The median pay for Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons is $40,470 a year ($19.46/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 1.5% through 2035, with about 700 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
- SOC 47-3014
- Construction and Extraction
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Helpers--Painter, Paperhanger, Plasterer, and Stucco Mason in four numbers
- Median pay
- $40,470a year, or $19.46/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $31KTop 10% $52K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +1.5%Slower than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+1.5%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +1.5% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 7007,600 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 20257.6K
- Projected 20357.7K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 7.6K Projected 2035 7.7K - Typical education
- No formal credentialneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school68.2%
- High school26.2%
- Certificate3.7%
- Some college0.5%
- Associate's1.4%
Highest education held by helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons Segment Value Less than high school 68.2% High school 26.2% Certificate 3.7% Some college 0.5% Associate's 1.4%
Also advertised as: Helper, Painter Assistant, Painter Helper, Plaster Helper, Plaster Tender.
Pay
How much do Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons make?
Every helpers--painter, paperhanger, plasterer, and stucco mason in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$40,470
Middle half earn $36,830 to $49,090
- 10th
- $31,200
- 25th
- $36,830
- 75th
- $49,090
- 90th
- $52,000
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $31,200 |
| 25th | $36,830 |
| Median | $40,470 |
| 75th | $49,090 |
| 90th | $52,000 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $40,470
- Median hourly wage
- $19.46/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $42,440
- People employed
- 7,490
Versus all US occupations
At $40,470, Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons earn 21% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $10,510 a year.
Versus construction and extraction occupations
Inside the Construction and Extraction group, where the middle occupation pays $60,020, this is 33% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $52,000 or more while the bottom 10% earn $31,200, a gap of 1.7×. That is a narrow spread, so experience and employer move pay less than in most occupations.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 8% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Ohio pays the most at $53,340, and still leads at $57,495 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Ohio | $53,340 | $57,495 | 40 |
| 2New York | $52,000 | $48,183 | N/A |
| 3Hawaii | $51,540 | $46,875 | 130 |
| 4California | $46,220 | $41,745 | 1,990 |
| 5Montana | $44,720 | $47,250 | 50 |
| 6Utah | $44,500 | $45,011 | N/A |
| 7Virginia | $43,160 | $42,689 | N/A |
| 8Connecticut | $43,070 | $41,569 | N/A |
| 9Colorado | $42,470 | $41,212 | N/A |
| 10Oregon | $40,180 | $38,873 | 240 |
Job outlook
Is Helpers--Painter, Paperhanger, Plasterer, and Stucco Mason a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Slower than average. +1.5% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons | +1.5% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Slower than average
BLS projects employment of Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons to change 1.5% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 100 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 700 openings are projected each year, 9.2% of the 7,600 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of construction laborers and helpers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of construction laborers and helpers varies by occupation (see table).
Construction laborers work in all fields of construction, and demand for laborers should mirror the level of overall construction activity. Repairing and replacing the nation’s infrastructure, such as the power grid, roads, and water lines, is expected to result in steady demand for laborers.
Getting in
How to become a Helpers--Painter, Paperhanger, Plasterer, and Stucco Mason
Construction laborers and helpers learn on the job. Formal education is not typically required, but some employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
No formal educational credential
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Little or no preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons.
- Less than a High School Diploma68.2%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)26.2%
- Post-Secondary Certificate3.7%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree1.4%
- Some College Courses0.5%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Less than a High School Diploma | 68.2% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 26.2% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 3.7% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 1.4% |
| Some College Courses | 0.5% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Helpers--Painter, Paperhanger, Plasterer, and Stucco Mason do?
Help painters, paperhangers, plasterers, or stucco masons by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
Construction laborers and helpers perform tasks, such as using, supplying, or holding materials or tools and cleaning work areas and equipment, on construction sites.
Day-to-day tasks
- Clean work areas and equipment.
- Supply or hold tools and materials.
- Erect scaffolding.
- Perform support duties to assist painters, paperhangers, plasterers, or masons.
- Apply protective coverings, such as masking tape, to articles or areas that could be damaged or stained by work processes.
- Fill cracks or breaks in surfaces of plaster articles or areas with putty or epoxy compounds.
- Smooth surfaces of articles to be painted, using sanding and buffing tools and equipment.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most construction laborers and helpers work full time, and work schedules may vary. Laborers and helpers on highway and bridge projects may need to work overnight to avoid causing traffic disruptions. In some parts of the country, construction laborers and helpers may work only during certain seasons. For example, in northern climates, cold weather frequently limits construction activity in the winter.
Some construction laborers are self-employed. In contrast, few helpers are self-employed.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayRarely works in a climate-controlled indoor space.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeOn their feet more than half the working day.
Bending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the timeRegular bending or twisting.
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Speaking3.0
- Active Listening2.9
- Critical Thinking2.8
- Monitoring2.8
- Active Learning2.4
- Learning Strategies2.3
- Reading Comprehension2.1
- Writing2.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Speaking | 3.0 |
| Active Listening | 2.9 |
| Critical Thinking | 2.8 |
| Monitoring | 2.8 |
| Active Learning | 2.4 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.3 |
| Reading Comprehension | 2.1 |
| Writing | 2.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Coordination3.0
- Time Management2.8
- Social Perceptiveness2.6
- Operations Monitoring2.6
- Quality Control Analysis2.6
- Service Orientation2.5
- Equipment Maintenance2.5
- Troubleshooting2.5
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Coordination | 3.0 |
| Time Management | 2.8 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.6 |
| Operations Monitoring | 2.6 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 2.6 |
| Service Orientation | 2.5 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 2.5 |
| Troubleshooting | 2.5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Office suite software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Accounting software
- Project management software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Helpers--Painter, Paperhanger, Plasterer, and Stucco Mason?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Helpers--Painter, Paperhanger, Plasterer, and Stucco Mason |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 1 |
| Artistic | 2 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 3 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic6.5
- Conventional3.5
- Social2.4
- Artistic1.8
- Enterprising1.4
- Investigative1.1
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Helpers--Painter, Paperhanger, Plasterer, and Stucco Mason
O*NET related occupations
- Construction and Extraction
Helpers--Brickmason, Blockmason, Stonemason, and Tile and Marble Setter
$47,550median a year
Most earn $36K to $70K
−11.7%No formal credential - Construction and Extraction
- Construction and Extraction
Helpers--Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter
$42,360median a year
Most earn $34K to $58K
+2.4%High school - Construction and Extraction
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Worker
$39,630median a year
Most earn $29K to $56K
+5.3%High school - Construction and Extraction
Painter, Construction and Maintenance
$49,400median a year
Most earn $37K to $79K
+3.0%No formal credential
More construction and extraction careers
Median annual pay, with helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons highlighted
- Plumber$63,800
- Electrician$63,190
- Structural Iron and Steel Worker$62,780
- Sheet Metal Worker$61,800
- Carpenter$60,580
- Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator$59,850
- Roofer$55,440
- Oil and Gas Roustabout$46,960
- Helpers--Painter, Paperhanger, Plasterer, and Stucco Mason$40,470
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Plumber | $63,800 |
| Electrician | $63,190 |
| Structural Iron and Steel Worker | $62,780 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $61,800 |
| Carpenter | $60,580 |
| Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator | $59,850 |
| Roofer | $55,440 |
| Oil and Gas Roustabout | $46,960 |
| Helpers--Painter, Paperhanger, Plasterer, and Stucco Mason | $40,470 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Helpers--Painter, Paperhanger, Plasterer, and Stucco Mason appears on
Questions
Helpers--Painter, Paperhanger, Plasterer, and Stucco Mason: frequently asked questions
How much do Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons make?
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons earn a median of $40,470 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 21% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $19.46/hr. The middle half earn between $36,830 and $49,090. The top 10% earn $52,000 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Helpers--Painter, Paperhanger, Plasterer, and Stucco Mason?
No. BLS lists no formal educational credential as the typical entry requirement for Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as little or no preparation. BLS also lists short-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 68.2% hold less than a high school diploma.
Is Helpers--Painter, Paperhanger, Plasterer, and Stucco Mason a growing career?
It is growing, but slowly: 1.5% over 2025–2035 against 3.5% for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 700 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Helpers--Painter, Paperhanger, Plasterer, and Stucco Mason do?
Construction laborers and helpers perform tasks, such as using, supplying, or holding materials or tools and cleaning work areas and equipment, on construction sites. A core O*NET task: clean work areas and equipment. Employers most often ask for Office suite software, Spreadsheet software.
Which states pay Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons the most?
The highest state medians for Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons are Ohio ($53,340), New York ($52,000), Hawaii ($51,540) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Helpers--Painter, Paperhanger, Plasterer, and Stucco Mason?
O*NET scores Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons highest on the Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping the closest types are ISTJ, ISFJ. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.