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Drywall Taper Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Rock Spring Contracting

Finisher - Richmond

Richmond, VA

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

Job Duties and Tasks for Drywall Finisher As a drywall finisher, your duties will include sealing joints, repairing cracks, and smoothing imperfections on walls and ceilings to create surfaces that ...

Rock Spring Contracting

Finisher - Richmond

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

Job Duties and Tasks for Drywall Finisher As a drywall finisher, your duties will include sealing joints, repairing cracks, and smoothing imperfections on walls and ceilings to create surfaces that ...

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All JobsDrywall Taper JobsDrywall Taper Jobs in Virginia

Drywall Taper information

See Virginia salary details

$15

$24

$35

How much do drywall taper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for drywall taper in Virginia is $24.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $30.05 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.
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Drywall Taper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drywall Taper job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,566 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Drywall/Plasterer or a Senior Drywall/Plasterer

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

University of Virginia
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

210th of 627 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about University of Virginiaexternal

$27 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Facilities Management's Health System Physical Plant at the University of Virginia has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Drywall/Plasterer or a Senior Drywall/Plasterer with our Renovations Team. This position will be filled at either level based on final candidate qualifications.
Drywall/Plasterers in our Renovations are crucial in supporting renovation projects, general maintenance, and emergency repairs within our Health System Complex. The incumbent performs the installation of fine finishing of drywall and plastering, along with painting in patient care areas. Successful candidates will be customer-oriented with positive communication skills, quick thinking and adaptive to resolve issues, and committed to quality in support of the health and wellness of the UVA Health community.
We offer competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. If you're passionate about your craft and committed to providing exceptional patient care, we encourage you to apply.
Plasterer Responsibilities:
  • Prepare and mix materials according to specifications.
  • Apply first coat or finish coat of plaster using plastering devices such as trawls. Patch plaster breaks and cracks.
  • Execute projects based on estimates and materials provided by management.
  • Perform all work in accordance with safety rules and procedures, such as OSHA, federal, state, and local regulations, National Electrical Code, Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA), and The Joint Commission.
  • Wet method drywall finishing, no sanding.
  • In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Senior Plasterer Responsibilities:
  • Lead projects, provide technical guidance to junior drywall/plasters, and inspect the quality of work
  • Assist supervisor in coordinating daily assignments among different jobs
  • Inform customers of job status, reasons for and duration of expected delays, as well as refer customers to the supervisor when appropriate.
  • Foster a safe work environment by instructing and monitoring compliance with OSHA, federal, state, and local regulations, National Electrical Code, Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA), and The Joint Commission.
  • Wet method drywall finishing, no sanding.
  • In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Four [4] years of experience for Drywall/Plasterer and Seven [7] years of experience for the Senior level.
  • Vaccination: This position requires compliance with UVA Health Policy OCH-002 .
  • Experience in a health care environment is preferred.
  • Valid driver's license.

For this position, the selected candidate will need to complete the required background checks prior to the start date of the position.
Compensation:
  • Drywall/Plasterer: $24.50 - $27.00/hr.; actual starting salary will be commensurate with experience.
  • Senior Drywall/Plasterer: $27.00- $32.00/hr.; actual starting salary will be commensurate with experience.

This is a full-time position with UVA benefits . Employee benefits package highlights include:
  • 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off; Parental and Community Service Leave
  • Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs
  • Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System
  • Tuition and professional development benefits
  • Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year

Physical Demands:
Requires regular walking, standing, kneeling, crawling, squatting, and climbing ladders or stairs, lifting and carrying of various weights. Repetitive motion for grasping, pulling, pushing, and operating hand and power tools; work may occur in a variety of indoor and outdoor conditions and environments.
To Apply:
Please apply online and search for R0086324. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website . Complete the application, and upload the following Required materials:
  • Resume

This position will remain open until filled.
Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Marcus Rozier, Academic Recruiter, at hjv5vm@virginia.edu .
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .
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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

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