Plasterers and Stucco Masons

Apply interior or exterior plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials. May also set ornamental plaster.

From people doing the work

The work is physically demanding, often outdoors, and requires a keen eye for detail to achieve smooth, durable finishes. There is a real satisfaction in transforming a raw surface into something beautiful and long-lasting.

Drawn from International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC), Stucco Manufacturers Association (SMA), The Plasterers Forum

Attribution: Composite

Composite · Synthesised from International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC), Stucco Manufacturers Association (SMA), The Plasterers Forum

A day in the life of Plasterers and Stucco Masons

People interaction
Extensive
Team vs solo
85% Team / 15% Solo
Client facing
Never
Impact visibility
Moderate
Travel
Frequent
Schedule flexibility
Rigid
Remote work
On-site Only
Typical work hours
40-50
Stress level
Moderate

Plasterers and Stucco Masons salary, education and outlook at a glance

Median salary
$56,020
Entry-level
$42,000
Senior
$78,000
Growth by 2033
+4.1%
Demand
Stable
Freelance potential
Moderate
Salary growth potential
86%
Typical student debt
Moderate

Skills you need as Plasterers and Stucco Masons

Hard skills

  • Building and Construction
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Operating system software

Soft skills

  • Coordination
  • Service Orientation
  • Active Listening

Technical complexity: Low

Tools of the trade

Core tools

  • Trowel (Hardware): Used for applying, spreading, and smoothing plaster, stucco, and mortar.
  • Hawk (Hardware): A flat plate with a handle used to hold a small amount of plaster or mortar while applying it.
  • Plaster Mixer (Hardware): Used to mix plaster, stucco, and other materials to the correct consistency.

Commonly used

  • Scaffolding (Hardware): Provides a safe and stable elevated work platform for reaching high areas.
  • Level (Hardware): Ensures surfaces are plumb and level during application.

Specialist tools

  • Respirator (Hardware): Protects against inhalation of dust and airborne particles generated during plastering and stucco work.
  • Power Washer (Hardware): Used for cleaning surfaces before application and for final cleanup.

How to become Plasterers and Stucco Masons

Minimum education
Less than High School
Licensing
Varies by State
Years to mid-career
5-8
Years to senior
12-18
Career switching
Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

  • Construction Laborer: Individuals often start as laborers, assisting skilled tradespeople and learning on the job.
  • Drywall Installer: Experience with interior finishing and wall surfaces can be a stepping stone to plastering.
  • Painter: Familiarity with surface preparation and finishing techniques is transferable.

Where you can go from here

  • Construction Foreman: Experienced plasterers can advance to supervisory roles, managing construction teams.
  • Building Inspector: Knowledge of building codes and construction quality can lead to inspection careers.
  • General Contractor: With extensive experience, plasterers can start their own contracting businesses.

Typical progression

  1. Plasterers and Stucco Masons
  2. Senior Plasterers and Stucco Masons
  3. or Roofers

Plasterers and Stucco Masons job outlook and future demand

Automation probability
High
AI disruption risk
Low
Demand trend
Stable

Job satisfaction as Plasterers and Stucco Masons

Overall satisfaction
6.5/10
Meaning
6.5/10
Work-life balance
5.5/10
Prestige
5/10
Social perception
Moderate

Where practitioners gather

Professional organisations

Reddit communities

  • r/Construction: A community for construction professionals to discuss various aspects of the industry.

Online communities

  • The Plasterers Forum: An online forum for plasterers to share knowledge, tips, and discuss trade-related topics.

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