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Metal stud framer vs finish carpenter

The differences between metal stud framers and finish carpenters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a metal stud framer and a finish carpenter. Additionally, a finish carpenter has an average salary of $46,987, which is higher than the $42,864 average annual salary of a metal stud framer.

The top three skills for a metal stud framer include stud, ladders and safety rules. The most important skills for a finish carpenter are hand tools, custom cabinets, and safety rules.

Metal stud framer vs finish carpenter overview

Metal Stud FramerFinish Carpenter
Yearly salary$42,864$46,987
Hourly rate$20.61$22.59
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs2,88411,653
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 55%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age4242
Years of experience1212

What does a metal stud framer do?

A metal stud framer is a construction worker who specializes in assembling wall systems. They are responsible for preparing metal studs for a number of uses. They are required to construct steel frames with the appropriate tools and safety equipment, to work with the construction team to achieve set objectives, and to ensure equipment is properly assembled and meets safety regulations.

What does a finish carpenter do?

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.

Metal stud framer vs finish carpenter salary

Metal stud framers and finish carpenters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Metal Stud FramerFinish Carpenter
Average salary$42,864$46,987
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $55,000Between $34,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City-Boston, MA
Highest paying state-Massachusetts
Best paying company-Turner Construction
Best paying industry-Construction

Differences between metal stud framer and finish carpenter education

There are a few differences between a metal stud framer and a finish carpenter in terms of educational background:

Metal Stud FramerFinish Carpenter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 55%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Metal stud framer vs finish carpenter demographics

Here are the differences between metal stud framers' and finish carpenters' demographics:

Metal Stud FramerFinish Carpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 97.4% Female, 2.6%Male, 96.5% Female, 3.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 30.0% Asian, 1.6% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between metal stud framer and finish carpenter duties and responsibilities

Metal stud framer example responsibilities.

  • Work as a metal stud framer and drywall installation apprentice on union and prevailing wage jobs.
  • Restore damage homes due to water or fire damage, including demo damage framing, drywal, truses, electrical etc ...
  • Ensure that the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) are worn for each task to reduce injuries.

Finish carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Install cabinets, vinyl, FRP, carpet, windows, Sheetrock, painting, HVAC
  • Assist with electrical wiring and HVAC installation.
  • Operate tools like lather, drills, sanders and planers.
  • Demo rooms and add on with new framing Sheetrock and flooring.
  • Assist HVAC technicians with changing filters and belts on the air handler units.
  • Complete demo of existing cabinets, tile, drywall, electrical wirings, appliances etc.
  • Show more

Metal stud framer vs finish carpenter skills

Common metal stud framer skills
  • Stud, 32%
  • Ladders, 14%
  • Safety Rules, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Drywall Installation, 7%
  • Scaffolding, 7%
Common finish carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 19%
  • Custom Cabinets, 13%
  • Safety Rules, 7%
  • Drywall Installation, 4%
  • Door Hardware, 4%
  • Window Installation, 3%

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