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Journeyman plumber vs trim carpenter

The differences between journeyman plumbers 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 plumber, becoming a trim carpenter takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a journeyman plumber has an average salary of $54,678, which is higher than the $45,718 average annual salary of a trim carpenter.

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

Journeyman plumber vs trim carpenter overview

Journeyman PlumberTrim Carpenter
Yearly salary$54,678$45,718
Hourly rate$26.29$21.98
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs10,8694,929
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 43%
Average age4242
Years of experience412

What does a journeyman plumber do?

A journeyman plumber is responsible for conducting basic plumbing tasks, such as installing and repairing plumbing lines under the supervision of a head plumber. Journeyman plumbers connect pipes and ensure the stability of plumbing lines to avoid potential hazards and possible defects. They handle the maintenance and replacement of fixtures and identify the source of failure to adjust pressure and seal connections as needed. A journeyman plumber must be able to detect irregularities immediately and provide estimate costing to the customers for repairs.

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 plumber vs trim carpenter salary

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

Journeyman PlumberTrim Carpenter
Average salary$54,678$45,718
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $81,000Between $34,000 And $60,000
Highest paying CityPortland, ORTaunton, MA
Highest paying stateOregonCalifornia
Best paying companyConstellation Energy PartnersGeneral Electric
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between journeyman plumber and trim carpenter education

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

Journeyman PlumberTrim Carpenter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Journeyman plumber vs trim carpenter demographics

Here are the differences between journeyman plumbers' and trim carpenters' demographics:

Journeyman PlumberTrim Carpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 97.1% Female, 2.9%Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 1.9% White, 65.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%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 plumber and trim carpenter duties and responsibilities

Journeyman plumber example responsibilities.

  • Train and manage less experience plumbers and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
  • Operate equipment such as cutting torches, threading machines, grinder, soldering and brazing.
  • Install and join copper, PVC, black iron and cast iron pipe and fittings below grind and above grind.
  • Work on sanitary sewer, rain leaders, and condensate lines using cast iron, PVC, and copper pipe.
  • Replace plumbing fixtures, water heaters, gas and electric, filtration systems, dishwashers, and service piping to structures.
  • Perform complete plumbing installations from rough-in to finishing according to Minnesota codes.
  • 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 plumber vs trim carpenter skills

Common journeyman plumber skills
  • Plumbing, 20%
  • Hand Tools, 19%
  • Work Ethic, 12%
  • Drainage Systems, 6%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Pipe Fittings, 4%
Common trim carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 15%
  • Work Ethic, 11%
  • Window Sills, 9%
  • Safety Rules, 8%
  • Ladders, 7%
  • Scaffolding, 7%

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