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Prop maker vs finish carpenter

The differences between prop makers and finish 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 prop maker and a finish carpenter. Additionally, a prop maker has an average salary of $54,499, which is higher than the $46,987 average annual salary of a finish carpenter.

The top three skills for a prop maker include table saws, MIG and . The most important skills for a finish carpenter are hand tools, custom cabinets, and safety rules.

Prop maker vs finish carpenter overview

Prop MakerFinish Carpenter
Yearly salary$54,499$46,987
Hourly rate$26.20$22.59
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs6,97711,653
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age4242
Years of experience1212

Prop maker vs finish carpenter salary

Prop makers and finish carpenters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Prop MakerFinish Carpenter
Average salary$54,499$46,987
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $83,000Between $34,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City-Boston, MA
Highest paying state-Massachusetts
Best paying company-Turner Construction
Best paying industry-Construction

Differences between prop maker and finish carpenter education

There are a few differences between a prop maker and a finish carpenter in terms of educational background:

Prop MakerFinish Carpenter
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorFine ArtsBusiness
Most common college--

Prop maker vs finish carpenter demographics

Here are the differences between prop makers' and finish carpenters' demographics:

Prop MakerFinish Carpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 84.2% Female, 15.8%Male, 96.5% Female, 3.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 24.4% Asian, 1.6% White, 60.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between prop maker and finish carpenter duties and responsibilities

Prop maker example responsibilities.

  • Lead a team in creation of costumes for mascot character development for entertainment studios and theme parks.
  • Manage, implement and review safety policies, conduct safety audits as required as well as conduct JSA tool box talks.
  • Observe and follows all safety rules and procedures, including wearing require PPE.
  • Take 2D concept art and make functioning complete props and costumes with budget and time frame limitations.
  • Operate hoists, cranes, and power tools to dismantle equipment to find and remove defective parts.
  • Measure & marks cutting lines on material, using work aids, like jigs fixtures, micrometers, calipers and templates.
  • Show more

Finish carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Install cabinets, vinyl, FRP, carpet, windows, Sheetrock, painting, HVAC
  • Assist with electrical wiring and HVAC installation.
  • Operate tools like lather, drills, sanders and planers.
  • Demo rooms and add on with new framing Sheetrock and flooring.
  • Assist HVAC technicians with changing filters and belts on the air handler units.
  • Complete demo of existing cabinets, tile, drywall, electrical wirings, appliances etc.
  • Show more

Prop maker vs finish carpenter skills

Common prop maker skills
  • Table Saws, 71%
  • MIG, 29%
Common finish carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 19%
  • Custom Cabinets, 13%
  • Safety Rules, 7%
  • Drywall Installation, 4%
  • Door Hardware, 4%
  • Window Installation, 3%

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