Plasterers and Stucco Masons
Plasterers and stucco masons are skilled craftspeople who apply plaster, cement, and stucco to walls and ceilings in homes, offices, and other buildings. They use a variety of tools like trowels, brushes, and spray guns to create smooth, decorative, or textured surfaces both indoors and outdoors. This hands-on job requires setting up scaffolding, mixing materials to the right consistency, and preparing surfaces properly before application. It's perfect for people who enjoy working with their hands, have an eye for detail, and like seeing immediate results from their craftsmanship.
Did you know?
Employment opportunities are primarily concentrated in warmer U.S. regions like California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida where stucco is commonly used due to climate suitability.
At a glance
Typical average pay
$61,000 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast growing
Things to consider
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
The role requires significant physical stamina for outdoor work in various weather conditions, including lifting heavy materials and working on scaffolding or ladders.
Specialized Skills and Career Advancement
Success requires mastering specific application techniques and material knowledge, with opportunities to advance to supervisory roles or start independent contracting businesses.
Key responsibilities
Clean and prepare surfaces for applications of plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials, such as by drywall taping.
Clean job sites.
Determine materials needed to complete the job and place orders accordingly.
Spray acoustic materials or texture finish over walls or ceilings.
Apply insulation to building exteriors by installing prefabricated insulation systems over existing walls or by covering the outer wall with insulation board, reinforcing mesh, and a base coat.