Plasterer Salary in 2026
Apply interior and exterior plaster, stucco, and similar materials to walls and ceilings.
Median Salary
$57,660
$4,805/mo
Entry Level
$38,400
starting pay
Senior Level
$78,100
experienced
Job Growth
+2%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Plasterers and Stucco Masons (SOC 47-2161) at a national median of $57,660 per year (mean $62,050), or $27.72 per hour, with 19,310 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Plasterer Overview
Apply interior and exterior plaster, stucco, and similar materials to walls and ceilings.
Education
Apprenticeship
Experience
3-4 years
Industry
Trades
Total Jobs (US)
19K
5-Year Growth
+3%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$27.72/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,805
Plasterer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Plasterer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Plasterer Salary
$65,000
$5,417/month · $2,500/biweekly · $31.25/hr
Plasterer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Plasterer field.
Entry-level Plasterers earn around $38,400, while the top 10% earn $85,900 or more.
Top Paying States for Plasterers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $68,000 | +$10,340 |
| New York | $66,000 | +$8,340 |
| Massachusetts | $65,000 | +$7,340 |
| Illinois | $60,000 | +$2,340 |
| Florida | $57,000 | $-660 |
Top Paying Cities for Plasterers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $68,000 | +$10,340 |
| Los Angeles | $65,000 | +$7,340 |
| Boston | $65,000 | +$7,340 |
| Chicago | $61,000 | +$3,340 |
| Miami | $59,000 | +$1,340 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Plasterer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Plasterer from entry level to expert.
$38,400
0-2 years
$58,000
3-7 years
$78,100
8-14 years
$93,700
15+ years
Related Trades Jobs
Plasterer Salary FAQ
How much does a Plasterer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Plasterer in the United States is $57,660 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Plasterers and Stucco Masons (SOC 47-2161); the mean is $62,050. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $38,400, senior professionals around $78,100, and top earners at $93,700 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Plasterer?
A Plasterer typically requires a Apprenticeship with 3-4 years of experience. Key skills include Plaster Application, Stucco, Drywall Finishing. Relevant certifications such as Journeyman Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Plasterers?
The job market for Plasterers is projected to grow by 2% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 19K Plasterer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 3%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Plasterers the most?
The highest-paying states for Plasterers include California, New York, Illinois. In California, the median salary is approximately $68,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Plasterer salary?
To increase your Plasterer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Plaster Application and Stucco. Pursue certifications such as Journeyman Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 3-4 years of experience, you can progress from $38,400 to $78,100 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Plasterer Salary
How we calculate Plasterer salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Plasterers and Stucco Masons (SOC 47-2161), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $57,660, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Plasterers and Stucco Masons; BLS mean $62,050; BLS hourly median $27.72.
- Entry-level ($38,400) and senior-level ($78,100) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +2% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 19,310 Plasterers and Stucco Masons jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 3% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Trades sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Apprenticeship, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $57,660; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Plasterer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Plasterer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Trades
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Plasterer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Plaster Application, Stucco, Drywall Finishing), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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