What is the salary of a Taper?

The typical salary range is $45,290 - $90,580 per year.

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ConstructionStable

Taper

Operational-level

Also known as: Drywall Finisher, Drywall Mechanic, Drywall Taper, Finisher

ConstructionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Seal joints between plasterboard or other wallboard to prepare wall surface for painting or papering.

Drywall FinishingPlasteringPainting PreparationRenovationConstructionSkilled TradesBuilding ConstructionBuildingSkilled Trade

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Intuit QuickBooks Microsoft Office software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-1.6%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

900

per year (US)

Jobs today

15,800

in 2025 → 15,500 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

Moderate

Working in a team

Moderate

Contact with others

Moderate

Freedom to make decisions

Moderate

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

Low

Working outdoors

Low

Indoor, climate-controlled

Moderate

Dealing with customers

Moderate

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This field maintains steady employment levels with consistent demand. Job opportunities remain available with moderate competition.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Obrero de construcción
Ayudante de instalador de paneles de yeso
Ayudante de pintor

Taper

Where it can lead

Jefe de equipo de acabados de paneles de yeso
Supervisor de construcción
Estimador de proyectos

Impact of AI on this Job

While AI might optimize material ordering and project scheduling, the intricate hand-eye coordination and judgment required for precise joint sealing will likely remain a human task. AI-powered tools could potentially assist with quality control or robotic pre-application of base coats in large, standardized projects, augmenting rather than fully replacing human tapers.

Salary

$68,270

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position