Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Plasterers and Stucco Masons
Plasterers and Stucco Masons apply interior or exterior plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials. May also set ornamental plaster.
Table of contents
What they do
Plasterers and Stucco Masons apply interior or exterior plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials. May also set ornamental plaster.
- Cover surfaces such as windows, doors, or sidewalks to protect from splashing.
- Clean job sites.
- Mix mortar and plaster to desired consistency or direct workers who perform mixing.
- Apply coats of plaster or stucco to walls, ceilings, or partitions of buildings, using trowels, brushes, or spray guns.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Plasterers and Stucco Masons clean job sites. They cover surfaces such as windows, doors, or sidewalks to protect them from splashing.
A typical day for a Plasterer and Stucco Mason will also include:
- Apply coats of plaster or stucco to walls, ceilings, or partitions of buildings, using trowels, brushes, or spray guns.
- Create decorative textures in the finish coat, using brushes or trowels, sand, pebbles, or stones.
- Determine materials needed to complete the job and place orders accordingly.
- Mix mortar and plaster to desired consistency or direct workers who perform mixing.
- Cure freshly plastered surfaces.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Plasterers and Stucco Masons also mold or install ornamental plaster pieces, panels, or trim. They may also rough the undercoat surface with a scratcher so the finish coat will adhere.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Plasterers and Stucco Masons cure freshly plastered surfaces. They might also spray acoustic materials or texture finish over walls or ceilings.
In addition, they apply insulation to building exteriors by installing prefabricated insulation systems over existing walls or by covering the outer wall with an insulation board, reinforcing mesh, and a base coat.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them apply weatherproof, decorative coverings to exterior surfaces of buildings, such as by troweling or spraying on coats of stucco.
To some Plasterers and Stucco Masons, it is also their responsibility to clean and prepare surfaces for applications of plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials, such as by drywall taping.
What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
63% said they were satisfied with their job and 56% said they found their job meaningful.
I have been a plasterer all of my life and have over 10 years of experience in the industry.
Plastering is a good trade if you like to learn a skill that is always in demand. If you work on residential projects you will often be the only plasterer whereas on commercial projects you may work in a team. As a plasterer, you play a key role in renovating properties and building new homes from the ground up.
As a plasterer, it’s important you take pride in your work and follow directions, especially when you are starting out. Work can get monotonous and you will often be exhausted. However, you will earn a good salary and you will always be in demand if you are reliable and hardworking.
What is your work life like?
My work takes place on site, which in most cases a residential property. Typically, a client is building a new extension or loft and I am required to prepare the walls. When I first begin I discuss the project with the client, informing them of the work that is due to take place and how long this will take.
I will then move all of my tools and equipment into the property and begin mixing the plaster. I will then apply this to the wall ensuring that there is an even finish. I will then apply a second coat before smoothing this. When my work is complete I will clean up after myself then let the painters and decorators take over.
Pros
For me, one of the pros is finishing something with my own hands. If I am working on a new build my work forms a critical part of the construction process. I get a lot of satisfaction in doing a good job knowing that my handiwork will help create a house for someone to live in. Also, every project is different and I get to meet lots of people who are normally happy that I’m around refurbishing or updating their property.
Another great benefit of being a plasterer is that good tradesmen are always in high demand. If you decide to go self-employed and you are able to build a reputation, you will get lots of recommendations and referrals. If you do a great job for customers they will really appreciate you, and that’s a great feeling.
Cons
One of the cons of being a plasterer is that it is a physically demanding job and you may have to work long hours. If you are self-employed it is inevitable that you will have to deal with difficult customers which can be quite taxing. Also, although you will earn a respectable salary as a plasterer, I think the wages are generally higher in electric and gas.
Pros
Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.
Suitable for people who want independence and like to work on their own and make decisions.
This career is perfect for people who love to work outdoors.
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Normal working hours (40 hours per week).
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others.
Salary is below average.
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Plasterers and Stucco Masons with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $31,140 to $37,380 per year or $15 to $18 per hour.
| Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Highest (Top 10%) | $81,710 | $39 |
| Senior (Top 25%) | $62,090 | $30 |
| Median | $47,020 | $23 |
| Junior (Bottom 25%) | $37,380 | $18 |
| No experience (Bottom 10%) | $31,140 | $15 |
This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Plasterers and Stucco Masons based on their average annual salary.
| Salary by industry | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Local Government | $89330 | $42.95 |
| Other Specialty Trade Contractors | $69710 | $33.51 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $69480 | $33.41 |
| Nonresidential Building Construction | $59240 | $28.48 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | $57460 | $27.62 |
| Building Finishing Contractors | $53330 | $25.64 |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | $53150 | $25.56 |
| Employment Services | $48510 | $23.32 |
| Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | $47380 | $22.78 |
| Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors | $43690 | $21.01 |
View more salary by industries here.
Where can they work
Where can Plasterers and Stucco Masons work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Plasterers and Stucco Masons including the average salary in that industry.
| Employers | Total Employed | Annual Salary | Hourly Wages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building Finishing Contractors | 13760 | $53330 | $25.64 |
| Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors | 6310 | $43690 | $21.01 |
| Residential Building Construction | 1560 | $42440 | $20.40 |
| Other Specialty Trade Contractors | 1290 | $69710 | $33.51 |
| Nonresidential Building Construction | 1230 | $59240 | $28.48 |
| Local Government | 330 | $89330 | $42.95 |
| Employment Services | 130 | $48510 | $23.32 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 80 | $57460 | $27.62 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 60 | $69480 | $33.41 |
| Motion Picture and Video Industries | 50 | $ | $* |
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What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
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Telephone
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Group discussions
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Public speaking
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Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
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Relevant majors
Relevant work experience
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On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
They also like working with forms, designs, and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
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