Occupation · SOC 47-2161
Plasterers and Stucco Masons
Apply interior or exterior plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials. May also set ornamental plaster.
Median wage
$56,020
$38,610–$92,930
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
20,880
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
5 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningQuality Control AnalysisTime Management
Knowledge areas
Building and ConstructionAdministration and ManagementDesignEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal Service
Technology & tools
Accounting softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareProject management softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM software
Representative tasks
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.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Protective coverings for windows, doors, and sidewalks — apply under direct supervision to prevent splashing damage on a residential job site.Job site debris and leftover materials — remove and dispose of following established cleanup procedures at the end of each work shift.Mortar and plaster mixtures — prepare to specified consistency under the guidance of a journey-level plasterer using standard mixing equipment.Scaffold components — assemble and disassemble under direct supervision following basic safety protocols on a low-rise construction site.Surface contaminants and loose material — identify and remove from walls and ceilings prior to plaster application using hand tools and wire brushes.Trowels, brushes, and hand tools — handle and care for following demonstrated techniques during introductory plastering tasks.Basic plaster coats — apply to small interior wall sections under close supervision using a hand trowel on a residential remodel.Material quantities — estimate under supervisor guidance by reviewing job scope and referencing standard coverage charts for a single-room project.Work instructions and safety briefings — follow attentively and ask clarifying questions to ensure correct task execution on a supervised job site.Physical stamina and trunk strength — demonstrate by sustaining overhead and repetitive plastering motions throughout a full supervised work shift.
developing
Stucco and plaster coats — apply consistently to walls, ceilings, and partitions using trowels and brushes with limited oversight on mid-scale commercial projects.Weatherproof stucco finishes — trowel and spray onto exterior building surfaces following standard application sequences on residential and light commercial sites.Surface preparation including drywall taping and patching — complete independently to manufacturer specifications before plaster application on remodel projects.Plaster and mortar mixes — adjust consistency based on ambient conditions and substrate type for routine interior and exterior applications.Scaffold systems — erect and inspect for stability and compliance with safety standards before crew use on multi-story renovation projects.Material orders — calculate quantities needed for assigned project phases and submit purchase requests using spreadsheet or office suite software.Work area protection — plan and execute coverage of adjacent surfaces and fixtures to minimize overspray and splatter on occupied building interiors.Finished plaster surfaces — inspect visually and by touch for voids, cracks, and uniformity, correcting deficiencies before the next coat is applied.Time allocation across daily plastering tasks — manage independently to meet project milestones without direct supervisor scheduling on routine job sites.Verbal progress updates — communicate clearly to forepersons and coworkers regarding material needs, surface readiness, and task completion status.
proficient
Full-scope plaster and stucco systems — execute autonomously across interior and exterior surfaces including scratch, brown, and finish coats on complex commercial projects.Decorative and textured stucco finishes — produce to architect and owner specifications using advanced trowel, spray, and hand-carving techniques on high-visibility facades.Non-routine surface conditions such as curved walls, historic substrates, and water-damaged areas — diagnose and remediate using appropriate repair methods and materials.Material specifications for large multi-phase projects — determine, source, and order independently, optimizing for cost and schedule using project management software.Quality control inspections — conduct at each application stage to verify adhesion, thickness, and finish against project drawings and industry standards.Scaffolding and site access systems — evaluate, configure, and approve for complex multi-story or irregular building geometries prior to crew deployment.CAD or design software — interpret architectural drawings and elevation details to plan plaster system layout and finish sequences for custom projects.Crew mixing operations — direct and monitor to ensure consistent batch quality across large pours and extended application shifts on commercial job sites.Production schedules — develop and adjust in response to weather delays, material lead times, and inspection hold points on active construction projects.Customer and client concerns regarding finish quality or scope changes — address directly and professionally, proposing solutions that maintain project integrity.
advanced
Organizational plastering standards and best-practice procedures — develop and codify to ensure consistent quality across all crews, projects, and geographic locations.Apprentices and journey-level plasterers — mentor and evaluate through structured on-the-job training programs aligned with trade certification requirements.Estimating and project management systems including ERP and accounting software — implement and oversee to improve bid accuracy and job cost tracking across the business.Company-wide safety culture for plastering and stucco operations — lead by establishing inspection protocols, toolbox talk programs, and incident-review processes.Strategic material supplier relationships — negotiate and manage to secure preferred pricing, reliable delivery, and access to innovative stucco and plaster products.Design-build and specialty decorative finish capabilities — expand within the organization by identifying emerging market opportunities and training crews in new techniques.CAD and CAM software workflows — champion adoption across estimating and production teams to improve planning accuracy on complex architectural plaster projects.Cross-trade coordination with general contractors, architects, and inspectors — lead to resolve schedule conflicts and technical issues that affect plaster system performance.Enterprise resource planning tools — configure and oversee to integrate plastering operations with broader construction management, payroll, and procurement functions.Industry standards, building codes, and sustainability requirements — monitor for updates and translate into updated company specifications, training materials, and bid strategies.
Also known as
26 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
ApplicatorOrnamental PlastererPlasterer, MoldingStucco WorkerPlaster and Stucco WorkerMason PlastererPlaster MechanicStucco MasonStucco PlastererMolding PlastererSwimming Pool PlastererPlasterer JourneymanDry PlastererSynthetic PlastererPlasterer ApprenticeStucco ApplicatorPlaster MolderArtisanPlaster ApplicatorPlastering ContractorPlastererModelerMasonDecorative PlastererHard Surface PlastererArtisan Plasterer