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Career Exploration

Tapers

Also called: Drywall Finisher, Drywall Taper, Finisher, Taper

What they do:

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

On the job, you would:
  • Spread sealing compound between boards or panels or over cracks, holes, nail heads, or screw heads, using trowels, broadknives, or spatulas.
  • Press paper tape over joints to embed tape into sealing compound and to seal joints.
  • Apply additional coats to fill in holes and make surfaces smooth.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • building and construction

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Social

  • understanding people's reactions

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Endurance

  • exercise for a long time without getting out of breath

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Leadership
  • Independence
  • Integrity
  • Cooperation

Accounting software

  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal

Project management software

  • DevWave Estimate Works
  • On Center Quick Bid

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • Microsoft Dynamics

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $62,360

Education

High school diploma/GED or no high school diploma/GED is usually needed.