ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Drywall Taper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tradesmen International, Inc.

$34/hr

Proven experience as a Drywall Taper on residential or commercial projects * Proficiency with hand tools and standard drywall finishing equipment * Strong attention to detail and ability to deliver ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsConstruction JobsWalls JobsDrywall Mechanic JobsDrywall Taper Jobs

Drywall Taper information

See salary details

$16

$24

$35

How much do drywall taper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for drywall taper in the United States is $24.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a drywall taper do?

As a drywall taper, you finish drywall installation projects. After contractors install the drywall, you apply a compound to joints between drywall panels. You then cover the joints with specialized tape. Your responsibilities include ensuring that the surface is smooth. Some tapers use hand tools, while others have automated machines. You can also apply your skills to outdoor coverings such as Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). The qualifications that you need to become a drywall taper include a high school diploma or GED certificate. Most contractors provide on-the-job training to teach new employees how to perform their taping duties.

What is a drywall taper?

Drywall Tapers are skilled tradespeople who prepare walls and ceilings for painting or finishing by applying tape and joint compound to seams between sheets of drywall. Their work ensures a smooth and seamless surface by covering joints, filling holes, and repairing any imperfections. Drywall Tapers use specialized tools to apply multiple coats of compound, sand surfaces, and create an even finish. Their expertise is essential in both residential and commercial construction projects, as they help create the final, polished look of interior walls and ceilings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drywall taper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drywall Taper, you need proficiency in surface preparation, taping, mudding, and sanding techniques, usually acquired through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training. Familiarity with tools like taping knives, mud pans, stilts, and automatic taping tools is essential, and safety certifications may be required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and effective communication with team members are standout soft skills in this trade. These skills ensure smooth, durable finishes and efficient teamwork, resulting in high-quality work that meets building standards and client expectations.

What are some common challenges drywall tapers face on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Drywall Tapers often encounter challenges such as achieving seamless joints, working in awkward or tight spaces, and meeting tight deadlines on construction sites. To overcome these issues, it's important to use the right tools, maintain a steady hand, and apply joint compound in thin, even layers. Good communication with drywall installers and other tradespeople also helps prevent delays and ensures a smooth workflow. Continuous practice and attention to detail can greatly improve the final finish and job efficiency.

What is the difference between Drywall Taper vs Drywall Finisher?

AspectDrywall TaperDrywall Finisher
Primary RoleApplying joint compound and taping seamsSanding, smoothing, and finishing drywall surfaces
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of taping techniques, basic drywall skillsAdvanced finishing skills, possibly certifications in drywall finishing
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, interior wallsInterior drywall finishing, renovation projects

While both roles involve drywall installation, a Drywall Taper focuses on taping and applying joint compound to seams, whereas a Drywall Finisher specializes in sanding and smoothing surfaces for a polished look. The taper prepares the drywall for finishing, making their work closely linked but distinct in scope.

Where do drywall tapers make the most money?

Drywall tapers tend to earn higher wages in regions with a high cost of living and strong construction industries, such as large metropolitan areas or states with active commercial and residential development. Experience, certifications, and the complexity of projects also influence earning potential, with specialized skills commanding higher pay.
More about Drywall Taper jobs

What cities are hiring for Drywall Taper jobs?

Cities with the most Drywall Taper job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Drywall Taper jobs?

The most popular types of Drywall Taper jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Drywall Taper jobs?

The top employers for Drywall Taper jobs are:

What states have the most Drywall Taper jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drywall Taper jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Drywall Taper jobs?

For Drywall Taper jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Drywall Taper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drywall Taper job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,004 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Drywall Taper

Pacific Palisades, CA

Tradesmen International, Inc.
Construction • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Tradesmen International, Inc.external

$34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Tradesmen International is immediately hiring experienced Drywall Tapers for projects located in or around Pacific Palisades, CA. This is a first shift opportunity and the pay rate is up to $34/hour based on experience and skill level.  If you are a Carpenter and want to work alongside other proven craftsmen who emphasize safety, productivity and superior craftsmanship, this is your chance to advance your career! 

Job Scope:         

  • Apply tape, joint compound, and finish coats to drywall seams, corners, and fastens
  • Embed tape in compound and smooth out seams using taping knives and trowels
  • Sand filled joints, nail heads, and scratches to create smooth, seamless surfaces
  • Ensure all surfaces meet quality specifications prior to painting or coating
  • Maintain a clean and safe job site at all times

Requirements:

  • Proven experience as a Drywall Taper on residential or commercial projects
  • Proficiency with hand tools and standard drywall finishing equipment
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to deliver smooth, high-quality finishes
  • Ability to start immediately and commit to project timelines
  • Must have reliable transportation to the job site in Pacific Palisades, CA
  • The candidate must have their own tools, including 4", 6", 10", and 12" taping knives, a mud pan, inside and outside corner trowels, an optional hawk, a utility knife, pole sander, sanding sponge, drywall rasp, tape measure, T-square, joint compound mixer or mud paddle, drywall screw gun, and a step ladder if needed (an automatic taper is preferred)
  • Must have standard PPE including a hard hat, safety glasses, boots, dust mask or respirator, and gloves is required

Tradesmen International not only offers consistent work, top pay, and employment opportunities, we also provide a benefits package that is among the best in the industry.

Our comprehensive benefits include:

  • Tradesmen+ Rewards Program – earn points for hours worked
  • Vacation Pay
  • Health insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan

Tradesmen International is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability

“Be Safe” from fraud!  Tradesmen International will never ask you to pay for certifications, equipment, or other “up front”  costs as a condition of hire. Similarly, we do not request pictures of documents or IDs to private phone numbers or email addresses. If in doubt, please call or visit your closest Tradesmen office to verify the request.

Click here to visit Tradesmen’s full website.


US-CA-PACIFIC PALISADES

Apply