Plasterers

Career summary

#No alternate titles CJ

Plasterers study building designs and plans to find out where to apply plaster. They apply it to walls, ceilings, or partitions of buildings. Plasterers erect scaffolds and ladders at building sites. Plasterers mix mortar to the right consistency. The type of mortar used by plasterers depends on the surface being finished, on which coat is being applied, and how the finished surface should look.

Plaster or stucco is applied over lath, wire mesh, or cinder blocks. Plasterers use trowels to apply coats of plaster or stucco to surfaces. Plasterers add texture by moving a brush or trowel in a circular motion to create swirls in the surface. Sometimes plasterers embed pebbles in stucco for a decorative finish. On large projects, plasterers apply mortar using pumps and sprayers instead of trowels.

Plasterers also apply insulation to the outside of buildings. To do this, plasterers install insulation boards and mesh and apply special coatings. They install similar insulation inside buildings for soundproofing.

Plasterers sometimes form and cast molds used for decoration on walls and ceilings. They pour or spray plaster into the mold. Once molds have set, plasterers attach them in place on the wall or ceiling.

Most plasters work on new construction sites. Some work to repair or renovate older buildings.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Cement Masons
• Drywall Finishers
• Painters
• Tile Setters

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to plasterers.

• Study building plans.
• Move furniture and cover furnishings with protective cloths.
• Erect scaffolds and set up ladders.
• Install mesh, lath, or other material to support plaster.
• Mix plaster or mortar.
• Apply several coats of plaster to surface with trowel, brush, or sprayer.
• Level and smooth surface.
• Apply final coat of plaster.
• Add texture to surface, using trowels or brushes and water.
• Apply weatherproof coating to outside surfaces.
• May apply marble or gravel chips to stucco surfaces.
• May create wall and ceiling trims or ornaments using molds.
• Attach decorative molds in place on wall or ceiling.

Common work activities

Plasterers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Handle and move objects
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Evaluate information against standards
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Perform for or work with the public
• Control machines and processes
• Think creatively
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Teach others
• Coach others
• Assist and care for others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Analyze data or information
• Monitor and control resources

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, plasterers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Usually work as part of a team.
• Communicate mostly by telephone and face-to-face discussions.
• Have a medium to high level of social interaction. They talk to contractors and homeowners throughout the day.
• Are responsible for the work done by assistants and other plasterers.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of workers and homeowners.

Physical work conditions

• Are sometimes exposed to high places while working on scaffolds.
• Regularly wear safety equipment such as gloves.
• Work both indoors and outdoors.
• Are sometimes exposed to hot or cold temperatures, depending on the weather and work location.
• Are sometimes exposed to contaminants found in plaster and finishing materials. They often get dust in their eyes and noses.
• May have to work in extremely bright or dim lighting.
• Occasionally are exposed to hazardous situations that may produce cuts, bee stings, or minor burns.
• Sometimes work in cramped work places that require getting into awkward positions.
• May work physically near other construction employees.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work and be sure all details are done so that customers are happy with their work.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Must keep pace with the speed of equipment.
• Often make decisions that greatly affect their employer and their customers. They usually independently determine a course of action.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals independently, but will check with supervisors or contractors from time to time.
• Work in a competitive atmosphere in which daily deadlines must be met.

Hours/travel

• Occasionally work more than 40 hours per week to complete a job.
• May begin work earlier in the morning than most people.
• May not work for periods of time due to bad weather or low construction activity.

Physical demands

Plasterers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Climb ladders, scaffolds, or poles.

It is important for plasterers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for plasterers to be able to:

• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.

Skills and abilities

Plasterers need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand spoken information.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with things

• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Building Construction Technology
• Construction Trades

Other programs of study to consider

• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

Training

To work as a plasterer, you typically need to:

• complete long-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Plasterer jobs tend to be entry-level jobs that require little or no previous work experience. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or equivalent.

On-the-job training

Many plasterers receive informal, on-the-job training from an experienced worker. You begin by carrying materials, erecting scaffolds, and mixing plaster. Later you learn to apply plaster to surfaces. Training may last one year to several years. This will depend on the type of employer and the work you wish to specialize in.

Washington apprenticeships

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#no change here 4/7/08 lh & 3/24/09, cj. No change 3/22/11, 3/18/15 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Carpentry
• Construction
• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for plasterers who are in good physical shape and have good hand control.

Helpers and laborers may be hired to work part time or during the summer.

Costs to workers

Workers belonging to a union must pay dues and an initiation fee.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Plasterers and Stucco Masons 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by the worker's level of skill and the area of the country. Plasterers in large cities generally earn the highest wages. Earnings can sometimes be reduced because of work time lost due to bad weather. Plasterers can also lose work during economic slowdowns, when jobs are not available.

Benefits vary by employer. Full-time plasterers may receive typical benefits. These include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. 

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Plastering contractors
• Masonry contractors
• Drywall and insulation contractors

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be about average. More builders are using plaster and stucco on buildings. In addition, new materials allow plaster to be used for insulation. Growth may be limited by the fact that some workers spray on plaster rather than apply it by hand. These workers can plaster a building in less time.

Plasterers sometimes have periods of unemployment. This is due to the short-term nature of many jobs and the cyclical nature of the industry. During economic slowdowns, the number of jobs for plasterers declines.

Job openings will occur as plasterers retire or leave the occupation for other reasons. Demand will be highest in the Florida, California, and the Southwest, where stucco and plaster are widely used.

Other resources

Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry 

International Masonry Institute 
17101 Science Drive
Bowie, MD 20715
301.291.2124

North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) 
815 16th ST, NW, Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006

Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association 
9700 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 200
Columbia, MD 21046
301.623.1000

Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council 
906 Columbia Street SW, Suite 107
Olympia, WA 98501
360.357.6778

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Plasterers and Stucco Masons (47-2161.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 1 - Little or no preparation needed. No previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Plasterer (842.361-018) 
• Plasterer Apprentice (842.361-022) 
• Plasterer, Molding (842.361-026) 
• Stucco Mason (842.381-014) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Artistic/Conventional
• Realistic/Conventional/Artistic

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled