Construction & Extraction
Tapers
Also called: Drywall Finisher, Drywall Mechanic, Drywall Taper, Finisher
US median pay
$68,270
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-1.6%
declining
Openings a year (US)
900
15,800 employed
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Seal joints between plasterboard or other wallboard to prepare wall surface for painting or papering.
What they do day to day
- Press paper tape over joints to embed tape into sealing compound and to seal joints.
- Spread and smooth cementing material over tape, using trowels or floating machines to blend joints with wall surfaces.
- Spread sealing compound between boards or panels or over cracks, holes, nail heads, or screw heads, using trowels, broadknives, or spatulas.
- Work on high ceilings, using scaffolding or other tools, such as stilts.
- Seal joints between plasterboard or other wallboard to prepare wall surfaces for painting or papering.
- Apply additional coats to fill in holes and make surfaces smooth.
- Countersink nails or screws below surfaces of walls before applying sealing compounds, using hammers or screwdrivers.
- Mix sealing compounds by hand or with portable electric mixers.
- Sand or patch nicks or cracks in plasterboard or wallboard.
- Select the correct sealing compound or tape.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Time Management2.8/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.6/5
- Coordination2.6/5
- Quality Control Analysis2.1/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.1/5
- Service Orientation2.0/5
- Instructing2.0/5
- Troubleshooting1.9/5
Knowledge
- English Language3.6/5
- Administration and Management3.5/5
- Public Safety and Security3.4/5
- Education and Training3.3/5
- Building and Construction3.1/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.0/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): No formal educational credential.
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.