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Journeyman carpenter vs trim carpenter

The differences between journeyman carpenters and trim carpenters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a journeyman carpenter and a trim carpenter. Additionally, a journeyman carpenter has an average salary of $48,428, which is higher than the $45,718 average annual salary of a trim carpenter.

The top three skills for a journeyman carpenter include hand tools, safety rules and work ethic. The most important skills for a trim carpenter are hand tools, work ethic, and window sills.

Journeyman carpenter vs trim carpenter overview

Journeyman CarpenterTrim Carpenter
Yearly salary$48,428$45,718
Hourly rate$23.28$21.98
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs8,8714,929
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%High School Diploma, 43%
Average age4242
Years of experience1212

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 trim carpenter do?

A Trim Carpenter is a specialized worker whose task is to install and carry out repairs on molds and trim found on doors, windows, baseboards, and other ornamental pieces. He's also called a Finish Carpenter because his/her job also entails carrying out "finishing," generally making a carpentry project look detailed and defined in appearance, shape, and texture. Aside from leveling and trimming of windows and doors, you will also have to create pieces of customized woodworks that can serve as accessories for wooden fixtures.

Journeyman carpenter vs trim carpenter salary

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

Journeyman CarpenterTrim Carpenter
Average salary$48,428$45,718
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $63,000Between $34,000 And $60,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CATaunton, MA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyPacific Northwest National LaboratoryGeneral Electric
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between journeyman carpenter and trim carpenter education

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

Journeyman CarpenterTrim Carpenter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Journeyman carpenter vs trim carpenter demographics

Here are the differences between journeyman carpenters' and trim carpenters' demographics:

Journeyman CarpenterTrim Carpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 96.4% Female, 3.6%Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%
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, 7.1% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between journeyman carpenter and trim carpenter 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.

Trim carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Used woodworking tools such as jigsaws, planers, jointers, table saws and band saws.
  • Install and repair roofs, flashing/weatherproofing, HVAC, plumbing, and electric fixtures
  • Smooth or sand surfaces to remove ridges, tool marks, glue, or caulking.
  • Finish crown mold including caulking.
  • Focus on high-end remodel projects and new home construction.
  • Frame and sheet houses sometimes doing siding and shingles also
  • Show more

Journeyman carpenter vs trim carpenter skills

Common journeyman carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 14%
  • Safety Rules, 10%
  • Work Ethic, 10%
  • Ladders, 10%
  • Scaffolding, 8%
  • Scissor Lifts, 6%
Common trim carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 15%
  • Work Ethic, 11%
  • Window Sills, 9%
  • Safety Rules, 8%
  • Ladders, 7%
  • Scaffolding, 7%

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