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Metal stud framer vs trim carpenter

The differences between metal stud framers and trim 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 trim carpenter. Additionally, a trim carpenter has an average salary of $45,718, 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 trim carpenter are hand tools, work ethic, and window sills.

Metal stud framer vs trim carpenter overview

Metal Stud FramerTrim Carpenter
Yearly salary$42,864$45,718
Hourly rate$20.61$21.98
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs2,8844,929
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 55%High School Diploma, 43%
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 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.

Metal stud framer vs trim carpenter salary

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

Metal Stud FramerTrim Carpenter
Average salary$42,864$45,718
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $55,000Between $34,000 And $60,000
Highest paying City-Taunton, MA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-General Electric
Best paying industry-Construction

Differences between metal stud framer and trim carpenter education

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

Metal Stud FramerTrim Carpenter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 55%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Metal stud framer vs trim carpenter demographics

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

Metal Stud FramerTrim Carpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 97.4% Female, 2.6%Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%
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, 7.1% 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 metal stud framer and trim 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.

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

Metal stud framer vs trim carpenter skills

Common metal stud framer skills
  • Stud, 32%
  • Ladders, 14%
  • Safety Rules, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Drywall Installation, 7%
  • Scaffolding, 7%
Common trim carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 15%
  • Work Ethic, 11%
  • Window Sills, 9%
  • Safety Rules, 8%
  • Ladders, 7%
  • Scaffolding, 7%

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