Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons
Also called: Painter Helpers
Help painters, paperhangers, plasterers, or stucco masons by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
Also called: Billboard Poster Helper, Bridge Painter Helper, Dry Plasterer Helper, Exterior Work Helper, Helper, Highway Painter Helper
Median pay
$40,470
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$31,200 – $52,000
People employed
7,490
Holland code
RCS
Realistic · Conventional · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 2.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 3.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 4.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 5.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 6.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 7.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons pay by state
Annual median pay by state (25 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons salary in every state →
What helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons do
- 01Clean work areas and equipment.
- 02Supply or hold tools and materials.
- 03Apply protective coverings, such as masking tape, to articles or areas that could be damaged or stained by work processes.
- 04Smooth surfaces of articles to be painted, using sanding and buffing tools and equipment.
- 05Erect scaffolding.
- 06Perform support duties to assist painters, paperhangers, plasterers, or masons.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
Knowledge
- Building and Construction
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers82% · −2%
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons81% · +42%
- Terrazzo Workers and Finishers81% · +88%
- Carpenters80% · +50%
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers80% · +41%
Change into helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers79% · $39,630
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance74% · $49,400
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners70% · $36,840
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers70% · $39,150
- Paperhangers69% · $52,140