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Journeyman vs finish carpenter

The differences between journeymen and finish carpenters 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 finish carpenter takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a journeyman has an average salary of $57,682, which is higher than the $46,987 average annual salary of a finish carpenter.

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

Journeyman vs finish carpenter overview

JourneymanFinish Carpenter
Yearly salary$57,682$46,987
Hourly rate$27.73$22.59
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs13,95311,653
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 31%High School Diploma, 36%
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 finish carpenter do?

Finish carpenters are skilled professionals who perform the final touches on homes after the structure is fully built. These carpenters must carry out various tasks such as installing doors, building bookshelves, and adding designs to window and door trims. They are required to follow work from sketches and drawings to complete the job to the right specifications as well as collecting the correct materials before beginning a job. Finish carpenters must also dismantle and demolish before carrying out repairs or installing new materials.

Journeyman vs finish carpenter salary

Journeymen and finish carpenters have different pay scales, as shown below.

JourneymanFinish Carpenter
Average salary$57,682$46,987
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $83,000Between $34,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CABoston, MA
Highest paying stateWashingtonMassachusetts
Best paying companyCVR EnergyTurner Construction
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between journeyman and finish carpenter education

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

JourneymanFinish Carpenter
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 31%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Journeyman vs finish carpenter demographics

Here are the differences between journeymen' and finish carpenters' demographics:

JourneymanFinish Carpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 87.2% Female, 12.8%Male, 96.5% Female, 3.5%
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, 7.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between journeyman and finish 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

Finish carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Install cabinets, vinyl, FRP, carpet, windows, Sheetrock, painting, HVAC
  • Assist with electrical wiring and HVAC installation.
  • Operate tools like lather, drills, sanders and planers.
  • Demo rooms and add on with new framing Sheetrock and flooring.
  • Assist HVAC technicians with changing filters and belts on the air handler units.
  • Complete demo of existing cabinets, tile, drywall, electrical wirings, appliances etc.
  • Show more

Journeyman vs finish carpenter skills

Common journeyman skills
  • Hand Tools, 21%
  • Work Ethic, 13%
  • HVAC, 12%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Plumbing, 5%
  • OSHA, 5%
Common finish carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 19%
  • Custom Cabinets, 13%
  • Safety Rules, 7%
  • Drywall Installation, 4%
  • Door Hardware, 4%
  • Window Installation, 3%

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