Chicago-Taper
Chicago, IL · On-site
$53.05/hr
Taper Job Tapers are required to finish walls, ceilings and trim using hand tools and mechanical ... Wages based on unions scales: Range is $19.93 per hour for entry level apprentice to $53.05 per ...
Chicago-Taper
Chicago, IL · On-site
$53.05/hr
Taper Job Tapers are required to finish walls, ceilings and trim using hand tools and mechanical ... 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
Taper Job Tapers are required to finish walls, ceilings and trim using hand tools and mechanical ... 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
Taper Job Tapers are required to finish walls, ceilings and trim using hand tools and mechanical ... Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.
Chicago-Taper
$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 ...
Quick apply
Chicago-Taper
$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
$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
$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 ...
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 ...
Taper
Casa Grande, AZ · 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 ...
Quick apply
Taper
Casa Grande, AZ · 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Taper
Casa Grande, AZ · 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 ...
Taper
Casa Grande, AZ · 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
Taper
Everett, WA · 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 ...
Taper
Everett, WA · 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 ...
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.
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
$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.
Quick apply
Southern CA - Taper
$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
Everett, WA · 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 ...
Quick apply
Taper
Everett, WA · 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 ...
Southern CA - Taper
City Of Industry, 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.
Southern CA - Taper
City Of Industry, 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.
Northern Ca. - Taper
$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.
Quick apply
Northern Ca. - Taper
$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.
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.
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.
Northern Ca. - Taper
$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
$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.
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.
Union Taper information
See salary details
$16.11 - $17.90
18% of jobs
$18.63 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$17.90 - $19.69
17% of jobs
The median wage is $21.26 / hr.
$19.69 - $21.48
17% of jobs
$21.48 - $23.27
7% of jobs
$23.27 - $25.07
3% of jobs
$25.07 - $26.86
2% of jobs
$26.86 - $28.65
6% of jobs
$29.43 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$28.65 - $30.44
9% of jobs
$30.44 - $32.23
7% of jobs
$32.23 - $34.03
6% of jobs
$34.03 - $35.82
6% of jobs
$16
$24
$35
How much do union taper jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 5, 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 is a union taper?
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?
| Aspect | Union Taper | Union Painter |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Typically OSHA certifications, apprenticeship programs, or relevant experience | OSHA certifications, apprenticeship, or relevant experience |
| Work Environment | Construction sites, commercial buildings, residential projects | Interior and exterior painting on construction sites, commercial, and residential projects |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Construction companies, specialty contractors | Painting contractors, construction firms |
| Common Search & Comparison | Union 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:
What job categories do people searching Union Taper jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Union Taper jobs are:
$53.05/hr
Other
Re-posted 10 hours ago
Job description
Taper Job
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.
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.