Construction

Plasterer and Stucco Mason

Have a keen eye for detail, and a steady hand with tools? Learn to be a plasterer to become a critical part of the construction industry!

Apply plaster, stucco, and similar materials to interior and exterior walls and ceilings for decorative and protective finishes.

Salary Range

$30,000 – $55,000

per year (10th–90th percentile)

Median Salary

$47,020

per year

Growth Outlook

Average Growth

2024–2034 projected

Plasterers and stucco masons are responsible for applying plaster and stucco to walls and ceilings

Browse Plasterer Jobs

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.

Tools of the Trade

EdgersTrowelsPaint sprayersLaddersPutty knivesFloatsHammersLevelsPlaster or mortar mixersCleaning scrapersApplicator brushesUtility knivesHydraulic pumpsConcrete spreadersPower nail gunsMolding machinesStraight edgesSawsT squaresClaw hammerPad or keyhole sawScaffoldingNotebook computersPower drillsChalk linesRulersPlumb bobsHeat gunsPersonal computersPower sanders

Knowledge Areas

Building and Construction

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads. 77/100

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. 56/100

Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. 56/100

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 52/100

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. 51/100

Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. 49/100

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. 48/100

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. 46/100

Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. 38/100

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. 36/100