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Also known as: Drywall Finisher, Drywall Mechanic, Drywall Taper, Finisher
The fluorescent lights of the unfinished office building hum above as you arrive at 6:30 AM in downtown Dallas. You pull on your safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots, grabbing your hard hat. First, you head to the mixing station, preparing a batch of all-purpose joint compound, known as "mud," to the perfect consistency. Dust from the previous day's drywall installation still hangs subtly in the air as you lay out your tools: a mud pan, several taping knives, and your automatic taper.
Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.
-1.6%
US average: +3.5%
900
per year (US)
15,800
in 2025 → 15,500 (2035)
No formal educational credential
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.
Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)
This career offers a stable outlook with about 900 job openings projected each year through 2035, though overall employment is expected to decline slightly (-1.6%). Tapers earn a median annual wage of $68,270. With experience, you can advance into roles overseeing teams or move into project management and estimation.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$68,270
Median annual wage, BLS 2025
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
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Vocational • Design & Architecture • 4 years
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