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Window installer vs finish carpenter

The differences between window installers 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 window installer and a finish carpenter. Additionally, a finish carpenter has an average salary of $46,987, which is higher than the $40,179 average annual salary of a window installer.

The top three skills for a window installer include customer service, customer satisfaction and ladders. The most important skills for a finish carpenter are hand tools, custom cabinets, and safety rules.

Window installer vs finish carpenter overview

Window InstallerFinish Carpenter
Yearly salary$40,179$46,987
Hourly rate$19.32$22.59
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs20,81511,653
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age4242
Years of experience1212

What does a window installer do?

Window installers are skilled workers who take measurements and help install or replace windows in both residential and commercial buildings. These window installers are required to inspect all the new windows in buildings to demonstrate to their customers that all products are properly installed as well as to satisfy their customers. They must install various window treatments in houses and offices so that they can enhance the look of the area. Window installers must also maintain excellent customer relationships during the window installation process while following safety requirements.

What does a finish carpenter do?

Finish carpenters are skilled professionals who perform the final touches on homes after the structure is fully built. These carpenters must carry out various tasks such as installing doors, building bookshelves, and adding designs to window and door trims. They are required to follow work from sketches and drawings to complete the job to the right specifications as well as collecting the correct materials before beginning a job. Finish carpenters must also dismantle and demolish before carrying out repairs or installing new materials.

Window installer vs finish carpenter salary

Window installers and finish carpenters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Window InstallerFinish Carpenter
Average salary$40,179$46,987
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $56,000Between $34,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYBoston, MA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyMassachusetts
Best paying companyBuilding Material DistributorsTurner Construction
Best paying industryEnergyConstruction

Differences between window installer and finish carpenter education

There are a few differences between a window installer and a finish carpenter in terms of educational background:

Window InstallerFinish Carpenter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Window installer vs finish carpenter demographics

Here are the differences between window installers' and finish carpenters' demographics:

Window InstallerFinish Carpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 95.4% Female, 4.6%Male, 96.5% Female, 3.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 1.6% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%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 window installer and finish carpenter duties and responsibilities

Window installer example responsibilities.

  • Manage telecommunications, data and CCTV equipment.
  • Work at grind level as well as use ladders to reach upper floor windows.
  • Repair and or replacement of damage siding, shingles, fascia and window wrapping.
  • Install windows, setup ladders, cleanup, remove windows, cut trim on a brake.
  • Remove old shingles, clean surface, and fasten shingles to roof using cement or asphalt.
  • Remodel homes and roofing to customer specifications.
  • 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

Window installer vs finish carpenter skills

Common window installer skills
  • Customer Service, 43%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 21%
  • Ladders, 10%
  • Work Ethic, 10%
  • New Windows, 4%
  • Window Treatments, 3%
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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