Paperhangers
SOC Code: 47-2142Also known as:
Advertising Installer, Advertising Poster, Bill Board Poster, Bill Poster, Bill Poster Installer
Median Annual Salary
$48,260
+5.3% growth (2024-2034)
200
Openings/Year
2K
Current Jobs
What Paperhangers Do
Cover interior walls or ceilings of rooms with decorative wallpaper or fabric, or attach advertising posters on surfaces such as walls and billboards. May remove old materials or prepare surfaces to be papered.
💰 Salary
$48,260
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+5.3%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
200
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
2,300
Projected Employment (2034)
2,500
Related Careers
Carpet installers
$49,850 •
-9.6% growth
Floor layers, except carpet, wood, and hard tiles
$54,340 •
+9.5% growth
Drywall and ceiling tile installers
$58,140 •
+4.2% growth
Painters, construction and maintenance
$48,660 •
+3.8% growth
Painting, coating, and decorating workers
$40,860 •
+1.4% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Coordination
Critical Thinking
Time Management
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Smooth strips or sections of paper with brushes or rollers to remove wrinkles and bubbles and to smooth joints.
- Trim rough edges from strips, using straightedges and trimming knives.
- Trim excess material at ceilings or baseboards, using knives.
- Check finished wallcoverings for proper alignment, pattern matching, and neatness of seams.
- Mark vertical guidelines on walls to align strips, using plumb bobs and chalk lines.
- Cover interior walls and ceilings of rooms with decorative wallpaper or fabric, using hand tools.
- Apply adhesives to the backs of paper strips, using brushes, or dunk strips of prepasted wallcovering in water, wiping off any excess adhesive.
- Measure and cut strips from rolls of wallpaper or fabric, using shears or razors.
- Place strips or sections of paper on surfaces, aligning section edges and patterns.
- Fill holes, cracks, and other surface imperfections preparatory to covering surfaces.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Paperhangers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a paperhangers:
Painting/Painter and Wall Coverer
28 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Paperhangers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become paperhangers.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cuyahoga Community College District | Cleveland, OH | 2 | C+ |
| 2 | Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis, IN | 20 | C |
| 3 | Southwestern Illinois College | Belleville, IL | 4 | C |
| 4 | Macomb Community College | Warren, MI | 1 | C |
| 5 | American River College | Sacramento, CA | 1 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do paperhangers make?
The median annual salary for paperhangers is $48,260.
What education do paperhangers need?
Most paperhangers positions require a no formal educational credential.
Common degree programs include Painting/Painter and Wall Coverer.
Is becoming paperhangers a good career choice?
Paperhangers is projected to see +5.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for paperhangers?
Top colleges for aspiring paperhangers include
Cuyahoga Community College District, Ivy Tech Community College, Southwestern Illinois College, Macomb Community College, American River College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to paperhangers?
Paperhangers may also be known as: Advertising Installer, Advertising Poster, Bill Board Poster, Bill Poster, Bill Poster Installer, Billboard Poster, Graphics Installer, Hanger, Installer, Paper Hanger, Paperhanger, Paperhanging Interior Decorator, Poster, Vinyl Hanger, Vinyl Installer, Wall Covering Contractor, Wall Covering Installer, Wall Paper Hanger, Wallcovering Hanger, Wallpaper Hanger.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.