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Lead carpenter vs construction supervisor

The differences between lead carpenters and construction supervisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a lead carpenter, becoming a construction supervisor takes usually requires More than 10 years. Additionally, a construction supervisor has an average salary of $62,881, which is higher than the $49,228 average annual salary of a lead carpenter.

The top three skills for a lead carpenter include safety rules, roofing and plumbing. The most important skills for a construction supervisor are customer service, OSHA, and project management.

Lead carpenter vs construction supervisor overview

Lead CarpenterConstruction Supervisor
Yearly salary$49,228$62,881
Hourly rate$23.67$30.23
Growth rate2%8%
Number of jobs6,35932,487
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Average age4246
Years of experience12-

What does a lead carpenter do?

A lead carpenter is responsible for monitoring field carpenters on performing construction duties, analyzing schematics and blueprints, following clients' specifications, completing the project within the agreed timeframe, and maintaining materials with the budget goals, ensuring the highest quality and client's satisfaction. Lead carpenters regularly inspect the project, perform adjustments as needed, repair defects and inconsistencies, and adhere to the safety standards and protocols during operations. A lead carpenter must have excellent knowledge of the carpentry industry to handle clients' demands and efficiently create the finished product.

What does a construction supervisor do?

Construction supervisors ensure construction team members work jointly to deliver excellent work on time. They provide team-building sessions and training and monitor the construction processes. These professionals ensure the construction processes take place every time as per the safety regulations and health regulations. Besides creating budgets, project plans, reports and delivering them to the appropriate stakeholders, construction supervisors also perform routine site, material, and equipment inspections. They always remain updated about the construction advancements and construction safety codes.

Lead carpenter vs construction supervisor salary

Lead carpenters and construction supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Lead CarpenterConstruction Supervisor
Average salary$49,228$62,881
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $65,000Between $42,000 And $92,000
Highest paying CitySan Jose, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateMassachusettsNew York
Best paying companyBrasfield & GorrieSBA Communications
Best paying industryConstructionEnergy

Differences between lead carpenter and construction supervisor education

There are a few differences between a lead carpenter and a construction supervisor in terms of educational background:

Lead CarpenterConstruction Supervisor
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Lead carpenter vs construction supervisor demographics

Here are the differences between lead carpenters' and construction supervisors' demographics:

Lead CarpenterConstruction Supervisor
Average age4246
Gender ratioMale, 97.6% Female, 2.4%Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.4% 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, 5.1% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 22.9% Asian, 1.4% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between lead carpenter and construction supervisor duties and responsibilities

Lead carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Manage complete renovations and new construction of banks for commercial construction company.
  • Erect scaffolding, pump jacks, ladder jacks and ladders for assembling structures over head height.
  • Erect scaffolding for buildings and ship structures and installs ladders, handrails, walkways, platforms and gangways.
  • Remodel, framing, fire/flood restoration, demo and build back and new construction builds, install Sheetrock, special projects.
  • Bore boltholes in timber, masonry or concrete walls, using power drill.
  • Lead the coordination of projects with subcontractors such as plumbers, electricians, and HVAC.
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Construction supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Manage third party contractors, including safety oversight, control inspection and environmental design specification compliance, and also direct consultants.
  • Conduct site visits to ensure OSHA and local safety regulations are adhered to in accordance with company policy.
  • Perform caulking tasks which include: priming, air barrier on walls and utilizing mechanical tools.
  • Perform daily project walk-through to assess safety and cleanliness, thus ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations and insurance requirement.
  • Maintain the church building and school including general repairs, preventative maintenance, HVAC and scheduling contractors for repairs as needed.
  • Purchase framing, siding, cornice, roofing, finish carpentry and all other materials necessary, maintaining effective inventory control.
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Lead carpenter vs construction supervisor skills

Common lead carpenter skills
  • Safety Rules, 12%
  • Roofing, 11%
  • Plumbing, 10%
  • Door Installation, 6%
  • Drywall Installation, 5%
  • Power Saws, 4%
Common construction supervisor skills
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • OSHA, 8%
  • Project Management, 8%
  • Work Ethic, 6%
  • Construction Management, 5%
  • Construction Sites, 5%

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