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Journeyman vs trim carpenter

The differences between journeymen and trim 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 trim carpenter takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a journeyman has an average salary of $57,682, which is higher than the $45,718 average annual salary of a trim carpenter.

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

Journeyman vs trim carpenter overview

JourneymanTrim Carpenter
Yearly salary$57,682$45,718
Hourly rate$27.73$21.98
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs13,9534,929
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 31%High School Diploma, 43%
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 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 vs trim carpenter salary

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

JourneymanTrim Carpenter
Average salary$57,682$45,718
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $83,000Between $34,000 And $60,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CATaunton, MA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyCVR EnergyGeneral Electric
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between journeyman and trim carpenter education

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

JourneymanTrim Carpenter
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 31%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Journeyman vs trim carpenter demographics

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

JourneymanTrim Carpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 87.2% Female, 12.8%Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%
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, 7.1% 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 and trim 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

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 vs trim carpenter skills

Common journeyman skills
  • Hand Tools, 21%
  • Work Ethic, 13%
  • HVAC, 12%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Plumbing, 5%
  • OSHA, 5%
Common trim carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 15%
  • Work Ethic, 11%
  • Window Sills, 9%
  • Safety Rules, 8%
  • Ladders, 7%
  • Scaffolding, 7%

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