Chicago-Taper
$53.05/hr
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 ...
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Chicago-Taper
$53.05/hr
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Chicago-Taper
$53.05/hr
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 ...
Chicago-Taper
$53.05/hr
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 ...
Chicago-Taper
Melrose Park, IL · On-site
$53.05/hr
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 ...
Chicago-Taper
Melrose Park, IL · On-site
$53.05/hr
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 ...
Portland - Taper
Wilsonville, OR · On-site
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 ...
Portland - Taper
Wilsonville, OR · On-site
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 ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
Taper
Claude, TX · On-site
The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels for painting, by taping and finishing joints and imperfections. This role will report to a foreman and ...
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Taper
Claude, TX · On-site
The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels for painting, by taping and finishing joints and imperfections. This role will report to a foreman and ...
Taper
Casa Grande, AZ · On-site
The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels for painting, by taping and finishing joints and imperfections. This role will report to a foreman and ...
Quick apply
Taper
Casa Grande, AZ · On-site
The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels for painting, by taping and finishing joints and imperfections. This role will report to a foreman and ...
Taper
Portland, OR · On-site
The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels for painting, by taping and finishing joints and imperfections. This role will report to a foreman and ...
Taper
Portland, OR · On-site
The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels for painting, by taping and finishing joints and imperfections. This role will report to a foreman and ...
Taper
Casa Grande, AZ · On-site
The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels for painting, by taping and finishing joints and imperfections. This role will report to a foreman and ...
Taper
Casa Grande, AZ · On-site
The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels for painting, by taping and finishing joints and imperfections. This role will report to a foreman and ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
Taper
Everett, WA · On-site
The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels for painting, by taping and finishing joints and imperfections. This role will report to a foreman and ...
Taper
Everett, WA · On-site
The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels for painting, by taping and finishing joints and imperfections. This role will report to a foreman and ...
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Drywall Taper (Phoenix, Scottsdale & Cave Creek)
Cave Creek, AZ · On-site
$25 - $30/hr
Sonoran Walls and Ceilings, LLC is hiring an experienced drywall taper for residential projects throughout the Phoenix metro area. Job sites are from Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and ...
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Be Seen First
Drywall Taper (Phoenix, Scottsdale & Cave Creek)
Cave Creek, AZ · On-site
$25 - $30/hr
Sonoran Walls and Ceilings, LLC is hiring an experienced drywall taper for residential projects throughout the Phoenix metro area. Job sites are from Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and ...
If you are a Drywall Taper 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:
If you are a Drywall Taper 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:
Drywall Taper
Beverly Hills, CA · On-site
$37/hr
If you are a Drywall Taper 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:
Drywall Taper
Beverly Hills, CA · On-site
$37/hr
If you are a Drywall Taper 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:
Taper
Casa Grande, AZ · On-site
The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels for painting, by taping and finishing joints and imperfections. This role will report to a foreman and ...
Taper
Casa Grande, AZ · On-site
The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels for painting, by taping and finishing joints and imperfections. This role will report to a foreman and ...
Taper
Everett, WA · On-site
The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels for painting, by taping and finishing joints and imperfections. This role will report to a foreman and ...
Quick apply
Taper
Everett, WA · On-site
The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels for painting, by taping and finishing joints and imperfections. This role will report to a foreman and ...
If you are a Drywall Taper 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:
Quick apply
If you are a Drywall Taper 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:
Drywall Taper
Beverly Hills, CA · On-site
$37/hr
If you are a Drywall Taper 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:
Drywall Taper
Beverly Hills, CA · On-site
$37/hr
If you are a Drywall Taper 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:
Northern Ca. - Taper
$57.16/hr
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 ...
Quick apply
Northern Ca. - Taper
$57.16/hr
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 ...
Taper information
See salary details
$16.11 - $17.90
18% of jobs
$18.63 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$17.90 - $19.69
17% of jobs
The median wage is $21.26 / hr.
$19.69 - $21.48
17% of jobs
$21.48 - $23.27
7% of jobs
$23.27 - $25.07
3% of jobs
$25.07 - $26.86
2% of jobs
$26.86 - $28.65
6% of jobs
$29.43 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$28.65 - $30.44
9% of jobs
$30.44 - $32.23
7% of jobs
$32.23 - $34.03
6% of jobs
$34.03 - $35.82
6% of jobs
$16
$24
$35
How much do taper jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a taper, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Taper, you need expertise in drywall installation, surface preparation, and joint finishing, typically gained through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training. Familiarity with tools like taping knives, mud pans, sanding machines, and sometimes stilts is essential, along with knowledge of safety protocols. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure high-quality, seamless wall finishes and contribute to the overall success and safety of construction projects.
What is the difference between Taper vs Finisher?
| Aspect | Taper | Finisher |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Prepares surfaces by gradually reducing material thickness or applying initial layers | Completes the final surface, smoothing, and finishing details |
| Work Environment | Construction sites, manufacturing plants | Construction sites, renovation projects |
| Certifications | May require safety and skill certifications | Similar certifications, with focus on finishing techniques |
While both Taper and Finisher roles are involved in surface preparation and finishing, Tapers focus on initial surface preparation and material application, whereas Finishers handle the final smoothing and detailing. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job role within construction and manufacturing industries.
What are common challenges a taper might face on the job, and how can they be addressed?
Tapers often encounter challenges such as working with uneven surfaces, tight project deadlines, and coordinating with other trades on busy construction sites. To address these, it's important to maintain strong attention to detail, communicate proactively with team members, and use the right tools and techniques for surface preparation and finishing. Staying organized and adaptable helps ensure high-quality results, even when schedules change or unexpected issues arise.
What is a taper?
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. They smooth out surfaces and ensure that all joints, holes, and imperfections are covered, resulting in a seamless finish. Their work is crucial in the construction and remodeling of buildings, as it creates a smooth, even surface for final decoration. Tapers often work with drywall installers and may also sand, patch, and texture surfaces as needed.
More about Taper jobs
What cities are hiring for Taper jobs? Cities with the most Taper job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Taper jobs? The most popular types of Taper jobs are:
What states have the most Taper jobs? States with the most job openings for Taper jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Taper jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Taper jobs are:
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).
Wages based on unions scales: Range is $19.93 per hour for entry level apprentice to $53.05 per hour for journeyman, scales vary somewhat based on job site location.