Plasterers and Stucco Masons
Construction and Extraction
Mixes mortar or plaster to the right consistency, then applies coats to walls, ceilings, and partitions with trowels, brushes, or spray guns. Surfaces have to be cleaned and prepared first—sometimes by taping drywall—and windows, doors, and sidewalks are covered so they stay free of splash. Exterior jobs often mean troweling or spraying weatherproof, decorative stucco, and scaffolds are set up to reach the work. Job sites get cleaned afterward, and materials are ordered once the job is sized up. Suits people who like hands-on finishing work, judging texture and coverage by eye, and working as part of a crew.
Typical education: Less than a High School Diploma
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$57'660
Median Wage Market Position
$57'660
What you might do
- Trowel plaster or stucco onto walls and ceilings
- Spray weatherproof stucco on building exteriors
- Mix mortar and plaster to the right consistency
- Clean and prepare walls before applying plaster
- Cover windows and sidewalks to catch splash
- Set up scaffolds for high wall work
Skills that matter
- Mixing plaster to the right consistency
- Troweling even coats on walls and ceilings
- Letting each coat set before the next
- Covering windows and walks from splash
- Directing helpers on mix and scaffolding
- Inspecting the finish for even coverage
AI & the future of this role
Applying plaster or stucco well depends on feel for materials, surface conditions, and craft finishing that machines struggle to match on varied buildings. Digital aids might support estimates or designs, but skilled on-site application is likely to stay essential.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details