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Journeyman vs apprentice carpenter

The differences between journeymen and apprentices carpenter can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a journeyman, becoming an apprentice carpenter takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a journeyman has an average salary of $57,682, which is higher than the $37,902 average annual salary of an apprentice carpenter.

The top three skills for a journeyman include hand tools, work ethic and HVAC. The most important skills for an apprentice carpenter are hand tools, ladders, and caulking.

Journeyman vs apprentice carpenter overview

JourneymanApprentice Carpenter
Yearly salary$57,682$37,902
Hourly rate$27.73$18.22
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs13,95317,370
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 31%High School Diploma, 45%
Average age4242
Years of experience412

What does a journeyman do?

A journeyman is an experienced worker whose role will vary on the line of industry where one is involved. They work without supervision from a master craftsman. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around performing manual work such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical tasks, and other forms of trade. Furthermore, a journeyman can choose whether to work independently or to be part of a business entity. They can also recruit and train an apprentice, or even pursue to become a master in their preferred field.

What does an apprentice carpenter do?

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.

Journeyman vs apprentice carpenter salary

Journeymen and apprentices carpenter have different pay scales, as shown below.

JourneymanApprentice Carpenter
Average salary$57,682$37,902
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $83,000Between $30,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyCVR EnergyCold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between journeyman and apprentice carpenter education

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

JourneymanApprentice Carpenter
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 31%High School Diploma, 45%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Journeyman vs apprentice carpenter demographics

Here are the differences between journeymen' and apprentices carpenter' demographics:

JourneymanApprentice Carpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 87.2% Female, 12.8%Male, 93.3% Female, 6.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between journeyman and apprentice carpenter duties and responsibilities

Journeyman example responsibilities.

  • Manage 22 active duty hydraulic technicians in support of 32 of USAF's 59 KC-10A aircraft.
  • Serve as the hoisting specialist for critical glass lifts in order to achieve proper install while mitigating any risk for loss.
  • Implement and manage training program for incoming and/or replacement facility managers enhancing overall knowledge of CE maintenance and repair operations.
  • Install EMT to rigid including PVC.
  • Perform arc welding of steel clips for curtain wall installation.
  • Repair the electrical systems of various engineering equipment utilizing soldering irons, resistors, relays, switches, and hand tools.
  • Show more

Apprentice carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Operate tools ranging from drills, caulking guns, tape measure to chop saws, table saws, skill saws.
  • Provide help with certain tasks such as drywall, paint, caulking and framing, brickwork, roofing, and landscaping.
  • Trim work, framing, paint, Sheetrock.
  • Maintain a clean work site, while utilizing the proper PPE.
  • Help with multiple side jobs and bathroom renovations, from demo to finish.
  • Operate a terrain telescoping man lift, backhoe, skid steer and tractor.
  • Show more

Journeyman vs apprentice carpenter skills

Common journeyman skills
  • Hand Tools, 21%
  • Work Ethic, 13%
  • HVAC, 12%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Plumbing, 5%
  • OSHA, 5%
Common apprentice carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 19%
  • Ladders, 10%
  • Caulking, 9%
  • Work Ethic, 9%
  • Scaffolding, 9%
  • Reference Points, 7%

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