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Union carpenter vs trim carpenter

The differences between union carpenters and trim 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 union carpenter and a trim carpenter. Additionally, a union carpenter has an average salary of $46,816, which is higher than the $45,718 average annual salary of a trim carpenter.

The top three skills for a union carpenter include safety rules, drywall installation and stud. The most important skills for a trim carpenter are hand tools, work ethic, and window sills.

Union carpenter vs trim carpenter overview

Union CarpenterTrim Carpenter
Yearly salary$46,816$45,718
Hourly rate$22.51$21.98
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs5,0094,929
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%High School Diploma, 43%
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 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.

Union carpenter vs trim carpenter salary

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

Union CarpenterTrim Carpenter
Average salary$46,816$45,718
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $63,000Between $34,000 And $60,000
Highest paying City-Taunton, MA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-General Electric
Best paying industry-Construction

Differences between union carpenter and trim carpenter education

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

Union CarpenterTrim Carpenter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Union carpenter vs trim carpenter demographics

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

Union CarpenterTrim Carpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 95.2% Female, 4.8%Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%
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, 7.1% 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 union carpenter and trim carpenter 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

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

Union carpenter vs trim carpenter skills

Common union carpenter skills
  • Safety Rules, 16%
  • Drywall Installation, 12%
  • Stud, 9%
  • Construction Projects, 6%
  • Blueprint Specifications, 6%
  • Acoustical Ceilings, 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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