Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
No formal educational credential
None
Short-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Helpers—painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons (47-3014) support skilled construction trades, with a national median annual salary of $38,140 and national employment of 7,000. This role can appeal to people who want hands-on, physically active work and are interested in assisting with finishing and surface-related tasks on projects. The occupation shows projected employment growth of 2.3%, with about 1,000 annual openings, indicating ongoing movement in and out of these jobs and continuing demand. Typical entry does not require a formal educational credential, which may make it accessible for individuals looking to enter the workforce quickly. Success in this field draws on physical strength and stamina, fine motor abilities, mechanical and science awareness, and interpersonal and customer service skills, along with problem solving, communication, and creativity. For those exploring related paths, similar occupations include tapers; refuse and recyclable material collectors; graders and sorters of agricultural products; textile, apparel, and furnishings workers (all other); and hand cutters and trimmers.
The national median annual salary for helpers—painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons is $38,140. Pay levels vary by location, with several states and metro areas offering higher median wages. Among the top states by opportunity score, Hawaii shows the highest listed median salary at $51,540, followed by California at $46,220. Washington and Maryland have similar median salaries at $39,360 and $39,080, while Texas is listed at $37,040. At the metro level, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA reports a median salary of $50,440, and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA reports $47,260, both above the national median. Other highlighted metros include San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA at $42,210, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX at $40,420, and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD at $39,080. These figures show that earnings for this occupation can differ significantly depending on the state and metro where you work.
Helpers—painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons have national employment of 7,000 and projected employment growth of 2.3%. This indicates that overall employment in this occupation is expected to increase over the projection period. The occupation is expected to have about 1,000 annual openings, reflecting a combination of new positions from growth and openings created when workers change jobs or leave the workforce. The 2.3% projected growth rate appears consistently across the listed top states and metro areas, suggesting a similar growth pattern in those highlighted regions. For job seekers, the combination of existing employment, projected growth, and ongoing annual openings points to continued opportunities to enter or move within this field. Individuals comparing this role with similar occupations—such as tapers; refuse and recyclable material collectors; graders and sorters of agricultural products; textile, apparel, and furnishings workers (all other); and hand cutters and trimmers—can use these employment and growth figures as part of their decision-making.
Location plays a major role in opportunity for helpers—painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons. Among states, California stands out with an opportunity score of 67.38, median salary of $46,220, and employment of 1,990. Texas also has relatively high employment at 1,220, with a median salary of $37,040 and an opportunity score of 51.57. Hawaii offers the highest listed state median salary at $51,540, though with smaller employment (130) and an opportunity score of 46.92. Washington and Maryland have more modest employment levels—160 and 90 respectively—but opportunity scores above 50 and median salaries close to $39,000. At the metro level, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has the highest opportunity score at 68.75 and a median salary of $50,440. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX, and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD all show opportunity scores above 50, with median salaries ranging from $39,080 to $47,260 and employment between 50 and 550, highlighting meaningful differences in both pay and job concentration.
This occupation typically requires no formal educational credential, which can make it accessible for people who want to start working without completing a traditional degree or certificate. Even without formal education requirements, success as a helper—painter, paperhanger, plasterer, or stucco mason relies on a well-rounded skill set. Important abilities include physical strength and stamina for demanding tasks, fine motor skills, and mechanical skills. Science skills also play a role, along with problem solving and decision making. Interpersonal, speaking, and listening skills support effective communication with supervisors, coworkers, and customers. Leadership capabilities can be valuable on job sites, especially as workers gain experience. Creativity and innovation, combined with customer service skills, help workers contribute positively to projects and client interactions. Individuals considering this field can focus on developing these skills through hands-on experience, on-the-job learning, and mentoring from more experienced workers.
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