1

Apprentice Plasterer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Union Drywall Carpenter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

... plaster, concrete and brick. * Study specifications in blueprints, sketches or building plans to ... POSITION REQUIREMENTS: • High school degree or equivalent • Participates in Apprenticeship ...

Traveling Union Carpenter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

... made of wood, drywall, plaster, concrete and brick. • Study specifications in blueprints ... POSITION REQUIREMENTS: • High school degree or equivalent • Participates in Apprenticeship ...

Building Maintenance Technician - ORD Airport

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Requirements and Description ERMC is seeking a Maintenance Technician Apprentice. The candidate ... combining plaster of spackle and paint • Inspect equipment such as refrigerators and air ...

Apprentice Plasterer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$22

$38

How much do apprentice plasterer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice plasterer in Chicago, IL is $22.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice plasterer?

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.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an apprentice plasterer?

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 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.

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.

Do apprentice plasterers do an apprenticeship?

Yes, apprentice plasterers typically complete an apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. This process usually lasts several years and helps develop skills in plastering techniques, safety, and the use of tools and materials. Successful completion often leads to a recognized qualification in plastering.

How fast can you become an apprentice plasterer?

Becoming an apprentice plasterer typically takes a few months to find an apprenticeship position, with the apprenticeship itself lasting around 2 to 4 years depending on the program and skill development. During this time, apprentices learn on the job and may complete related technical courses to gain necessary skills and certifications.

How much do apprentice plasterers get paid?

Apprentice plasterers typically earn between £4 and £8 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the stage of their apprenticeship. As they gain skills and certifications, their pay generally increases, and they may receive additional benefits or overtime pay.

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Plasterer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Apprentice Plasterer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Plasterer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Plasterer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Plasterer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,187 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Drywall Repair Tech / Finisher

PatchMaster Chicago North Shore

Northbrook, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Drywall Repair Tech / Finisher — $26–$36/hr — Northbrook, IL

Home every night. Paid weekly. Year-round work. No production quotas.

We fix drywall and plaster in people's homes on the North Shore — Winnetka, Glencoe, Northbrook, Wilmette, Highland Park, Evanston. Real repair work, not patch-and-run: flood cuts and water damage, ceilings opened up after a plumber's been through, cracked plaster, whole rooms that need to look like nothing ever happened. Most jobs run one to three days. Then we prime and paint so the homeowner can't find where the damage was.

This is not production drywall. You are not hanging 60 sheets a day in an empty subdivision. You're working alone or with one other person inside somebody's occupied home for a couple of days at a time, and the job is to make the repair disappear and leave the place cleaner than you found it.

What you'll actually do day to day

  • Work out of a stocked company van on one job at a time, usually one to three days each
  • Cut out damage, patch, tape, coat, sand, match the existing texture (knockdown, orange peel, smooth Level 5)
  • Prime and paint the repair so it blends
  • Set up and break down dust control — plastic, drops, HEPA vac
  • Talk to the homeowner: what you're doing, how long, what it'll look like
  • Photo the before and after, close the job out on your phone

What we pay

Repair Tech (solid finisher, works with a lead)$26–$30/hrLead Repair Tech (runs jobs solo, customer-facing, spots add-on work)$32–$36/hrHelper / Apprentice (we train you)$20–$24/hr

Plus:

  • Paid weekly, every Friday, direct deposit
  • $25 bonus every time a customer names you in a 5-star review
  • $500 referral bonus for every tech you bring us who sticks 6 months
  • $250/yr tool allowance after 90 days
  • Gas card, and all materials 
  • Pay review at 90 days and every year — we tell you exactly what moves you up

What we need from you

  • You can finish. Specifically: you can blend a patch into an existing wall so the light doesn't catch the edge. We'll test this — a paid, 90-minute hands-on tryout on a test wall before we make an offer.
  • You can match common residential textures, or you've done enough that you'll pick it up fast
  • 2+ years finishing or patching drywall (residential preferred). We care more about what you can do on the wall than the number of years.
  • Valid driver's license and a clean-enough record to drive a company van
  • You show up. On time. Every day. This is the one we won't bend on.
  • You can be trusted alone in a nice home — clean, respectful, no smoking on site, no phone on speaker
  • Enough English to greet a homeowner and explain the work.
  • Legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice to have, not required: painting experience, plaster experience, spray texture, Level 5 finishing, carpentry, your own hand tools.

Why guys come to us from production drywall

  • No 5 a.m. drive to a downtown high-rise, no parking nightmare, no elevator waits
  • No layoffs between jobs — residential repair doesn't stop
  • No foreman screaming about square footage
  • You're done between 3:30 and 4:30 most days
  • Your work is seen by the homeowner, and they thank you for it

How to apply — takes 2 minutes

Hit apply and answer 6 quick questions. No resume needed. Or just text 847-461-9770 with your name and "drywall" and we'll call you today.

We answer every applicant within one business day. If it's a fit, you'll be on a paid tryout within a week and have a yes-or-no answer the same day you finish it.

PatchMaster Chicago North Shore is an equal opportunity employer.

Powered by JazzHR

wywYI2Pnve