoid potential hazards and ensure no delays in operations. They also adjust pipe systems, replace outdated gutters, and adhere to the highest safety standards and protocols during operations. A plumber helper must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills to perform services under minimal supervision and strict timetables.

Journeyman carpenter vs plumber helper salary

Journeyman carpenters and plumber helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Journeyman CarpenterPlumber Helper
Average salary$48,428$43,893
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $63,000Between $28,000 And $66,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaMassachusetts
Best paying companyPacific Northwest National LaboratoryENCON Heating
Best paying industryConstructionManufacturing

Differences between journeyman carpenter and plumber helper education

There are a few differences between a journeyman carpenter and a plumber helper in terms of educational background:

Journeyman CarpenterPlumber Helper
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%High School Diploma, 58%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Journeyman carpenter vs plumber helper demographics

Here are the differences between journeyman carpenters' and plumber helpers' demographics:

Journeyman CarpenterPlumber Helper
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 96.4% Female, 3.6%Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8%
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, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 1.9% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between journeyman carpenter and plumber helper 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.

Plumber helper example responsibilities.

  • Train and manage less experience plumbers and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
  • Install lavatories, help install urinals and commodes, roof drains and hose-bibs.
  • Assist journeyman plumber with measuring, cutting, brazing and sweating copper and copper fittings.
  • Perform solder brazing, some rough work with acetylene torch and grinders and various cutting implements.
  • Used tools of the trade; pipe cutters, cutting torches, pipe threading and pipe bending machines
  • Operate equipment such as cutting torches, threading machines, grinders, beveling machines and round up clamps.
  • Show more

Journeyman carpenter vs plumber helper skills

Common journeyman carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 14%
  • Safety Rules, 10%
  • Work Ethic, 10%
  • Ladders, 10%
  • Scaffolding, 8%
  • Scissor Lifts, 6%
Common plumber helper skills
  • Hand Tools, 36%
  • Plumbing, 18%
  • Cast Iron, 18%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • PEX, 5%
  • Sewer Lines, 2%

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