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Pipe fitter vs trim carpenter

The differences between pipe fitters and trim carpenters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a pipe fitter has an average salary of $51,055, which is higher than the $45,718 average annual salary of a trim carpenter.

The top three skills for a pipe fitter include carbon steel, hand tools and safety procedures. The most important skills for a trim carpenter are hand tools, work ethic, and window sills.

Pipe fitter vs trim carpenter overview

Pipe FitterTrim Carpenter
Yearly salary$51,055$45,718
Hourly rate$24.55$21.98
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs12,8464,929
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 43%
Average age4242
Years of experience-12

What does a pipe fitter do?

A pipefitter specializes in pipe systems. They are mostly responsible for cutting, assembling, installing, and maintaining the pipes' condition within homes or establishments. There are also instances when a pipe fitter has to visit sites, investigate problems, and conduct tests and repairs when necessary. Most pipefitters work in a group setting and are required to communicate and coordinate with co-workers, all while adhering to a company's standards and safety policies.

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.

Pipe fitter vs trim carpenter salary

Pipe fitters and trim carpenters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Pipe FitterTrim Carpenter
Average salary$51,055$45,718
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $63,000Between $34,000 And $60,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYTaunton, MA
Highest paying stateMinnesotaCalifornia
Best paying companySpangler CandyGeneral Electric
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between pipe fitter and trim carpenter education

There are a few differences between a pipe fitter and a trim carpenter in terms of educational background:

Pipe FitterTrim Carpenter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Pipe fitter vs trim carpenter demographics

Here are the differences between pipe fitters' and trim carpenters' demographics:

Pipe FitterTrim Carpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 96.2% Female, 3.8%Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 1.9% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%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 pipe fitter and trim carpenter duties and responsibilities

Pipe fitter example responsibilities.

  • Certify GTAW & SMAW in various alloys on pipe and pipeline within various refineries.
  • Join piping by threading, caulking, wiping, soldering, brazing, fuse, or cement joints.
  • Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe theaters.
  • Read blue prints and ISO metric drawings.
  • Set up face blocks, jigs, and fixtures.
  • Collaborate with journeymen of many trades to complete tasks.
  • Show more

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

Pipe fitter vs trim carpenter skills

Common pipe fitter skills
  • Carbon Steel, 16%
  • Hand Tools, 11%
  • Safety Procedures, 7%
  • Isometric Drawings, 6%
  • Hot Water, 5%
  • Pipe Supports, 5%
Common trim carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 15%
  • Work Ethic, 11%
  • Window Sills, 9%
  • Safety Rules, 8%
  • Ladders, 7%
  • Scaffolding, 7%

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