Occupation

Tapers

Human Advantage 57%

Moderate human-AI collaboration

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
4.2 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

Seal joints between plasterboard or other wallboard to prepare wall surface for painting or papering.

Also Known As: Drywall Finisher, Drywall Mechanic, Drywall Taper, Finisher, Sheet Rock Taper, Spackler, Taper, Wall Taper

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Spread sealing compound between boards or panels or over cracks, holes, nail heads, or screw heads, using trowels, broadknives, or spatulas.
  2. Press paper tape over joints to embed tape into sealing compound and to seal joints.
  3. Apply additional coats to fill in holes and make surfaces smooth.
  4. Seal joints between plasterboard or other wallboard to prepare wall surfaces for painting or papering.
  5. Spread and smooth cementing material over tape, using trowels or floating machines to blend joints with wall surfaces.
  6. Sand or patch nicks or cracks in plasterboard or wallboard.
  7. Mix sealing compounds by hand or with portable electric mixers.
  8. Work on high ceilings, using scaffolding or other tools, such as stilts.
  9. Select the correct sealing compound or tape.
  10. Countersink nails or screws below surfaces of walls before applying sealing compounds, using hammers or screwdrivers.
  11. Remove extra compound after surfaces have been covered sufficiently.
  12. Install metal molding at wall corners to secure wallboard.
  13. Apply texturizing compounds or primers to walls or ceilings before final finishing, using trowels, brushes, rollers, or spray guns.
  14. Check adhesives to ensure that they will work and will remain durable.
  15. Sand rough spots of dried cement between applications of compounds.
  16. Use mechanical applicators that spread compounds and embed tape in one operation.

Education & Training

Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
46%
Less than a High School Diploma
29%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
25%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Office software

Software (8)

  • Applied Computer Systems JOBPOWER
  • Construction Software Center EasyEst
  • DevWave Estimate Works
  • On Center Quick Bid
  • Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal

Tools & Equipment (36)

  • Air compressors
  • Application brushes
  • Automatic taping tools
  • Banjo drywall tapers
  • Corner knives
  • Corner rollers
  • Drywall knockdown knives
  • Drywall mud mixers
  • Drywall power sanders
  • Drywall saws
  • Drywall stilts
  • Drywall taping knives
  • Drywall trowels
  • Dust masks
  • Feather edge drywall darbies
  • Goggles
  • Hand operated spray guns
  • Hopper guns
  • Industrial vacuums
  • Joint knives
  • Ladders
  • Mud mixing drills
  • Notebook computers
  • Patch guns
  • Personal computers
  • Pivoting drywall knives
  • Putty knives
  • Radius trowels
  • Scaffolding
  • Screwdrivers
  • Texture brushes
  • Texture rollers
  • Texture sprayers
  • Utility knives
  • Wall scrapers
  • Wipe-down knives

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Skilled Trades Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 1
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers 92% match
Zone 2
Tapers You are here
Zone 3
Electricians 77% match

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Related Occupations

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Drywall and Ceiling Tile InstallersClosely Related Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and WallClosely Related Cement Masons and Concrete FinishersClosely Related Plasterers and Stucco MasonsClosely Related Insulation Workers, MechanicalClosely Related Construction Laborers Roofers Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles
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Real Talk

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