Tapers

SOC code 47-2082 · O*NET-SOC 47-2082.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades

Tapers pay

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

Median pay

$68,270

a year

Hourly

$32.82

per hour

10th$43,670Median$68,27090th$107,110

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

Average pay

$72,710

$34.96 per hour

Middle 50%

$52,730 – $88,540

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$43,670 – $107,110

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

12,840

nationwide

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

10th percentile: $43,670; $21.00/hr
25th percentile: $52,730; $25.35/hr
Median percentile: $68,270; $32.82/hr
75th percentile: $88,540; $42.57/hr
90th percentile: $107,110; $51.50/hr

What does a taper do?

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

The tasks that matter most day to day

Press paper tape over joints to embed tape into sealing compound and to seal joints.
Spread and smooth cementing material over tape, using trowels or floating machines to blend joints with wall surfaces.
Spread sealing compound between boards or panels or over cracks, holes, nail heads, or screw heads, using trowels, broadknives, or spatulas.
Work on high ceilings, using scaffolding or other tools, such as stilts.
Seal joints between plasterboard or other wallboard to prepare wall surfaces for painting or papering.
Apply additional coats to fill in holes and make surfaces smooth.
Countersink nails or screws below surfaces of walls before applying sealing compounds, using hammers or screwdrivers.
Mix sealing compounds by hand or with portable electric mixers.

How to become a taper

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 →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does a taper earn?

The national median is $68,270 a year. The full range runs from $43,670 at the 10th percentile to $107,110 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 taper 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

Monitoring2.9/5
Active Listening2.8/5
Speaking2.6/5
Critical Thinking2.5/5

Knowledge areas

English Language3.6/5
Administration and Management3.5/5
Public Safety and Security3.4/5
Education and Training3.3/5
Building and Construction3.1/5
Customer and Personal Service3.0/5
Mathematics2.7/5
Transportation2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Time Management, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination.