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Taper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Southern CA - Taper

La Puente, CA · On-site

$47.43/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 ...

Northern Ca. - Taper

Hayward, CA · On-site

$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 ...

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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$16

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How much do taper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 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?

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 some 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 are Tapers?

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:
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What job categories do people searching Taper jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Taper jobs are:
Infographic showing various Taper job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,004 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Northern Ca. - Taper

$57.16/hr

Full-time

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).

NOTE: In the San Francisco Bay area wages range from $20.01 per hour for entry level apprentices to $57.16 per hour for Journeyman. Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.

Anning-Johnson Co is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. 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.