Tapers
Seal joints between plasterboard or other wallboard to prepare wall surface for painting or papering.
Also called: Drywall Finisher, Drywall Mechanic, Drywall Taper, Finisher, Patch Guy, Patcher
Median pay
$68,270
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$43,670 – $107,110
People employed
12,840
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.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 3.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 4.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 5.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 6.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 7.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 8.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Tapers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (27 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What tapers do
- 01Press paper tape over joints to embed tape into sealing compound and to seal joints.
- 02Spread and smooth cementing material over tape, using trowels or floating machines to blend joints with wall surfaces.
- 03Spread sealing compound between boards or panels or over cracks, holes, nail heads, or screw heads, using trowels, broadknives, or spatulas.
- 04Work on high ceilings, using scaffolding or other tools, such as stilts.
- 05Seal joints between plasterboard or other wallboard to prepare wall surfaces for painting or papering.
- 06Apply additional coats to fill in holes and make surfaces smooth.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Learning Strategies
Knowledge
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- Building and Construction
Work styles that stand out
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- 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 tapers
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers71% · +1%
- Riggers71% · −8%
- Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters70% · −10%
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic69% · −6%
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers68% · +40%
Change into tapers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons78% · $40,470
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers77% · $49,450
- Helpers--Roofers77% · $44,160
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners72% · $36,840
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand72% · $40,240