How to hire a drywall taper

How to hire a drywall taper, step by step

Here's a step-by-step drywall taper hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a drywall taper job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new drywall taper
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a drywall taper, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect drywall taper also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   Here's a comparison of drywall taper salaries for various roles:

   Type of Drywall Taper	Description	Hourly rate
   Drywall Taper	Drywall and ceiling tile installers hang wallboard and install ceiling tile inside buildings. Tapers prepare the wallboard for painting, using tape and other materials... Show more	$12-22
   Live Hanger	Live hangers have a significant role in any poultry processing plant. They pick chickens and place the chickens in foot straps or shackles that hold their feet within a moving processing line, ensuring the line is filled... Show more	$10-20
   Drywall Finisher	As a part of the construction team, the drywall finisher is the last to touch the product and place pieces, paint, and decorations for the final look. Also, they are to put premade walls on surfaces... Show more	$11-29

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Finishers
   • Hand Tools
   • Texture
   • Plasterboard
   • Trowels
   • Coats
   • Construction Sites
   • Drywall Installation
   • Urinals
   • Tape Measure
   • Commercial Buildings

   Responsibilities:

   • Frame, drywall, tape, texture, and paint interiors of residential and commercial buildings.
   • Spread and smooth cementing material over tape, using trowels
   • Collaborate with electricians, carpenters and mechanics to complete construction projects.
   • Collaborate with electricians, carpenters and mechanics to complete construction projects.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your drywall taper job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A drywall taper can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, drywall tapers' average salary in alabama is 53% less than in north dakota.
   • Seniority. Entry-level drywall tapers 45% less than senior-level drywall tapers.
   • Certifications. A drywall taper with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a drywall taper's salary.

   Average drywall taper salary

   $35,640yearly

   $17.13 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level drywall taper salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 30, 2026

   Average drywall taper salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Minnesota	$48,384	$23
   2	Illinois	$42,877	$21
   3	Illinois	$42,875	$21
   4	Nevada	$36,801	$18
   5	Wisconsin	$36,151	$17
   6	Wisconsin	$36,113	$17
   7	Arizona	$34,294	$16
   8	Arizona	$34,273	$16
   9	Arizona	$34,236	$16
   10	Arizona	$34,229	$16
   11	Arizona	$34,220	$16
   12	Arizona	$34,217	$16
   13	Texas	$32,200	$15
   14	Florida	$31,315	$15

   Average drywall taper salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Pepper Construction	$37,982	$18.26	3
   2	H.J. Martin and Son	$37,237	$17.90
   3	Tradesmen International	$35,194	$16.92	199
   4	PeopleReady	$32,590	$15.67	75
   5	R.M. Schulte & Associates	$29,241	$14.06

4. Writing a drywall taper job description

   A good drywall taper job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a drywall taper job description:

   Drywall taper job description example

   Tired of working in the rain, the heat and the cold…looking for stability with year-round employment? Our Drywall Taper/Plasterer (Mason/Plasterer) position will provide you with one main job site, all tools provided, multiple retirement plans, health, life and long-term disability insurance coverage, pre-tax savings opportunities, vacation AND sick leave, 12 paid holidays, assistance with child and elder care, a free regional transit pass and active commute support, tuition exemption, no sales pressure, an employee health program, work/life balance, and more!
   
   As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
   
   UW Facilities manages the University's buildings, infrastructure and land, with more than 1,100 employees in a variety of fields. The Asset Management group includes Capital & Space Management, Real Estate, Sustainability and other teams responsible for planning and workload management. The Operations group includes Project Delivery, Maintenance & Construction, Campus Utilities & Operations, Building Services, Transportation Services and Safety. Supporting these groups, as well as the separate Emergency Management team, are the Business Intelligence & Information Technology group and the Finance & Administration group. Please visit the UW Facilities web page for more information: UW Facilities.
   
   Maintenance & Construction (M&C) is responsible for general maintenance, repair, and renovations of all University of Washington (UW) main campus facilities including building interiors, exteriors, and grounds, as well as logistics, moving, and disposal of surplus equipment and furniture.
   
   Under the direction of the supervisor and lead, perform work which includes, but is not limited to, journey - level masonry and plastering work, including bricklaying, plastering, and cement finishing, altering, repairing, and maintaining buildings, facilities, equipment, and grounds.
   Primary Duties and Responsibilities
   
   * Develop preliminary cost estimates for installations and repairs.
   * Read and interpret blueprints and/or working drawings.
   * Lay bricks and blocks.
   * Prepare cement floors, sidewalks, stairs, and curbing; pour concrete floors, walls, and foundations.
   * Mix and apply glues, cements, and grouts; apply nonskid surfaces such as safety strips.
   * Operate power hammers and trowels, core drills, jackhammers, and diamond saws to remove concrete and other surfaces for repair and installation of conduit, air lines, etc.
   * Power wash sidewalks and outdoor stairways.
   * Estimate materials and time required for completion of jobs and projects.
   * Operate and maintain a variety of power and hand tools.
   * Keep leads and supervisors informed of project status and work progress, required project materials and equipment.
   * Operate machinery such as forklifts, scissor-lifts, and high rangers.
   * Load and unload materials and supplies.
   * Operate vehicles such as UW vans and trucks to transport tools, equipment and personnel to various job sites.
   * May instruct semiskilled workers.
   * Communicate and coordinate with other UW Facilities shops and other business partners such as EH&S, Engineering Services, Design Services, Capital Planning & Development and UW Information Technology to facilitate work.
   * Know and comply with occupational health and safety regulations specific to the work and conduct on the job, including Safety Data Sheet (SDS) instructions, Hazard Review Checklists (HRCs) and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
   * Comply with all UW and UW Facilities policies and procedures, M&C protocols, i.e., Individual Accountability Protocols (IAP).
   * Support all management directives and the vision and values of M&C.
   * Participate in and follow through with M&C process improvement initiatives, including Balanced Scorecard (BSC), incorporating metrics and Lean principles into internal work processes, and promoting employee engagement in continuous improvements and innovation.
   * Actively participate in meetings and training as scheduled.
   * Provide excellent customer service through effective, courteous and professional interactions with clients, colleagues and the campus community.
   * Other duties as required
   
   Core Competencies
   
   * Demonstrate personal integrity and trustworthiness.
   * Manage stressful situations and changing priorities effectively.
   * Anticipate, recognize and resolve problems.
   * Be responsible and accountable.
   * Use organizational skills and provide attention to details.
   * Maintain a positive, optimistic, and success-oriented attitude.
   * Exercise professionalism, which includes being tactful and courteous.
   * Exhibit a professional work ethic.
   * Continuously promote a safe work environment.
   
   Requirements include:
   
   * Completion of a recognized apprenticeship as a mason/plasterer,
   
   or full journey status as a mason/plasterer in a union;
   
   or four years' applicable work experience.
   
   Vocational training may be substituted for work experience on a year-for-year basis.
   
   * Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
   
   Additional Requirements include:
   
   * Demonstrated successful ability in taking direction, working well with others and as a member of a team.
   * Demonstrated excellent effective verbal and written communication skills.
   * Possession of a valid Washington State driver's license.
   
   Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
   
   Desired:
   
   * Knowledge and practical experience with WISHA (Washington Industrial Safety & Health Act) and OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Act) regulations.
   * Demonstrated proficiency with standard productivity software including Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent products
   * Experience mixing and applying base coat plaster over lathe or any other type surface to which plaster will adhere; repairing and finishing drywall; preparing masonry floors for floor coverings; repairing and installing ceramic tile and grout; repairing and installing vinyl/polymer floor tile, cove base and tile for walls and floors, including materials such as quarry, ceramic, marble and brick pavers.
   * Experience in the utilization of craft tools, including wet saws for efficient installation and repair of complex tile jobs.
   * Experience in the proper and safe application of chemicals and grouts, including epoxy and waterproof membranes.
   
   Conditions of Employment:
   
   * May be required to accept variable work shift.
   * Work may require access to confined spaces and heights using approved safety precautions.
   * Ability to lift and move heavy material may be required.
   * Must be able to work in all weather conditions.
   * Approved footwear must be provided at the employee's expense and worn on the job.
   * Must be able to be fitted for and wear a respirator on the job.
   * Must participate in medical screening/monitoring (such as TB screening and proof of measles inoculation) required for work assignments in locations, including but not limited to, nonhuman primate areas, the Animal Research and Care Facility, and the University of Washington Medical Center.
   * Must be able to work in a non-smoking environment.
   * Regular and predictable attendance is required.
   
   As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here.
   
   Application Process:
   
   The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right drywall taper for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with drywall tapers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit drywall tapers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your drywall taper job on Zippia to find and attract quality drywall taper candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as constructionjobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting drywall tapers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new drywall taper

   Once you've selected the best drywall taper candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new drywall taper. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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