Plasterers and Stucco Masons
Apply interior or exterior plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials. May also set ornamental plaster.
Also called: Applicator, Decorative Plasterer, Dry Plasterer, Hard Surface Plasterer, Mason Plasterer, Molding Plasterer
Median pay
$57,660
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$39,560 – $96,710
People employed
19,310
Holland code
RCA
Realistic · Conventional · Artistic
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.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 3.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 4.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 5.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 6.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 7.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 8.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Work outdoors in all weather
Plasterers and Stucco Masons pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (28 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What plasterers and stucco masons do
- 01Cover surfaces such as windows, doors, or sidewalks to protect from splashing.
- 02Apply coats of plaster or stucco to walls, ceilings, or partitions of buildings, using trowels, brushes, or spray guns.
- 03Rough the undercoat surface with a scratcher so the finish coat will adhere.
- 04Set up scaffolds.
- 05Clean and prepare surfaces for applications of plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials, such as by drywall taping.
- 06Cure freshly plastered surfaces.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Building and Construction
- Administration and Management
- Design
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
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: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
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 plasterers and stucco masons
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters79% · −18%
- Furniture Finishers73% · −23%
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers73% · −7%
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic71% · +11%
- Fence Erectors71% · −17%
Change into plasterers and stucco masons
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters81% · $47,550
- Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons81% · $40,470
- Furniture Finishers77% · $44,540
- Helpers--Roofers77% · $44,160
- Helpers--Carpenters75% · $43,780