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Taper Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Hoffman Specialty Contracting

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 ...

Hoffman Specialty Contracting

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 ...

All JobsTaper JobsTaper Jobs in Seattle, WA

Taper information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$18

$27

$40

How much do taper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for taper in Seattle, WA is $27.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $34.47 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.

What are popular job titles related to Taper jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Taper jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Taper jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Taper jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Taper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Taper job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,043 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Taper

Hoffman Specialty Contracting

Everett, WA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description


POSITION SUMMARY: 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 will be assigned a range of tasks to be completed. The Taper must be detailed orientated with uniform results.
PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Prepare unfinished interior drywall panels for painting by taping and finishing joints and imperfections.
  • 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 sealing compound and to seal joints.
  • Spread sealing compound between boards or panels or over cracks, holes, nail heads, or screw heads, using trowels, broad knives, or spatulas.
  • Seal joints between plasterboard or other wallboard to prepare wall surfaces for painting or papering.
  • Sand or patch nicks or cracks in plasterboard or wallboard.
  • Use mechanical applicators that spread compounds and embed tape in one operation.
  • Apply additional coats to fill in holes and make surfaces smooth.
  • Install metal molding at wall corners to secure wallboard.
  • Capable of providing detailed, uniform results.
  • May supervise small crews.
  • Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:
  • Work can vary from outdoors to indoors, thus the employee will be subject to various weather conditions

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Standing/Walking: Constantly; 66% to 100% a day
  • Legs: Must be able to climb stairs - 5% of day
  • Hands (repetitive grasping): Constantly; 66% to 100% a day
  • Hands (pushing and pulling): Frequently; 33% to 66% a day
  • Hands (fine manipulation): Occasionally; less than 33% a day
  • Vision: Visual acuity in near, mid and far range vision. Color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, hand/eye coordination
  • Hearing: Sufficient to hear conversational levels in person and over the telephone and radio; sufficient to hear alarms on equipment
  • Speech: Sufficient to make oneself heard in person, speak in front of groups, and be understood over the telephone and radio
  • Climbing (stairs and ladders): Occasionally; less than 33% a day
  • Lift/Carry: Up to at least 40lbs- Frequently; 33% to 66% a day
  • Lift Overhead: Occasionally; less than 33% a day
  • Reaching Overhead: Occasionally; less than 33% a day
  • Bending/Twisting (neck and back): Frequently; 33% to 66% a day
  • Knee Stand: Occasionally; less than 33% a day
  • Squatting/ Kneeling: Occasionally; less than 33% a day
  • Must be able to wear fall protection equipment and physically able to climb ladders and scaffolds

MENTAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Constant mental alertness, accuracy, and attention to detail required
  • Must be able to work independently and as a team
  • Must use creativity, independent judgment, and organizational and problem-solving skills to determine best method to accomplish desired results
  • Must be able to plan and organize work
  • Must possess strong mathematical skills, calculate proper dimensions of components, read blueprints, manuals, and communicate with coworkers.
  • Must not be afraid of heights.
  • Work in a safe manner in compliance with Hoffman's Safety Policy.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience in the field using taping tools, mixers, buckets, knives and trowels, stilts, tape, mud dispensers and hand tools that smooth drywall compound into rounded or arched shapes.
  • Belong to local union
  • Experience conforming to local building codes
  • Know and understand the 5 levels and methods of drywall finishing.
  • Must be reliable: show up on time and ready to work for scheduled shift

Application review will consider without limitation the following criteria: Union membership qualifications, education and experience specific to the job description/duties as well as prior experience with Hoffman Specialty Contracting. Applicants must be able to pass the Hoffman Drug and Alcohol test.
Hoffman Specialty Contracting is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work being performed by employees. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills required of the employee of this job. Furthermore, this description is subject to change at the discretion of the company, with or without notice.

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