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Drywall Taper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hoffman Specialty Contracting

Taper

Everett, WA · On-site

Apply drywall compound, nail/screw indentations on the surface of panels. * Remove extra compound after surfaces have been covered sufficiently. * Press paper tape over joints to embed tape into ...

Anning-Johnson Company

Northern Ca. - Taper

Hayward, CA · On-site

$57.16/hr

Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw ... A Taper will usually report to a foreman or lead man and will be assigned a range of tasks to be ...

Anning-Johnson Company

Northern Ca. - Taper

Hayward, CA · On-site

$57.16/hr

Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw ... A Taper will usually report to a foreman or lead man and will be assigned a range of tasks to be ...

Anning Johnson

Southern CA - Taper

La Puente, CA · On-site

$47.43/hr

Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw ... A Taper will usually report to a foreman or lead man and will be assigned a range of tasks to be ...

Hoffman Specialty Contracting

Taper

Everett, WA · On-site

The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels ... Apply drywall compound, nail/screw indentations on the surface of panels.Remove extra compound ...

Anning-Johnson Company

Southern CA - Taper

La Puente, CA · On-site

$47.43/hr

Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw ... A Taper will usually report to a foreman or lead man and will be assigned a range of tasks to be ...

Anning-Johnson Company

Northern Ca. - Taper

Hayward, CA · On-site

$57.16/hr

Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw ... A Taper will usually report to a foreman or lead man and will be assigned a range of tasks to be ...

Anning-Johnson Company

Reno/Sparks - Taper

Sparks, NV · On-site

Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw ... A Taper will usually report to a foreman or lead man and will be assigned a range of tasks to be ...

Hoffman Corporation

Taper - Claude, TX

Claude, TX · On-site

Apply drywall compound, nail/screw indentations on the surface of panels. * Remove extra compound after surfaces have been covered sufficiently. * Press paper tape over joints to embed tape into ...

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Drywall Taper information

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$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.
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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.

Southern CA - Taper

City Of Industry, CA • On-site

Anning-Johnson Company
See more jobs at Anning-Johnson Companyexternal

$47.43/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Tapers are required to finish walls, ceilings and trim using hand tools and mechanical tools that conform to the required levels of finishing standards.  While maintaining the necessary production and quality required to complete a project and exceeding the customers’ expectations. Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw indentations on the surface of the panels. Tapers work on new walls and ceiling installs and make repairs to existing walls as well. Tapers install and finish metal, plastic, and aluminum trims. 

Apply number of coats of compound per specified level of finish, and sand areas after each coat.

Additional responsibilities include:

  • Reading and interpreting drawings
  • Checking working surfaces – verify panels joints are tight and aligned, fastened to framing members tightly without breaking the paper surface or fracturing the core.
  • Establishing a work schedule and flow of work
  • Organizing and verifying materials
  • Cleaning and repairing tools
  • Mixing Joint compounds
  • Applying fill coats
  • Applying finish coats
  • Finishing inside and outside corners
  • Dry sanding
  • Wet sanding
  • Vacuum sanding
  • Skim coating over gypsum board, concrete, or other related materials
  • Spraying finish compound
  • Know and understand the 5 levels and methods of drywall finishing.

Tapers are typically responsible for the production and quality of the products they install. A Taper 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 Taper. In addition, Tapers are responsible for working safely and maintaining a safe work environment. Tapers must work within precise limits and standards of specified finish level. Physically, Tapers 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 $20.23 per hour for entry level apprentices to $47.43 per hour for Journeyman. Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.

NOTE: In the San Diego area wages range from $19.00 per hour for entry level apprentices to $37.93 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.