Taper

Your Fit

Income

$64K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-2.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Taper?

A Taper, also known as a Drywall Finisher, is a skilled tradesperson specializing in preparing drywall for painting and finishing. They apply tape and compound to joints and nail indentations to create a smooth, seamless surface on walls and ceilings.

Sample job titles:

Drywall Finisher, Drywall Taper, Finisher, Taper

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Taper.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Taper earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Taper.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$46K per year	$52K per year	$64K per year	$83K per year	$88K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $520 below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Taper do?

Work environment

Tapers usually work indoors within various building types, including residential, commercial, and industrial structures. The environment can be dusty and requires wearing protective gear like masks and goggles. Physical stamina is essential, as the job involves standing, bending, and reaching for extended periods.

Quick task list

Applies tape over drywall seams and joints.
Spreads joint compound over tape and smooths it to create an even surface.
Sands finished surfaces to prepare them for painting or further finishing.
Repairs any imperfections in drywall.
Follows safety protocols to minimize dust inhalation and other hazards.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Residential Drywall Finishing: Specializing in taping and finishing in homes and apartments.
Commercial Drywall Finishing: Working on larger commercial projects with specific requirements.
Decorative Finishing: Applying specialized techniques for textured or decorative finishes.
Restoration Work: Specializing in repairing and refinishing drywall in older or damaged buildings.
Green Drywall Practices: Using sustainable materials and techniques for environmentally conscious projects.

Description

The work of a Taper is a critical stage in the construction and renovation of buildings, as it directly affects the appearance of interior spaces. Tapers must be precise and detail-oriented to ensure that walls and ceilings are smooth and free from imperfections. They use a variety of tools, including taping knives, joint compound applicators, and sanders, to achieve a finished surface that is ready for painting or wallpapering.

Physical dexterity and stamina are important, as tapers often work in awkward positions and handle heavy materials. They also need to be knowledgeable about different types of drywall and finishing compounds to select the right materials for each project. Safety is a key concern due to the dust and chemicals involved, so wearing protective gear and following proper procedures is essential.

The occupation requires good time management skills, as tapers often work under tight deadlines, especially in commercial or industrial settings. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team is important, as tapers often collaborate with other construction professionals.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Creating smooth and flawless surfaces that contribute to the overall aesthetics of a space.
The satisfaction of a physically tangible outcome of your work.
Opportunities for specialization and mastery of various finishing techniques.
Working indoors and being part of important construction and renovation projects.

You might make a good Taper if you are...

Detail-oriented with a steady hand and good eye for precision.
Physically fit and comfortable working in various positions and environments.
Patient and able to focus on repetitive tasks while maintaining quality.
Interested in construction and finishing work with a desire to see immediate results of your labor.
Able to work independently and manage your time effectively.

Pros:

Steady demand in construction and renovation sectors.
Opportunities to work on a variety of projects.
Potential for entrepreneurial ventures or self-employment.

Cons:

Physically demanding work with potential for repetitive motion injuries.
Exposure to dust and chemicals requiring protective gear.
May involve working in cramped spaces or at heights.

How to become a Taper

Typical education

Tapers typically learn their trade on the job or through an apprenticeship program. A high school diploma or equivalent is generally sufficient for entry-level positions. Apprenticeship programs can last 3-4 years.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop or vocational courses in construction or woodworking.
Art classes to develop an eye for aesthetics and detail.
Mathematics for measurements and spatial understanding.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining construction or craft clubs to gain hands-on experience.
Volunteering for community service projects involving building or renovation.
Participating in activities that require precision and attention to detail, like model building.

Preparation after high school

Enrolling in a vocational training program for drywall finishing.
Pursuing an apprenticeship in drywall finishing or a related trade.
Gaining experience through entry-level positions in construction or renovation companies.

More resources

Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI) - Offers educational resources and industry updates.
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) - Provides resources for those interested in residential construction.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Safety guidelines for construction trades.
Drywall Finishing Council - Offers best practices and standards for the dry wall finishing industry.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.