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Journeyman vs carpenter helper

The differences between journeymen and carpenter helpers 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 a carpenter helper takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a journeyman has an average salary of $57,682, which is higher than the $34,192 average annual salary of a carpenter helper.

The top three skills for a journeyman include hand tools, work ethic and HVAC. The most important skills for a carpenter helper are hand tools, ladders, and safety rules.

Journeyman vs carpenter helper overview

JourneymanCarpenter Helper
Yearly salary$57,682$34,192
Hourly rate$27.73$16.44
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs13,95329,208
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 31%High School Diploma, 53%
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 a carpenter helper do?

A carpenter helper is responsible for assisting carpenters with the construction duties, performing construction tasks as needed, and ensuring the completion of the project timely and efficiently. Carpenter helpers maintain the construction tools and equipment, including cleaning the materials before and after every use and inspecting for any possible defects. They also help with measuring surfaces to establish reference points for the installment of systems and other construction materials. A carpenter helper must have excellent communication and organizational skills, having the initiative to perform heavy-duty tasks under minimal supervision.

Journeyman vs carpenter helper salary

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

JourneymanCarpenter Helper
Average salary$57,682$34,192
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $83,000Between $25,000 And $45,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CANorthampton, MA
Highest paying stateWashingtonMassachusetts
Best paying companyCVR EnergyBlack & Veatch
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between journeyman and carpenter helper education

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

JourneymanCarpenter Helper
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 31%High School Diploma, 53%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Journeyman vs carpenter helper demographics

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

JourneymanCarpenter Helper
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 87.2% Female, 12.8%Male, 92.9% Female, 7.1%
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, 7.8% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 1.7% White, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between journeyman and carpenter helper 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

Carpenter helper example responsibilities.

  • Put up and dismantle scaffolding, shoring, bracing, ladders, handrails, platforms and gangways.
  • Cut and put up Sheetrock, as well as cement board.
  • Apply caulking compounds by hand and with caulking gun to seal crevices.
  • Assist lead carpenter with various jobs, including hanging Sheetrock and painting.
  • Assist in demo and construction of homes with water and/or fire damage.
  • Assist lead carpenter of demo and remodeling that mainly consist in kitchen and bathrooms.
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Journeyman vs carpenter helper skills

Common journeyman skills
  • Hand Tools, 21%
  • Work Ethic, 13%
  • HVAC, 12%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Plumbing, 5%
  • OSHA, 5%
Common carpenter helper skills
  • Hand Tools, 30%
  • Ladders, 13%
  • Safety Rules, 7%
  • Scaffolding, 6%
  • Door Frames, 6%
  • Caulking, 4%

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