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Union Taper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Southern CA - Taper Tapers are required to finish walls, ceilings and trim using hand tools and ... Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.

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 ... Wages based on unions scales: Range is $19.93 per hour for entry level apprentice to $53.05 per ...

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 ... Wages based on unions scales: Range is $19.93 per hour for entry level apprentice to $53.05 per ...

A Taper will usually report to a foreman or lead man and will be assigned a range of tasks to be ... Wages based on unions scales: Range is $19.93 per hour for entry level apprentice to $53.05 per ...

Taper

Claude, TX · On-site

The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels ... Belong to local union * Experience conforming to local building codes * Know and understand the 5 ...

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 ... Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.

The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels ... Belong to local union * Experience conforming to local building codes * Know and understand the 5 ...

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 ... Wages based on unions scales: Range is $19.93 per hour for entry level apprentice to $53.05 per ...

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 ... Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.

Taper

Portland, OR · On-site

The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels ... Belong to local union * Experience conforming to local building codes * Know and understand the 5 ...

The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels ... Belong to local union * Experience conforming to local building codes * Know and understand the 5 ...

A Taper will usually report to a foreman or lead man and will be assigned a range of tasks to be ... Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.

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 ... Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.

The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels ... Belong to local union * Experience conforming to local building codes * Know and understand the 5 ...

A Taper will usually report to a foreman or lead man and will be assigned a range of tasks to be ... Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.

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 ... Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.

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 ... Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.

The Taper will use hand tools and mechanical tools to prepare unfinished interior drywall panels ... Belong to local union * Experience conforming to local building codes * Know and understand the 5 ...

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Union Taper information

See salary details

$16

$24

$35

How much do union taper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for union 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 Union Tapers?

Union Tapers are skilled tradespeople who specialize in preparing drywall surfaces for painting or finishing by applying tape and joint compound to seams and corners. They belong to a union, which provides them with standardized wages, benefits, and workplace protections. Their work ensures that drywall joints are smooth, seamless, and ready for the next stage of construction. Union Tapers commonly work on both residential and commercial building projects, collaborating with other construction professionals to deliver high-quality results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Union Taper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Union Taper, you need proficiency in drywall finishing, taping, sanding, and a solid understanding of construction safety practices, often supported by apprenticeship training or relevant union certifications. Familiarity with taping tools, automatic taping machines, stilts, and joint compounds is typically required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality, seamless wall finishes, efficient workflow, and safety compliance on construction sites.

What are some common challenges Union Tapers face on large construction projects, and how can they overcome them?

Union Tapers often encounter challenges such as tight project deadlines, working in varying site conditions, and coordinating with other trades to ensure a seamless finish. To overcome these challenges, it's important to communicate effectively with supervisors and fellow tradespeople, stay organized, and adapt to changing schedules. Familiarity with different finishing techniques and the ability to work efficiently while maintaining high quality standards are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Union Taper vs Union Painter?

AspectUnion TaperUnion Painter
Required CredentialsTypically OSHA certifications, apprenticeship programs, or relevant experienceOSHA certifications, apprenticeship, or relevant experience
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, commercial buildings, residential projectsInterior and exterior painting on construction sites, commercial, and residential projects
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction companies, specialty contractorsPainting contractors, construction firms
Common Search & ComparisonUnion Taper vs Union Painter

Both Union Taper and Union Painter work within the construction industry and often share similar certifications and work environments. The main difference lies in their specific tasks: Union Tapers focus on applying joint compound and finishing drywall surfaces, while Union Painters specialize in painting surfaces. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right role based on their skills and career goals.

More about Union Taper jobs
What cities are hiring for Union Taper jobs? Cities with the most Union Taper job openings:
What states have the most Union Taper jobs? States with the most job openings for Union Taper jobs include:
Infographic showing various Union Taper job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Locum Tenens, 13% Internship, 62% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 6% Nights, and 5% Summer. Highlights an 15% Physical, and 85% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $51,004 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

$47.43/hr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Southern 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 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 LA area wages range from $20.23 per hour for entry level apprentices to $47.43 per hour for Journeyman. Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.

NOTE: In the San Diego area wages range from $19.00 per hour for entry level apprentices to $37.93 per hour for Journeyman. Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.

Anning-Johnson Co and Restec Contractors Inc are Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employers. 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.