Updated 2024 · Construction
How to Become a Plasterer
Plasterers apply plaster, stucco, and EIFS (exterior insulation finishing systems) to interior walls, ceilings, and exterior surfaces of buildings.
Steps to Become a Plasterer
- Meet basic requirements, You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. A strong foundation in math, physics, and shop classes helps.
- Apply to an apprenticeship program, Plasterer apprenticeships last 3 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apply through your local union (IBEW, UA, etc.) or a non-union contractor program. You earn while you learn from day one.
- Complete required training, Complete 6000 hours of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
- Earn certifications, Required certifications include: OSHA 10/30-Hour, EIFS manufacturer certifications, Historic preservation certifications.
- Pass the journeyman exam, After completing your apprenticeship, pass the journeyman licensing exam in your state to earn full journeyman status and pay.
What Does a Plasterer Do?
Plasterers apply plaster, stucco, and EIFS (exterior insulation finishing systems) to interior walls, ceilings, and exterior surfaces of buildings.
Daily Duties
- Mix and apply plaster coats to walls and ceilings
- Apply stucco and EIFS to exterior surfaces
- Create decorative plaster elements (cornices, medallions)
- Repair damaged plaster in historic buildings
- Prepare surfaces with scratch, brown, and finish coats
Skills Needed
- Plaster application
- Stucco finishing
- EIFS installation
- Decorative plasterwork
- Surface preparation
Required Certifications
- OSHA 10/30-Hour
- EIFS manufacturer certifications
- Historic preservation certifications
Plasterer Salary (2024)
The national median plasterer salary is $63,149 per year. Pay ranges from $46,300 in the lowest-paying metro to $90,020 in the highest-paying metro. See the full plasterer salary breakdown by city.
Apprentice Pay Progression
Plasterer apprentices earn while they learn, starting at approximately 40% of journeyman pay:
| Year | % of Journeyman | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40% | $25,260 |
| Year 2 | 65% | $41,047 |
| Year 3 | 90% | $56,834 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $63,149 |
Union vs Non-Union Plasterer Pay
Union plasterers earn 32% more than non-union workers, $32.90/hour union vs $24.92/hour non-union. Approximately 20.3% of plasterers are union members. See the full union vs non-union comparison.
Work Environment
Plasterers work indoors and outdoors on construction and renovation sites. Physically demanding, overhead work, mixing heavy materials, and working on scaffolding.
Career Outlook
Niche trade with steady demand in commercial construction (stucco/EIFS) and historic preservation. Experienced decorative plasterers are rare and well-compensated.
Frequently Asked Questions
The national median salary for a plasterer is $63,149 per year (2024 BLS data). Pay ranges from $46,300 to $90,020 depending on location, with top earners in the 90th percentile making significantly more.
It takes 3 years to complete a plasterer apprenticeship. During this time, you earn while you learn, starting at approximately 40-50% of journeyman wages and receiving annual raises.
No college degree is required to become a plasterer. The primary path is through an apprenticeship program or trade school. You will need to earn specific certifications: OSHA 10/30-Hour and EIFS manufacturer certifications.
Plasterer earns a Trade Pay Score grade of D, meaning it rates moderately on pay relative to cost of living, wage growth, and demand. Niche trade with steady demand in commercial construction (stucco/EIFS) and historic preservation. Experienced decorative plasterers are rare and well-compensated.
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