Lumberjack vs carpenter

The differences between lumberjacks and carpenters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a lumberjack, becoming a carpenter takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a lumberjack has an average salary of $55,728, which is higher than the $41,748 average annual salary of a carpenter.

The top three skills for a lumberjack include chain saws, cut trees and . The most important skills for a carpenter are hand tools, ladders, and install windows.

Lumberjack vs carpenter overview

	Lumberjack	Carpenter
Yearly salary	$55,728	$41,748
Hourly rate	$26.79	$20.07
Growth rate	-4%	2%
Number of jobs	1,969	5,862
Job satisfaction	-	4.86
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	41	42
Years of experience	6	12

Lumberjack vs carpenter salary

Lumberjacks and carpenters have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Lumberjack	Carpenter
Average salary	$55,728	$41,748
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $110,000	Between $31,000 And $54,000
Highest paying City	-	New York, NY
Highest paying state	-	New Jersey
Best paying company	-	Argonne National Laboratory
Best paying industry	-	Construction

Differences between lumberjack and carpenter education

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

	Lumberjack	Carpenter
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	General Studies	Business
Most common college	-	-

Lumberjack vs carpenter demographics

Here are the differences between lumberjacks' and carpenters' demographics:

	Lumberjack	Carpenter
Average age	41	42
Gender ratio	Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 1.1% White, 75.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.8%	Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	4%	2%

Differences between lumberjack and carpenter duties and responsibilities

Lumberjack example responsibilities.

Operate heavy machinery including skidder and forwarder
Gain experience with fiber optics, team building, OSHA safety standards, cable and internet systems

Carpenter example responsibilities.

Remodel homes, roofing, electric, plumbing, framework, Sheetrock, finishing work.
Hoist tar and roofing materials to roofs, using ropes and pulleys, or carry materials up ladders.
Follow establish safety rules and regulations as specified by OSHA and maintain a safe and clean work environment.
Perform new construction, concrete foundations, layout framing, formwork, roofing, site preparation through fine finish.
Perform work including, fiberglass framing, concrete form, scaffolding, erecting metal stud walls, drywall and general carpentry
General labor practices, carpentry, masonry, cement pouring, hardwood floors, cleanup, and other duties as assigned.

Lumberjack vs carpenter skills

Common lumberjack skills

Chain Saws, 68%
Cut Trees, 32%

Common carpenter skills

Hand Tools, 17%
Ladders, 8%
Install Windows, 7%
Roofing, 7%
Safety Rules, 6%
Scaffolding, 6%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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