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Union Drywall Taper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Anning-Johnson Company

Chicago-Taper

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$53.05/hr

Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw ... Wages based on unions scales: Range is $19.93 per hour for entry level apprentice to $53.05 per ...

Hoffman Specialty Contracting

Taper

Portland, OR · On-site

Taper Portland, OR, USA Full Time Position Summary The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical ... smooth drywall compound into rounded or arched shapes. * Belong to local union * Experience ...

Anning Johnson

Chicago-Taper

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$53.05/hr

Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw ... Wages based on unions scales: Range is $19.93 per hour for entry level apprentice to $53.05 per ...

Anning-Johnson Company

Chicago-Taper

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$53.05/hr

Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw ... Wages based on unions scales: Range is $19.93 per hour for entry level apprentice to $53.05 per ...

Anning-Johnson Company

Chicago-Taper

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$53.05/hr

Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw ... Wages based on unions scales: Range is $19.93 per hour for entry level apprentice to $53.05 per ...

Anning Johnson

Southern CA - Taper

City Of Industry, CA · On-site

$47.43/hr

Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw ... Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.

Hoffman Corporation

Taper

Portland, OR · On-site

The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels ... smooth drywall compound into rounded or arched shapes. * Belong to local union * Experience ...

Hoffman Specialty Contracting

Taper

Claude, TX · On-site

Apply drywall compound, nail/screw indentations on the surface of panels.Remove extra compound ... Union membership qualifications, education and experience specific to the /duties as well as prior ...

Hoffman Corporation

Taper

Portland, OR · On-site

The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels ... smooth drywall compound into rounded or arched shapes. * Belong to local union * Experience ...

Anning Johnson

Southern CA - Taper

La Puente, CA · On-site

$47.43/hr

Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw ... Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.

Anning-Johnson Company

Northern Ca. - Taper

Hayward, CA · On-site

$57.16/hr

Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw ... Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.

Hoffman Specialty Contracting

Taper

Everett, WA · On-site

The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels ... smooth drywall compound into rounded or arched shapes. * Belong to local union * Experience ...

Anning-Johnson Company

Northern Ca. - Taper

Hayward, CA · On-site

$57.16/hr

Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw ... Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.

Hoffman Specialty Contracting

Taper

Everett, WA · On-site

Apply drywall compound, nail/screw indentations on the surface of panels.Remove extra compound ... Union membership qualifications, education and experience specific to the /duties as well as prior ...

Anning-Johnson Company

Northern Ca. - Taper

Hayward, CA · On-site

$57.16/hr

Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw ... Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.

Hoffman Corporation

Taper - Claude, TX

Claude, TX · On-site

The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels ... smooth drywall compound into rounded or arched shapes. * Belong to local union * Experience ...

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All JobsConstruction JobsWalls JobsDrywall Mechanic JobsUnion Drywall Taper Jobs

Union Drywall Taper information

See salary details

$16

$24

$35

How much do union drywall taper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for union drywall 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 is a union drywall taper?

Union Drywall Tapers are skilled tradespeople who prepare walls and ceilings for painting or finishing by applying tape and compound to seams between drywall panels. They work on construction sites and are members of a labor union, which provides collective bargaining for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Their responsibilities include covering nail and screw holes, repairing cracks, and ensuring a smooth, even surface. Being part of a union often means they have completed an apprenticeship and meet specific skill and safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a union drywall taper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Union Drywall Taper, you need strong manual dexterity, attention to detail, and experience with drywall finishing techniques, often gained through apprenticeship programs or on-the-job training. Familiarity with taping tools, joint compound application systems, and safety equipment is essential. Excellent teamwork, communication, and a strong work ethic help individuals excel in demanding construction environments. These skills ensure high-quality, efficient finishes and safe, collaborative workplaces in the construction industry.

What are some common challenges union drywall tapers face on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Union Drywall Tapers often encounter challenges such as working in tight or awkward spaces, managing dust and debris, and ensuring a flawless finish under tight deadlines. Adapting to different job sites and coordinating with other construction trades can also be demanding. Staying organized, using proper protective equipment, and maintaining strong communication with team members can help address these challenges. Developing efficient taping techniques and keeping up with union training opportunities further supports success in this role.

What is the difference between Union Drywall Taper vs Union Drywall Finisher?

AspectUnion Drywall TaperUnion Drywall Finisher
Primary RoleApplying joint compound and taping drywall seamsSanding, finishing, and smoothing drywall surfaces
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of taping techniques, basic certificationsFinishing skills, certifications in drywall finishing
Work EnvironmentOn-site drywall installation projectsPost-installation finishing and touch-ups
Industry UsageCommonly used in drywall installation teamsOften works alongside tapers for final surface prep

While both Union Drywall Tapers and Union Drywall Finishers work closely in drywall installation, tapers focus on taping and applying joint compound, whereas finishers handle sanding and smoothing surfaces for a polished look. Understanding these roles helps in choosing the right professional for each stage of drywall finishing projects.

How to become a union drywall taper?

To become a union drywall taper, you typically need to complete an apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction, often lasting 3-4 years. During this time, you learn drywall finishing techniques, safety protocols, and may need to pass a skills test or exam to qualify for union membership and work as a professional drywall taper.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drywall Taper jobs?

The most popular types of Drywall Taper jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Union Drywall Taper jobs?

For Union Drywall Taper jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Union Drywall Taper job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,004 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Chicago-Taper

Melrose Park, IL • On-site

Anning-Johnson Company
See more jobs at Anning-Johnson Companyexternal

$53.05/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 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.