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Apprentice Plastering 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 ...

Apprentice Plastering information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$17

$25

How much do apprentice plastering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice plastering in Chicago, IL is $17.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $17.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice plasterer?

Apprentice plasterers are individuals who are learning the plastering trade through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. They work under the supervision of experienced plasterers to develop skills in applying plaster to walls and ceilings, preparing surfaces, and finishing techniques. Apprenticeships typically last 2 to 4 years and include both practical and theoretical learning. This role is ideal for those who enjoy hands-on work and want to build a career in the construction industry.

What are the typical tasks and learning opportunities during an apprenticeship as an apprentice plasterer?

As an Apprentice Plasterer, you’ll assist experienced plasterers with preparing surfaces, mixing plaster materials, and applying coats to walls and ceilings. You’ll gradually take on more responsibility as your skills develop, including smoothing and finishing surfaces, repairing damaged plaster, and learning different plastering techniques. Apprenticeships often involve both on-site training and classroom instruction, providing a mix of practical experience and theoretical knowledge. This hands-on learning environment helps apprentices build confidence and competence while working closely with skilled tradespeople.

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

To thrive as an Apprentice Plasterer, you need basic construction knowledge, good manual dexterity, and a willingness to learn, usually supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand tools, mixing equipment, and safety protocols is common, while some apprenticeships may require enrollment in formal training programs. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills help apprentices stand out and progress in their training. These skills ensure high-quality workmanship, safe practices, and effective collaboration on construction sites.

Can you do an apprentice plastering?

Yes, you can pursue an apprenticeship in plastering, which typically involves on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction. Apprentices learn skills such as mixing materials, applying plaster, and working with tools under the supervision of experienced plasterers, often leading to certification or qualification in the trade.

What are the most commonly searched types of Plastering jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Plastering jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Plastering job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,714 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Drywall Repair Tech / Finisher

PatchMaster Chicago North Shore

Northbrook, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


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.

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