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.
Journeyman responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real journeyman resumes:
- 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.
- Read and interpret blueprints and specifications to determine location of framing, installation procedures, staging and scaffolding materials require.
- Review and advise on projects associate with electrical power generating and control systems, automatic transfer switches, and associate equipment.
- Experience in swing stage and scaffolding
- Read schematics and blueprints and run conduit as specified.
- Secure waste generate for EPA approval and stage for future shipping.
- Erect scaffolding and work from high reach ladders and mobile platforms.
- Wire temperature transmitters, pressure transmitters, vibration sensors, grind fault circuits.
- Perform welding, soldering, brazing, and mechanical joint procedures on process piping.
- Participate in broad range of construction projects, involving waterproofing, caulking and restoration.
Journeyman skills and personality traits
We calculated that 21% of Journeymen are proficient in Hand Tools, Work Ethic, and HVAC. They’re also known for soft skills such as Math skills, Problem-solving skills, and Business skills.
We break down the percentage of Journeymen that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hand Tools, 21%
Operate construction hand tools and other specialized equipment safely, efficiently and effectively.
- Work Ethic, 13%
Recognized by upper management for tremendous work ethic and team spirit.
- HVAC, 12%
Performed preventative maintenance, troubleshot breakdowns and repaired malfunctioning HVAC systems and components, utilized measuring and testing instruments.
- Safety Procedures, 6%
Ensured safety procedures were followed, exposure and contamination control procedures are established, coordinated, and distributed.
- Plumbing, 5%
Worked independently as a journeyman plumber following all building codes along with plumbing safety and regulations.
- OSHA, 5%
Operated heavy machinery per OSHA standard in order to complete assignments properly and effectively.
Common skills that a journeyman uses to do their job include "hand tools," "work ethic," and "hvac." You can find details on the most important journeyman responsibilities below.
Math skills. The most essential soft skill for a journeyman to carry out their responsibilities is math skills. This skill is important for the role because "carpenters frequently use math skills, including basic trigonometry, to calculate the area, size, and amount of material needed for the job. ." Additionally, a journeyman resume shows how their duties depend on math skills: "utilize shop mathematics and operate precision measuring or test equipment. "
Problem-solving skills. Many journeyman duties rely on problem-solving skills. "carpenters may work independently with little guidance," so a journeyman will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways journeyman responsibilities rely on problem-solving skills: "supported obtaining/coordinating net data and training program impacts; resolved routine technical problems or recommended corrective actions concerning new equipment training. "
Business skills. This is an important skill for journeymen to perform their duties. For an example of how journeyman responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "self-employed carpenters must conduct activities such as bidding on new jobs, tracking inventory, and directing workers." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a journeyman: "created powerpoint presentations used for business development. ".
Detail oriented. For certain journeyman responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "detail oriented." The day-to-day duties of a journeyman rely on this skill, as "carpenters must be able to precisely cut, measure, and modify the materials they work with." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what journeymen do: "conducted law enforcement and security details while defending air baseresources. "
Dexterity. Another common skill required for journeyman responsibilities is "dexterity." This skill comes up in the duties of journeymen all the time, as "carpenters use many tools and need hand-eye coordination to avoid injuring themselves or damaging materials." An excerpt from a real journeyman resume shows how this skill is central to what a journeyman does: "install assemblies in supportive framework according to blueprints, using hand tools, power tools, and lifting and handling devices. "
The three companies that hire the most journeymans are:
- Constellation Energy Partners30 journeymen jobs
- ABM Industries11 journeymen jobs
- UPS10 journeymen jobs
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Compare different journeymen
Journeyman vs. Pipe fitter
A pipefitter specializes in pipe systems. They are mostly responsible for cutting, assembling, installing, and maintaining the pipes' condition within homes or establishments. There are also instances when a pipe fitter has to visit sites, investigate problems, and conduct tests and repairs when necessary. Most pipefitters work in a group setting and are required to communicate and coordinate with co-workers, all while adhering to a company's standards and safety policies.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a journeyman are more likely to require skills like "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "plumbing," and "osha." On the other hand, a job as a pipe fitter requires skills like "isometric drawings," "hot water," "pipe supports," and "pneumatic equipment." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Pipe fitters earn the highest salaries when working in the construction industry, with an average yearly salary of $57,501. On the other hand, journeymen are paid more in the construction industry with an average salary of $62,379.pipe fitters tend to reach similar levels of education than journeymen. In fact, pipe fitters are 1.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Journeyman vs. Electrician helper
An electrician helper is responsible for performing electrical maintenance duties under the supervision of a senior electrician. Electrician helpers conduct electrical and system installations, following protocols for the safeness of the process and components. They also inspect electrical tools and equipment before use, request supplies, and ensure the adequacy of materials during electrical operations. An electrician helper must have comprehensive knowledge of the electrical industry, be a fast learner, and have excellent time-management skills, especially when following instructions from the senior electrician on making the project successful.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that journeyman responsibilities requires skills like "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "safety procedures," and "plumbing." But an electrician helper might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "run conduit," "receptacles," "ladders," and "switches."
Electrician helpers may earn a lower salary than journeymen, but electrician helpers earn the most pay in the construction industry with an average salary of $38,321. On the other hand, journeymen receive higher pay in the construction industry, where they earn an average salary of $62,379.electrician helpers earn similar levels of education than journeymen in general. They're 2.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Journeyman vs. Carpenter helper
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.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, journeymen are more likely to have skills like "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "hvac," and "safety procedures." But a carpenter helper is more likely to have skills like "ladders," "safety rules," "scaffolding," and "door frames."
Carpenter helpers earn the highest salary when working in the construction industry, where they receive an average salary of $38,276. Comparatively, journeymen have the highest earning potential in the construction industry, with an average salary of $62,379.When it comes to education, carpenter helpers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to journeymen. In fact, they're 1.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Journeyman vs. Finish carpenter
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.
Types of journeyman
Updated January 8, 2025
