Plastering is physically demanding, requiring considerable standing, bending, lifting, and reaching overhead. Employment Plasterers held about 32,000 jobs in 1996. Most plasterers work on new construction sites, particularly where special architectural and lighting effects are part of the work. Some repair and renovate older buildings. Many plasterers are employed in Florida, California, and the Southwest, where exterior plasters with decorative finishes are very popular.
Most plasterers work for independent contractors.
About 1 out of every 5 plasterers is self-employed. Although most employers recommend apprenticeship as the best way to learn plastering, many people learn the trade by working as helpers to experienced plasterers. Those who learn the trade informally as helpers usually start by carrying materials, setting up scaffolds, and mixing plaster. Later they learn to apply the scratch, brown, and finish coats. In the classroom, apprentices start with a history of the trade and the industry.