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Apprentice Plasterer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Northern Ca. - Plasterer

Hayward, CA ยท On-site

$41.33/hr

Plastering entails, a great deal of dexterity and speed. It involves the coating of internal walls ... In the San Francisco Bay area wages range from $24.80 per hour for entry level apprentices to $41 ...

Northern Ca. - Plasterer

Hayward, CA ยท On-site

$41.33/hr

Plastering entails, a great deal of dexterity and speed. It involves the coating of internal walls ... In the San Francisco Bay area wages range from $24.80 per hour for entry level apprentices to $41 ...

Northern Ca - Hod Carrier

Hayward, CA ยท On-site

$40.48/hr

Description Hod Carrier (Plaster Tender) shall mean any person serving (tending) any craft person ... In the San Francisco Bay area wages range from $26.41 per hour for entry level apprentices to $40 ...

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Apprentice Plasterer information

See California salary details

$12

$21

$36

How much do apprentice plasterer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice plasterer in California is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What trade has the highest paid apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships in trades such as electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC tend to offer higher starting wages compared to other trades. These programs often require technical skills and certifications, and pay can increase with experience and specialization.

What are some common challenges faced by apprentice plasterers during their training period?

Apprentice plasterers often encounter challenges such as mastering the precise techniques required for smooth finishes and learning to work efficiently under time constraints. Adapting to different materials and surfaces, as well as maintaining high standards of safety and cleanliness on-site, can also be demanding. However, with consistent practice and mentorship from experienced plasterers, apprentices quickly develop confidence and skill in their daily tasks.

Can you do a plastering apprenticeship?

Yes, aspiring plasterers can undertake a plastering apprenticeship, which combines on-the-job training with classroom learning. Apprentices typically learn skills such as mixing plaster, applying finishes, and using tools, often working under the supervision of experienced professionals. These programs usually require candidates to meet minimum age and educational requirements and may lead to recognized certifications in plastering.

What is the difference between Apprentice Plasterer vs Trainee Plasterer?

AspectApprentice Plasterer
QualificationsTypically requires on-the-job training, basic certifications, and a willingness to learn
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, renovation projects, indoor and outdoor settings
Job RoleAssists experienced plasterers, learns plastering techniques, prepares surfaces

Both Apprentice Plasterers and Trainee Plasterers are entry-level roles focused on learning the trade. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Apprentice Plasterer' emphasizes a formal apprenticeship program, while 'Trainee Plasterer' may refer to informal training. In practice, both roles involve on-site learning, basic plastering tasks, and gaining industry certifications over time.

What are apprentice plasterers?

Apprentice plasterers are individuals who are learning the trade of plastering through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. They assist experienced plasterers with tasks such as mixing plaster, preparing surfaces, applying plaster coats, and finishing walls and ceilings. Apprenticeships typically last several years, during which apprentices develop the essential skills and knowledge needed to become fully qualified plasterers. This role is ideal for those interested in construction and hands-on work.

Is plastering a good apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship as a plasterer provides hands-on training in applying plaster and drywall, developing skills in surface preparation, mixing materials, and finishing. It offers practical experience, industry certifications, and the opportunity to work in construction environments, making it a valuable pathway into the trade.

Is 26 too old for an apprenticeship?

Apprentice plasterers can start at any age, including 26, as apprenticeships are open to individuals of various ages seeking to learn the trade. Age is not a barrier; employers often value maturity and commitment, and many programs welcome mature learners who want to develop skills in plastering, which involves working with tools and materials in construction environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Plasterer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Plasterer, you need basic construction knowledge, manual dexterity, and a willingness to learn, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with plastering tools, safety equipment, and sometimes completion of a construction safety certification are typical requirements. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication help you stand out in this hands-on role. These skills and qualities are vital for producing high-quality finishes, maintaining safety, and building a solid foundation for career advancement in the trade.
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Plasterer jobs in California? For Apprentice Plasterer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Plasterer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Plasterer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Apprentice Plasterer jobs? Cities in California with the most Apprentice Plasterer job openings:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Plasterer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,206 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Southern CA - Plasterer

Anning-Johnson Company

La Puente, CA โ€ข On-site

$40.43/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Plastering entails a great deal of dexterity and speed. It involves the coating of internal walls and ceilings with different types of plaster in order that they're ready to be decorated, and the coating of external surfaces with appropriate materials, such as cement or sand.
There's also the element of plastering which takes place in workshops, that of creating plasterwork to order, usually in differing shapes and sizes and to request. While maintaining the necessary production and quality required to complete a project and exceeding the customers' expectations.
Tasks
Applies coats of plaster to interior walls, ceilings and partitions of buildings to produce a finished surface according to blueprints, architect's drawings or oral instructions using hand tools and portable power tools: Directs workers to mix plaster to desired consistency and to erect scaffolds.
Spreads plaster over lath or masonry base using trowel and smooths plaster with a float to attain uniform thickness.
Applies scratch, brown or finish coats of plaster to wood, metal or board lath successively.
Roughens undercoat with scratcher to provide bond for succeeding coats of plaster.
Creates decorative textures in finish coat by marking surface of coat with brush and trowel or by spattering surface with pebbles.
May mix mortar.
May install guide wires on exterior surface of buildings to indicate thickness of plaster to be applied.
May install precast ornamental plaster pieces by applying mortar to back of pieces and pressing pieces into place on wall or ceiling and be designated Ornamental-Plaster Sticker.
May specialize in applying finish or rough coats of plaster and be designated Plasterer Finish, Plasterer Rough.
May apply plaster with spray gun and be designated Plasterer, Spray Gun.
May perform maintenance work only and be designated Plasterer, Maintenance
Plasterers are typically responsible for the production and quality of the products they install. A carpenter will usually report to a foreman or lead man and will be assigned a range of tasks to be completed. Timely production and quality are the main responsibilities of a plasterers. In addition, plasterers are responsible for working safely and maintaining a safe work environment.
Plasterers must work within precise limits and standards of accuracy. For example: carpenters must apply shop mathematics to solve problems, plan work and select proper tools, compare and see differences in the size, shape and form of lines, figures and objects, picture solid objects from drawings or diagrams, perform a variety of duties which may change often, and rate information using standards that can be measured or checked. Physically, plasterers must be able to: Climb and maintain balance on scaffolds and ladders, reach for, handle and manipulate objects and materials, lift and carry objects weighing up to 100 pounds, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl, and see well (either naturally or with correction).
NOTE: In the LA area wages range from $18.19 per hour for entry level apprentices to $40.43 per hour for Journeyman. Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.
Anning-Johnson Co and Restec Contractors Inc are Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employers. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.