Plasterers and stucco masons
SOC Code: 47-2161Also known as:
Applicator, Artisan, Artisan Plasterer, Decorative Plasterer, Dry Plasterer
Median Annual Salary
$56,020
+4.1% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
24K
Current Jobs
What Plasterers and stucco masons Do
Apply interior or exterior plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials. May also set ornamental plaster.
💰 Salary
$56,020
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.1%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
24,200
Projected Employment (2034)
25,200
Related Careers
Drywall and ceiling tile installers
$58,140 •
+4.2% growth
Painters, construction and maintenance
$48,660 •
+3.8% growth
Helpers--brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters
$46,480 •
-10.5% growth
Helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons
$38,140 •
+2.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Quality Control Analysis
Time Management
Speaking
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Cover surfaces such as windows, doors, or sidewalks to protect from splashing.
- Clean job sites.
- Mix mortar and plaster to desired consistency or direct workers who perform mixing.
- Apply coats of plaster or stucco to walls, ceilings, or partitions of buildings, using trowels, brushes, or spray guns.
- Set up scaffolds.
- Determine materials needed to complete the job and place orders accordingly.
- Apply weatherproof, decorative coverings to exterior surfaces of buildings, such as by troweling or spraying on coats of stucco.
- Clean and prepare surfaces for applications of plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials, such as by drywall taping.
- Create decorative textures in finish coat, using brushes or trowels, sand, pebbles, or stones.
- Apply insulation to building exteriors by installing prefabricated insulation systems over existing walls or by covering the outer wall with insulation board, reinforcing mesh, and a base coat.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plasterers and stucco masons make?
The median annual salary for plasterers and stucco masons is $56,020.
What education do plasterers and stucco masons need?
Most plasterers and stucco masons positions require a no formal educational credential.
Is becoming plasterers and stucco masons a good career choice?
Plasterers and stucco masons is projected to see +4.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for plasterers and stucco masons?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to plasterers and stucco masons?
Plasterers and stucco masons may also be known as: Applicator, Artisan, Artisan Plasterer, Decorative Plasterer, Dry Plasterer, Hard Surface Plasterer, Mason, Mason Plasterer, Modeler, Molding Plasterer, Ornamental Plasterer, Plaster and Stucco Worker, Plaster Applicator, Plaster Mechanic, Plaster Molder, Plasterer, Plasterer Journeyman, Plastering Contractor, Stucco Applicator, Stucco Mason.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.