Tapers

Also Called: Drywall Finisher, Drywall Taper, Finisher, Taper

High School Diploma/GED

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$43,870

Entry Salary

Below Average

Job outlook

What Tapers do

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

  • Spread sealing compound between boards or panels or over cracks, holes, nail heads, or screw heads, using trowels, broadknives, or spatulas.
  • Press paper tape over joints to embed tape into sealing compound and to seal joints.
  • Apply additional coats to fill in holes and make surfaces smooth.
Industry Areas:

Construction

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Spend Time Standing
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  • Exposed to Contaminants

Tools

  • Putty knives
  • Hand sprayers
  • Tape guide
  • Trowels
  • Paint rollers

Technology

Accounting software
Intuit QuickBooks
Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal
Project management software
DevWave Estimate Works
On Center Quick Bid
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Microsoft Dynamics

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Basic Skills
  • Social

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
building and construction
Arts and Humanities
English language

Education

  • 46% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 29% Less than high school diploma
  • 25% Post-secondary certificate

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Tapers Currently Selected

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Steamfitters

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Landscape Architects

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

There are currently no college programs for this career.

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

Work Styles

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Leadership
  • Independence
  • Integrity
  • Cooperation

Values

  • Relationships
  • Support
  • Working Conditions

Abilities

  • Hand and Finger Use
  • Endurance

This is what Tapers across the country typically make.

$21.09 / hour
$43,870 /year

Entry Level

$30.46 / hour
$63,350 /year

Median Level

$49.58 / hour
$103,130 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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