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Taper Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Anning-Johnson Company

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 ...

Anning-Johnson Company

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 ...

Anning-Johnson Company

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 ...

pepperconstruction

Painter/Taper

Chicago, IL · On-site

Drywall Tapers perform tasks related to finishing drywall on the construction site. This position performs a variety of tasks that often require them to work closely with other trades people ...

Pepper Construction

Painter/Taper

Barrington, IL · On-site

With offices in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio, Pepper Construction is a national general contracting and construction management firm that primarily serves the private sector. Pepper ...

pepperconstruction

Painter/Taper

Barrington, IL · On-site

Drywall Tapers perform tasks related to finishing drywall on the construction site. This position performs a variety of tasks that often require them to work closely with other trades people ...

CDM Investment Group

Taper Finisher

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

Reports to: Superintendent or Foreman Major Duties and Responsibilities : * Layout and install drywall beads. * Prepare all drywall surfaces to receive drywall finish products. * Mix, carry and apply ...

CDM

Taper Finisher

Elmhurst, IL

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

Reports to: Superintendent or Foreman Major Duties and Responsibilities : * Layout and install drywall beads. * Prepare all drywall surfaces to receive drywall finish products. * Mix, carry and apply ...

CDM Investment Group

Taper Finisher

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

Reports to: Superintendent or Foreman Major Duties and Responsibilities : * Layout and install drywall beads. * Prepare all drywall surfaces to receive drywall finish products. * Mix, carry and apply ...

Pamarco

Machine Operator

Batavia, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Able to locate, read, and understand prints and drawing of press rolls * clear understanding of tolerances, common terminology, and critical measures to manufacturing (Run-out, TIR, taper ...

SkipCo LLC

Skilled Drywall Finisher

Lisle, IL · On-site

$20.25 - $27.25/hr

SKILLED RESIDENTIAL and COMERICIAL DRYWALL TAPER / FINISHER WHO WE ARE At SkipCo., we specialize in providing top-quality construction labor to general contractors, developers, and project managers ...

New

SKIPCO LLC

Skilled Drywall Finisher

Lisle, IL · On-site

$20.25 - $27.25/hr

Description SKILLED RESIDENTIAL and COMERICIAL DRYWALL TAPER / FINISHER WHO WE ARE At SkipCo., we specialize in providing top-quality construction labor to general contractors, developers, and ...

New

SKIPCO LLC

Skilled Drywall Finisher

Lisle, IL · On-site

$20.25 - $27.25/hr

SKILLED RESIDENTIAL and COMERICIAL DRYWALL TAPER / FINISHER WHO WE ARE At SkipCo., we specialize in providing top-quality construction labor to general contractors, developers, and project managers ...

New

SkipCo LLC

Skilled Drywall Finisher

Lisle, IL

$20.25 - $27.25/hr

SKILLED RESIDENTIAL and COMERICIAL DRYWALL TAPER / FINISHER WHO WE ARE At SkipCo., we specialize in providing top-quality construction labor to general contractors, developers, and project managers ...

New

SkipCo LLC

Skilled Drywall Finisher

Lisle, IL · On-site

$25/hr

SKILLED RESIDENTIAL and COMERICIAL DRYWALL TAPER / FINISHER WHO WE ARE At SkipCo., we specialize in providing top-quality construction labor to general contractors, developers, and project managers ...

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All JobsTaper JobsTaper Jobs in Chicago, IL

Taper information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$16

$25

$36

How much do taper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for taper in Chicago, IL is $25.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 the difference between Taper vs Finisher?

AspectTaperFinisher
Primary RolePrepares surfaces by gradually reducing material thickness or applying initial layersCompletes the final surface, smoothing, and finishing details
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, manufacturing plantsConstruction sites, renovation projects
CertificationsMay require safety and skill certificationsSimilar 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.

How do you become a taper?

To become a taper, you typically need experience in hair or beard styling, knowledge of hair products, and good attention to detail. Many tapers learn through apprenticeships or on-the-job training, and some may pursue cosmetology or barbering licenses depending on local regulations.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Taper jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Taper jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Taper jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Taper jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Taper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Taper job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,583 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Chicago-Taper

Anning-Johnson Company

Melrose Park, IL • On-site

$53.05/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 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).

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.