Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons

SOC code 47-3014 · O*NET-SOC 47-3014.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades

Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$40,470

a year

Hourly

$19.46

per hour

10th$31,200Median$40,47090th$52,000

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$42,440

$20.40 per hour

Middle 50%

$36,830 – $49,090

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$31,200 – $52,000

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

7,490

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $31,200; $15.00/hr
25th percentile: $36,830; $17.71/hr
Median percentile: $40,470; $19.46/hr
75th percentile: $49,090; $23.60/hr
90th percentile: $52,000; $25.00/hr

What do helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons do?

Help painters, paperhangers, plasterers, or stucco masons by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Clean work areas and equipment.
Supply or hold tools and materials.
Apply protective coverings, such as masking tape, to articles or areas that could be damaged or stained by work processes.
Smooth surfaces of articles to be painted, using sanding and buffing tools and equipment.
Erect scaffolding.
Perform support duties to assist painters, paperhangers, plasterers, or masons.
Fill cracks or breaks in surfaces of plaster articles or areas with putty or epoxy compounds.
Mix plaster, and carry plaster to plasterers.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold less than a high school diploma — 68% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Less than a High School Diploma68%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)26%
Post-Secondary Certificate4%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree1%

Common questions

How much does a helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons earn?

The national median is $40,470 a year. The full range runs from $31,200 at the 10th percentile to $52,000 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Speaking3.0/5
Active Listening2.9/5
Critical Thinking2.8/5
Monitoring2.8/5

Knowledge areas

Building and Construction3.1/5
English Language3.1/5

Transferable strengths: Coordination, Time Management, Social Perceptiveness, Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Service Orientation.