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Union carpenter vs framer

The differences between union carpenters and framers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a union carpenter and a framer. Additionally, a union carpenter has an average salary of $46,816, which is higher than the $34,298 average annual salary of a framer.

The top three skills for a union carpenter include safety rules, drywall installation and stud. The most important skills for a framer are customer service, safety rules, and nail guns.

Union carpenter vs framer overview

Union CarpenterFramer
Yearly salary$46,816$34,298
Hourly rate$22.51$16.49
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs5,0095,247
Job satisfaction55
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%High School Diploma, 44%
Average age4242
Years of experience1212

What does a union carpenter do?

A Union Carpenter is a skilled tradesman who works with wood and any other building trade materials. Union carpenters are national union members who are doing carpentry tasks. They negotiate on behalf of the union members. Often, they receive higher wages due to the collective representation and bargaining from the union. They also make drywall repair, custom cabinets, window frames, rough carpentry, safety rules, and project layout.

What does a framer do?

A framer is responsible for devising work plans and assembling the framework structure essential for constructing houses and other facilities. Moreover, they are also responsible for finding the appropriate materials needed for the project, setting the budget, managing the schedule, and consulting with the client for their preferences. The duties of a framer mainly involve physical work and attention to detail. There are instances when one must operate various power tools and equipment, understand blueprints, and even climb up high places.

Union carpenter vs framer salary

Union carpenters and framers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Union CarpenterFramer
Average salary$46,816$34,298
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $63,000Between $26,000 And $45,000
Highest paying City-Apple Valley, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-Builders FirstSource
Best paying industry-Construction

Differences between union carpenter and framer education

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

Union CarpenterFramer
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%High School Diploma, 44%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Union carpenter vs framer demographics

Here are the differences between union carpenters' and framers' demographics:

Union CarpenterFramer
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 95.2% Female, 4.8%Male, 88.2% Female, 11.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 1.6% White, 61.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 1.6% White, 61.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between union carpenter and framer duties and responsibilities

Union carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Perform general carpentry, specializing in the installation of acoustic ceilings and sheetrock.
  • Coordinate with electricians plumbers and HVAC sub-contractors.
  • Use of acoustical caulking on walls for sound proofing.
  • damage repair, color matching, touch up and high end caulking detail.
  • Overlook all trades (carpenters, electricians, plumber, hvac, welders, equipment operators, surveyors )
  • Utilize the formwork supply by the contractor to build forms design to construct concrete buildings, bridges and tunnels.
  • Show more

Framer example responsibilities.

  • Build walls, soffits, bulkheads, jigs.
  • Build walls, soffits, bulk heads, jigs.
  • Help set up temporary scaffolding.
  • Install siding and shingles to exterior.
  • Light demo clean up and organization of construction materials.
  • Used impact drills, drivers, cut metal studs with snips
  • Show more

Union carpenter vs framer skills

Common union carpenter skills
  • Safety Rules, 16%
  • Drywall Installation, 12%
  • Stud, 9%
  • Construction Projects, 6%
  • Blueprint Specifications, 6%
  • Acoustical Ceilings, 5%
Common framer skills
  • Customer Service, 26%
  • Safety Rules, 13%
  • Nail Guns, 10%
  • Tape Measure, 10%
  • Window Frames, 6%
  • Sheetrock, 3%

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