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Painter vs carpenter

The differences between painters and carpenters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes More than 10 years to become a painter, becoming a carpenter takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a painter has an average salary of $42,339, which is higher than the $41,748 average annual salary of a carpenter.

The top three skills for a painter include ladders, coats and safety procedures. The most important skills for a carpenter are hand tools, ladders, and install windows.

Painter vs carpenter overview

PainterCarpenter
Yearly salary$42,339$41,748
Hourly rate$20.36$20.07
Growth rate1%2%
Number of jobs4,4825,862
Job satisfaction4.54.86
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 42%
Average age4242
Years of experience-12

What does a painter do?

Painters are skilled professionals who handle the painting needs of clients. They work closely with their clients to ensure that they will be able to do what is expected of them. Painters are responsible for preparing paints needed for the project. They mix and swatch paints to determine which would be the best fit for the clients' needs. Painters are expected to be experts on different types of surfaces and paint bases that work on each type. As such, painters are responsible for preparing the surface for paint jobs. This may include the removal of previous paints or wallpapers. Once they have prepared the surface, they then start putting on coats of paint until the desired color or effect is met.

What does a carpenter do?

A carpenter is a skilled worker responsible for different areas of construction. Carpenters perform fabrication from raw materials. They use tools to create a successful finished product on their client's request. Carpenters must be able to multi-task, resolve any possible complications, strictly follow safety standards, and ensure that the project adheres to protocols without compromising quality and accuracy of work. Since carpentry is physical labor, carpenters are expected to be physically fit to accomplish various maintenance and production tasks.

Painter vs carpenter salary

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

PainterCarpenter
Average salary$42,339$41,748
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $59,000Between $31,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CitySacramento, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateNew JerseyNew Jersey
Best paying companyDellArgonne National Laboratory
Best paying industryEnergyConstruction

Differences between painter and carpenter education

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

PainterCarpenter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Painter vs carpenter demographics

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

PainterCarpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 86.2% Female, 13.8%Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 28.6% Asian, 2.1% White, 54.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%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 Percentage5%2%

Differences between painter and carpenter duties and responsibilities

Painter example responsibilities.

  • Cover roofs of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, and relate materials.
  • Cover roofs with layers of roofing feel or asphalt strips before installing tile, slate, or composition materials.
  • Involve escalating ladders and scaffolding.
  • Shop assistant, get tools, clean up, paint trim, paint walls, run errands, etc )
  • Mask homes to prepare for painting.
  • Support journeymen painters with daily task.
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Painter vs carpenter skills

Common painter skills
  • Ladders, 13%
  • Coats, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 7%
  • Scaffolding, 7%
  • Caulking, 6%
  • Exterior Surfaces, 5%
Common carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 17%
  • Ladders, 8%
  • Install Windows, 7%
  • Roofing, 7%
  • Safety Rules, 6%
  • Scaffolding, 6%

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