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Plumber helper vs trim carpenter

The differences between plumber helpers and trim carpenters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a plumber helper, 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 $43,893 average annual salary of a plumber helper.

The top three skills for a plumber helper include hand tools, plumbing and cast iron. The most important skills for a trim carpenter are hand tools, work ethic, and window sills.

Plumber helper vs trim carpenter overview

Plumber HelperTrim Carpenter
Yearly salary$43,893$45,718
Hourly rate$21.10$21.98
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs21,9634,929
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 58%High School Diploma, 43%
Average age4242
Years of experience412

What does a plumber helper do?

A plumber helper is responsible for assisting the head plumber in installing plumbing systems, conducting preventive maintenance, and repairing broken components. Plumber helpers inspect and maintain the stability and condition of all the plumbing equipment to avoid potential hazards and ensure no delays in operations. They also adjust pipe systems, replace outdated gutters, and adhere to the highest safety standards and protocols during operations. A plumber helper must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills to perform services under minimal supervision and strict timetables.

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.

Plumber helper vs trim carpenter salary

Plumber helpers and trim carpenters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Plumber HelperTrim Carpenter
Average salary$43,893$45,718
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $66,000Between $34,000 And $60,000
Highest paying CitySan Jose, CATaunton, MA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsCalifornia
Best paying companyENCON HeatingGeneral Electric
Best paying industryManufacturingConstruction

Differences between plumber helper and trim carpenter education

There are a few differences between a plumber helper and a trim carpenter in terms of educational background:

Plumber HelperTrim Carpenter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 58%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Plumber helper vs trim carpenter demographics

Here are the differences between plumber helpers' and trim carpenters' demographics:

Plumber HelperTrim Carpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 96.2% Female, 3.8%Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 1.9% White, 63.4% 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 plumber helper and trim carpenter duties and responsibilities

Plumber helper example responsibilities.

  • Train and manage less experience plumbers and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
  • Install lavatories, help install urinals and commodes, roof drains and hose-bibs.
  • Assist journeyman plumber with measuring, cutting, brazing and sweating copper and copper fittings.
  • Perform solder brazing, some rough work with acetylene torch and grinders and various cutting implements.
  • Used tools of the trade; pipe cutters, cutting torches, pipe threading and pipe bending machines
  • Operate equipment such as cutting torches, threading machines, grinders, beveling machines and round up clamps.
  • 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

Plumber helper vs trim carpenter skills

Common plumber helper skills
  • Hand Tools, 36%
  • Plumbing, 18%
  • Cast Iron, 18%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • PEX, 5%
  • Sewer Lines, 2%
Common trim carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 15%
  • Work Ethic, 11%
  • Window Sills, 9%
  • Safety Rules, 8%
  • Ladders, 7%
  • Scaffolding, 7%

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