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Tapers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Anning-Johnson Company

Chicago-Taper

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$53.05/hr

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 ...

Anning-Johnson Company

Northern Ca. - Taper

Hayward, CA · On-site

$57.16/hr

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 ...

Anning-Johnson Company

Chicago-Taper

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$53.05/hr

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 ...

Anning Johnson

Chicago-Taper

Melrose Park, IL

$53.05/hr

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 ...

Anning-Johnson Company

Portland - Taper

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

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 ...

Anning-Johnson Company

Reno/Sparks - Taper

Sparks, NV · On-site

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 ...

Anning Johnson

Portland - Taper

Wilsonville, OR

Portland - Taper 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 ...

Anning-Johnson Company

Reno/Sparks - Taper

Sparks, NV · On-site

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 ...

Anning Johnson

Chicago-Taper

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$53.05/hr

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 ...

Anning-Johnson Company

Portland - Taper

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

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 ...

Anning-Johnson Company

Chicago-Taper

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$53.05/hr

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 ...

Anning Johnson

Northern Ca. - Taper

Hayward, CA · On-site

$57.16/hr

Northern Ca. - Taper 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 ...

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Tapers information

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$16

$24

$35

How much do tapers jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for tapers 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 proficiency in drywall finishing techniques, a good eye for detail, and physical stamina, often gained through apprenticeship or on-the-job training. Familiarity with tools such as taping knives, joint compound applicators, sanders, and sometimes stilts is important, as well as adherence to safety protocols. Strong hand-eye coordination, reliability, and the ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities ensure smooth, high-quality wall finishes, timely project completion, and safe work environments on construction sites.

What are some common challenges Tapers face on construction sites, and how can they be managed?

Tapers often encounter challenges such as working with uneven surfaces, tight project deadlines, and maintaining consistent quality across large areas. Managing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, effective time management, and close coordination with drywall installers and other trades. Using the right tools and materials, as well as keeping up with best practices in finishing techniques, can help ensure smooth results and reduce the need for rework. Additionally, open communication with site supervisors and team members can help address issues promptly and keep the project on track.

What are tapers?

Tapers are skilled tradespeople who prepare walls and ceilings for painting or finishing by applying tape and compound to seams between sheets of drywall. They cover nail or screw holes, joints, and any imperfections to create a smooth surface. Tapers play a crucial role in the construction and renovation process by ensuring that walls and ceilings look seamless and are ready for the final finish.

What is the difference between Tapers vs Finishers?

AspectTapersFinishers
Primary RoleApply joint compound and tape to seams and cornersSand, smooth, and prepare surfaces for painting or finishing
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of drywall installation, basic tools, safety proceduresAttention to detail, sanding skills, finishing techniques
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, drywall installation projectsInterior spaces, post-drywall installation
Industry UsageCommonly used in drywall and construction projectsUsed in painting, remodeling, and finishing jobs

While Tapers focus on applying joint compound and tape to drywall seams, Finishers are responsible for sanding and smoothing surfaces to achieve a polished look. Both roles are essential in drywall installation and finishing, often working sequentially to prepare walls for painting or decoration.

More about Tapers jobs
What cities are hiring for Tapers jobs? Cities with the most Tapers job openings:
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Tapers jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tapers job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $51,004 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Chicago-Taper

Chicago-Taper

Anning-Johnson Company

Melrose Park, IL • On-site

$53.05/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 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.

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