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The differences between pipe layers and trim carpenters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 3-6 months to become a pipe layer, becoming a trim carpenter takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a trim carpenter has an average salary of $45,718, which is higher than the $37,742 average annual salary of a pipe layer.
The top three skills for a pipe layer include hand tools, asphalt and water mains. The most important skills for a trim carpenter are hand tools, work ethic, and window sills.
| Pipe Layer | Trim Carpenter | |
| Yearly salary | $37,742 | $45,718 |
| Hourly rate | $18.15 | $21.98 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 1,419 | 4,929 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 69% | High School Diploma, 43% |
| Average age | 36 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 12 |
A pipe layer specializes in assembling and connecting pipes, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically include conducting initial ground assessments and examinations, digging pipe trenches, sealing pipe joints, measuring routes, and locating existing systems using particular detectors. They may also remove malfunctioning or old pipe systems, conduct inspections, ensure alignment, and perform progress reports as needed. Moreover, a pipe layer typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a safe and efficient workflow.
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 layers and trim carpenters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pipe Layer | Trim Carpenter | |
| Average salary | $37,742 | $45,718 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $48,000 | Between $34,000 And $60,000 |
| Highest paying City | Missoula, MT | Taunton, MA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | C Squared Systems | General Electric |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Construction |
There are a few differences between a pipe layer and a trim carpenter in terms of educational background:
| Pipe Layer | Trim Carpenter | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 69% | High School Diploma, 43% |
| Most common major | General Studies | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pipe layers' and trim carpenters' demographics:
| Pipe Layer | Trim Carpenter | |
| Average age | 36 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6% | Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 28.3% Asian, 1.1% White, 58.0% 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 Percentage | 2% | 2% |