Seal joints between plasterboard or other wallboard to prepare wall surface for painting or papering.
SOC: 47-2082.00
Common Job Titles
Drywall Finisher
Drywall Taper
Finisher
Taper
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeApply building and construction principles to determine appropriate joint compound application and finishing methods for different wallboard types.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess quality of finished wall surfaces against construction specifications and customer expectations prior to final approval.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform joint sealing and finishing of wallboard surfaces using taping knives, trowels, and automatic taping tools in residential and commercial construction settings.
Developing
Hands-onOperate texture sprayers and hopper guns to apply finishing compounds on wall surfaces following project specifications.
Developing
KnowledgeIdentify surface imperfections and joint irregularities through visual inspection of plasterboard installations prior to finishing.
Developing
Hands-onExecute sanding and smoothing techniques using power sanders and hand tools to prepare walls for painting or papering.
Developing
KnowledgeEstimate material quantities and project timelines based on job specifications and surface area calculations.
Developing
Hands-onManipulate corner rollers and corner knives to achieve smooth, uniform joints on inside and outside corners.
Developing
MindsetEngage with construction team members and supervisors to coordinate taping schedules and ensure project quality standards.
Developing
Hands-onPerform mixing and preparation of joint compounds using mud mixing drills to achieve proper consistency and workability.
Developing
KnowledgeApply time management and work organization techniques to complete multiple taping projects efficiently while maintaining quality standards.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Tapers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
12,500
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $43,450. 25th percentile: U.S. $50,780. 50th percentile: U.S. $64,700. 75th percentile: U.S. $82,990. 90th percentile: U.S. $106,160. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$43,450
10% of workers earn the following or more
$106,160
Workers on average earn
$70,390
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Building and Construction4.0/5
English Language2.6/5
Education and Training2.5/5
Customer and Personal Service2.5/5
Mechanical2.4/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
