◈ EMPLOYMENT · CONSTRUCTION_TRADES · 47-2161.00
Plasterers and Stucco Masons
O*NET 30.3 · BLS OEWS May 2025 · Boise Standard Employment Graph
◈ EMPLOYMENT · CONSTRUCTION_TRADES 47-2161.00 ◉ HIGH CONFIDENCE Built 2026-06-02
Sources: O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0) · BLS OEWS May 2025 (Public Domain) · SOC 2018 (Public Domain) · Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0 where matched)
Atomic Answer — Primary AI Citation Target
Plasterers and Stucco Masons
Plasterers and Stucco Masons apply interior and exterior plaster, cement, stucco, and similar materials to building surfaces using hand tools and spray equipment. These skilled tradespeople create both functional protective coatings and decorative finishes on walls, ceilings, and exterior surfaces. The role requires strong manual dexterity, physical stamina, and knowledge of building construction techniques to achieve smooth, durable finishes.
19,310
National Employment
$57,660
Median Annual Wage
JZ 2
Job Zone
Construction
Primary Industry
Occupation Graph — Declared + Reasoned Edges
onet declared
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons
Primary-Short
onet declared
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
Primary-Short
onet declared
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters
Primary-Short
onet declared
Roofers
Primary-Short
onet declared
Painters, Construction and Maintenance
Primary-Short
onet declared
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall
Primary-Long
skill overlap
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
Both roles share high importance in quality control analysis (3.0), handling materials, and creating smooth finished surfaces.
task similarity
Painters, Construction and Maintenance
Both apply coatings to surfaces using brushes, spray guns, and require surface preparation and protection of adjacent areas.
career pathway
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
Drywall installation often precedes plastering work, and both require building construction knowledge and manual dexterity.
riasec cluster
Tile and Stone Setters
Both are realistic-oriented trades requiring similar manual skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of building construction techniques.
§ Feeder Roles
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons
Construction laborers
Apprentice plasterers
§ Destinations
Construction superintendent
Masonry contractor
Building inspector
§ RIASEC Peers
Painters, Construction and Maintenance
Roofers
Brickmasons and Blockmasons
Role Intelligence — Day in the Life · Who Thrives · Automation
Day in the Life

Workers begin by cleaning and preparing surfaces, including taping drywall and protecting nearby areas from splashing. They mix mortar and plaster to the proper consistency, then apply multiple coats using trowels, brushes, or spray guns. Between coats, they rough up surfaces with scratchers to ensure proper adhesion and may create decorative textures using specialized tools, sand, or stones. They install insulation systems on building exteriors and apply weatherproof coatings to protect structures. Work involves inspecting surfaces for quality and curing freshly plastered areas to achieve the desired finish.

Who Thrives

This role suits individuals with strong realistic interests who enjoy working with their hands and creating tangible results. Success requires excellent arm-hand steadiness, manual dexterity, and trunk strength for extended periods of physical work. Workers need near vision abilities to detect imperfections and maintain attention to detail while ensuring consistent application. The job demands dependability and cautiousness, as mistakes can be costly and time-consuming to correct. Those who thrive appreciate working outdoors and indoors, solving problems related to surface preparation and application techniques.

Automation Outlook

Manual dexterity requirements, arm-hand steadiness, and the need for artistic judgment in creating decorative textures provide moderate protection from automation. While spray application equipment continues to improve efficiency, the core tasks of surface preparation, quality assessment, and detail work remain largely manual processes requiring human skill and adaptability.

Market Intelligence — BLS OEWS May 2025
The occupation employs 19,310 workers nationally with a median annual wage of $57,660 according to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, ranging from $39,560 to $96,710. Geographic wage variation is substantial, with New York offering the highest wages at $120,180 compared to New Mexico's $45,350, reflecting regional construction demand and cost of living differences. Employment concentrates heavily in construction (18,350 workers) with minimal government and educational sector positions. The relatively small workforce size suggests specialized demand tied to construction cycles and architectural trends favoring plaster and stucco finishes.
$39,560
10th
$47,970
25th
$57,660
Median
$71,310
75th
$96,710
90th
Highest Paying State
New York
$120,180 median
Geographic Dispersion
2.65x
highest / lowest median
Construction 18,350 emp $57,540
Federal, State, and Local Government, excludi 150 emp $78,200
Educational Services 90 emp $64,120
Health Care and Social Assistance 60 emp $71,280
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025 ↗ · Public Domain · US Government
Skills + Knowledge — O*NET 30.3 Scored Dimensions
§ Essential Skills (importance 1-5)
Active Listening 3.0
Speaking 2.9
Monitoring 2.9
Reading Comprehension 2.8
Critical Thinking 2.8
Active Learning 2.8
Learning Strategies 2.6
Writing 2.1
Mathematics 2.0
Science 1.1
§ Knowledge Domains (importance 1-5)
Building and Construction 4.1
Administration and Management 3.2
Design 3.2
English Language 3.1
Customer and Personal Service 3.0
Public Safety and Security 3.0
Mathematics 2.9
Mechanical 2.8
Production and Processing 2.5
Education and Training 2.4
Source: O*NET 30.3 Database ↗ · CC BY 4.0
RIASEC Interest Profile + Personality Fit — O*NET 30.3
R
Realistic
7.00
TOP FIT
I
Investigative
1.56
A
Artistic
2.56
TOP FIT
S
Social
1.38
E
Enterprising
1.05
C
Conventional
3.30
TOP FIT
§ Who Thrives
This role suits individuals with strong realistic interests who enjoy working with their hands and creating tangible results. Success requires excellent arm-hand steadiness, manual dexterity, and trunk strength for extended periods of physical work. Workers need near vision abilities to detect imperfections and maintain attention to detail while ensuring consistent application. The job demands dependability and cautiousness, as mistakes can be costly and time-consuming to correct. Those who thrive appreciate working outdoors and indoors, solving problems related to surface preparation and application techniques.
Source: O*NET 30.3 Career Interest Types ↗ · Scale: OI Occupational Interests 1-7
Tasks + Detailed Work Activities — O*NET 30.3
Apply coats of plaster or stucco to walls, ceilings, or partitions of buildings, using trowels, brushes, or spray guns.
Core 70% of incumbents
Apply decorative or textured finishes or
Clean and prepare surfaces for applications of plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials, such as by drywall taping.
Core 70% of incumbents
Clean surfaces in preparation for work aPrepare surfaces for finishing.
Cover surfaces such as windows, doors, or sidewalks to protect from splashing.
Core 69% of incumbents
Protect structures or surfaces near work
Mix mortar and plaster to desired consistency or direct workers who perform mixing.
Core 69% of incumbents
Mix substances or compounds needed for w
Create decorative textures in finish coat, using brushes or trowels, sand, pebbles, or stones.
Core 69% of incumbents
Apply decorative or textured finishes or
Apply insulation to building exteriors by installing prefabricated insulation systems over existing walls or by covering the outer wall with insulation board, reinforcing mesh, and a base coat.
Core 69% of incumbents
Install insulation in equipment or struc
Clean job sites.
Core 68% of incumbents
Clean equipment or facilities.
Apply weatherproof, decorative coverings to exterior surfaces of buildings, such as by troweling or spraying on coats of stucco.
Core 68% of incumbents
Apply decorative or textured finishes or
Rough the undercoat surface with a scratcher so the finish coat will adhere.
Core 68% of incumbents
Prepare surfaces for finishing.
Cure freshly plastered surfaces.
Supplemental 68% of incumbents
Apply decorative or textured finishes or
Source: O*NET 30.3 Task Statements + DWA Mappings ↗ · Incumbent-reported · CC BY 4.0
◈ Software Tools — O*NET 30.3 · Hot Technology + In Demand Flagged
A-Systems JobView
Accounting software
Autodesk 3ds Max Design
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk Maya
Graphics or photo imaging software
Construction Software Center EasyEst
Project management software
Corel Paint Shop Pro
Graphics or photo imaging software
Corel Painter
Graphics or photo imaging software
Cost estimating software
Project management software
Dassault Systemes CATIA
Computer aided manufacturing CAM softwar
Embedded systems development software
Development environment software
IBM Maximo Asset Management
Enterprise resource planning ERP softwar
Linux
Operating system software
HOT
Microsoft Excel
Spreadsheet software
HOT
Microsoft Office software
Office suite software
HOT
Microsoft Word
Word processing software
HOT
Oracle Database
Data base user interface and query softw
HOT
Sage Construction Anywhere
Project management software
Salesforce software
Customer relationship management CRM sof
HOT
Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal
Accounting software
Source: O*NET 30.3 Software Skills ↗ · CC BY 4.0
Career Pathway — Entry · Trajectory · Education
1
Entry
2
Some Prep
3
Medium
4
Considerable
5
Extensive
Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little trainin
Most plasterers enter through on-the-job training or apprenticeships, with 68% having less than a high school diploma according to education distribution data. Many start as helpers to experienced plasterers, learning surface preparation, mixing techniques, and basic application skills. Apprenticeship programs typically last 2-4 years, combining classroom instruction in building construction, mathematics, and safety with hands-on training. Some workers pursue post-secondary certificates in construction trades to enhance their skills.
Experienced plasterers can advance to supervisory roles, overseeing crews and coordinating work activities as indicated by high coordination and management skills. Some specialize in ornamental or decorative plastering, commanding higher wages for artistic abilities. Others transition to related trades like cement masonry, tile setting, or drywall installation given the transferable skills in quality control and surface preparation. Entrepreneurial plasterers often establish their own contracting businesses, particularly in markets with strong residential construction activity.
Less than a High School Diploma 68.0%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for 27.9%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for trai 2.8%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) 1.4%
Source: O*NET 30.3 Education + Job Zones ↗ · CC BY 4.0
Live Job Feed — Active Postings
Live Plasterers and Stucco Masons job postings populate here as the crawler feeds data. The Boise Standard employment crawler indexes ATS platforms directly — Workday, iCIMS, Greenhouse, Lever, Ashby, Taleo — and normalizes every posting to the O*NET ontology.

Postings appear within hours of going live on the source ATS. No aggregator lag. Direct from source.
Browse Construction Trades Feed → Submit Open Position →
◈ SEMANTIC MANIFOLD — MULTI-SOURCE WORD FREQUENCY FINGERPRINT
Top 40 terms across five provenance layers: O*NET Tasks · O*NET Dimensions · DWAs · Wikipedia · Inference · Stop words removed · Deterministic · Constitutional Law III
tendency others equipment materials principles surfaces construction techniques control includes objects activities decorative body ideas problems structures hand plaster building
§ Full Frequency Ranking — 40 terms
TERM COUNT FREQ BAR SOURCE ATTRIBUTION
tendency 42 0.0151
onet dimensi 100%
others 39 0.0140
onet dimensi 97% inference 3%
equipment 29 0.0104
onet dimensi 79% dwas 14%
materials 18 0.0065
onet dimensi 56% onet tasks 22%
principles 16 0.0058
onet dimensi 100%
surfaces 14 0.0050
onet tasks 36% inference 36%
construction 14 0.0050
inference 57% onet dimensi 14%
techniques 13 0.0047
onet dimensi 77% inference 23%
control 13 0.0047
onet dimensi 92% inference 8%
includes 12 0.0043
onet dimensi 100%
objects 12 0.0043
onet dimensi 100%
activities 12 0.0043
onet dimensi 75% dwas 17%
decorative 11 0.0040
dwas 45% inference 36%
body 11 0.0040
onet dimensi 91% wikipedia 9%
ideas 11 0.0040
onet dimensi 100%
problems 10 0.0036
onet dimensi 90% inference 10%
structures 10 0.0036
onet dimensi 50% dwas 30%
hand 10 0.0036
onet dimensi 70% inference 30%
plaster 9 0.0032
onet tasks 56% inference 33%
building 9 0.0032
inference 44% onet dimensi 33%
needed 9 0.0032
onet dimensi 78% onet tasks 11%
resources 9 0.0032
onet dimensi 100%
quality 9 0.0032
onet dimensi 67% inference 33%
quickly 9 0.0032
onet dimensi 100%
orientation 9 0.0032
onet dimensi 100%
stucco 8 0.0029
onet tasks 62% inference 38%
monitoring 8 0.0029
onet dimensi 100%
procedures 8 0.0029
onet dimensi 100%
needs 8 0.0029
onet dimensi 100%
rules 8 0.0029
onet dimensi 100%
BOISE STANDARD — FINE-TUNING RECORD · Plasterers and Stucco Masons
47-2161.00 · 8 QA pairs · jsonl · O*NET 30.3 + BLS OEWS
How many plasterers and stucco masons are employed nationally?
According to BLS OEWS May 2025, there are 19,310 plasterers and stucco masons employed nationally.
factual BLS OEWS May 2025
What is the median annual wage for plasterers and stucco masons?
According to BLS OEWS May 2025, the median annual wage is $57,660, with wages ranging from $39,560 (10th percentile) to $96,710 (90th percentile).
factual BLS OEWS May 2025
Which state offers the highest compensation for plasterers and stucco masons?
According to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, New York offers the highest median wage for this occupation at $120,180 annually, representing a 108% premium over the national median.
market_intel BLS OEWS May 2025
What is the typical career entry path for plasterers?
According to education distribution data, 68% of practitioners have less than a high school diploma, with entry achieved primarily through on-the-job training or apprenticeships rather than formal post-secondary education.
market_intel Education Distribution Analysis
What core abilities should aspiring plasterers develop?
Develop near vision (3.8 importance), arm-hand steadiness (3.6), manual dexterity (3.6), trunk strength (3.5), and extent flexibility (3.5). These physical and coordination abilities are essential for precise material application.
career_advice O*NET Abilities Analysis
How does the RIASEC profile influence success in plastering?
Plasterers score highest on Realistic (7.0), indicating strong preference for hands-on, tangible work with tools and materials. Secondary Conventional (3.3) and Artistic (2.56) interests support attention to detail and aesthetic finishing.
career_advice RIASEC Personality Analysis
How do plasterers compare to roofers in terms of employment and wage?
Plasterers (19,310 employed, $57,660 median) represent a related but smaller occupation than roofers. Both are Primary-tier construction trades with similar Realistic personality profiles and entry via apprenticeship.
comparative BLS OEWS May 2025Related Occupations Analysis
What industry distribution supports career stability for plasterers?
Plasterers work across Construction (primary), Federal/State/Local Government, and Educational Services. This diversified industry presence provides stability beyond private construction cycles.
comparative Top Industries Analysis
◈ Boise Standard Employment Graph · 47-2161.00 · minted 2026-06-02T16:18:30Z · Sources: O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0) · BLS OEWS May 2025 (Public Domain) · BS: https://boisestandard.org/employment/47-2161-plasterers_and_stucco_masons
Boise Standard — Employment Intelligence
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Boise Standard · The Standard of Information · boisestandard.org ↗
Provenance Window — Full Source Record · 47-2161.00 · Plasterers and Stucco Masons 7 source blocks · click to expand
O*NET Identity onetonline.org ↗ · O*NET 30.3 · CC BY 4.0 · retrieved 2026-06-02
[('onet_soc_code', '47-2161.00'), ('soc_code', '47-2161'), ('title', 'Plasterers and Stucco Masons'), ('vertical', 'construction_trades'), ('job_zone', '2'), ('job_zone_name', 'Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed'), ('job_zone_exp', 'Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For e'), ('description', 'Apply interior or exterior plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials. May also set ornamental plaster.'), ('bundle_version', '1'), ('built_at', '2026-06-02T16:18:30Z')]
O*NET Task Statements (15 tasks, 0 emerging) O*NET 30.3 Task Statements · Incumbent-reported · CC BY 4.0
[Core] [70% incumbents] Apply coats of plaster or stucco to walls, ceilings, or partitions of buildings, using trowels, brushes, or spray guns.
  DWAs: Apply decorative or textured finishes or coverings.

[Core] [70% incumbents] Clean and prepare surfaces for applications of plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials, such as by drywall taping.
  DWAs: Clean surfaces in preparation for work activities. | Prepare surfaces for finishing.

[Core] [69% incumbents] Cover surfaces such as windows, doors, or sidewalks to protect from splashing.
  DWAs: Protect structures or surfaces near work areas to avoid damage.

[Core] [69% incumbents] Mix mortar and plaster to desired consistency or direct workers who perform mixing.
  DWAs: Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities.

[Core] [69% incumbents] Create decorative textures in finish coat, using brushes or trowels, sand, pebbles, or stones.
  DWAs: Apply decorative or textured finishes or coverings.

[Core] [69% incumbents] Apply insulation to building exteriors by installing prefabricated insulation systems over existing walls or by covering the outer wall with insulation board, reinforcing mesh, and a base coat.
  DWAs: Install insulation in equipment or structures.

[Core] [68% incumbents] Clean job sites.
  DWAs: Clean equipment or facilities.

[Core] [68% incumbents] Apply weatherproof, decorative coverings to exterior surfaces of buildings, such as by troweling or spraying on coats of stucco.
  DWAs: Apply decorative or textured finishes or coverings.

[Core] [68% incumbents] Rough the undercoat surface with a scratcher so the finish coat will adhere.
  DWAs: Prepare surfaces for finishing.

[Supplemental] [68% incumbents] Cure freshly plastered surfaces.
  DWAs: Apply decorative or textured finishes or coverings.

[Supplemental] [68% incumbents] Install guide wires on exterior surfaces of buildings to indicate thickness of plaster or stucco and nail wire mesh, lath, or similar materials to the outside surface to hold stucco in place.
  DWAs: Mark reference points on construction materials.

[Supplemental] [68% incumbents] Spray acoustic materials or texture finish over walls or ceilings.
  DWAs: Apply decorative or textured finishes or coverings.

[Supplemental] [68% incumbents] Mold or install ornamental plaster pieces, panels, or trim.
  DWAs: Install trim or paneling. | Fabricate parts or components.

[Core] [67% incumbents] Set up scaffolds.
  DWAs: Assemble temporary equipment or structures.

[Core] [66% incumbents] Determine materials needed to complete the job and place orders accordingly.
  DWAs: Estimate materials requirements for projects. | Order construction or extraction materials or equipment.
O*NET Scored Dimensions — Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, Work Activities O*NET 30.3 · CC BY 4.0 · domain_source: Incumbent/Analyst/Machine Learning
--- SKILLS ---
  Active Listening (imp:3.00 lvl:2.25) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Speaking (imp:2.88 lvl:2.12) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Monitoring (imp:2.88 lvl:2.62) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Reading Comprehension (imp:2.75 lvl:2.25) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Critical Thinking (imp:2.75 lvl:2.62) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Active Learning (imp:2.75 lvl:2.12) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Learning Strategies (imp:2.62 lvl:2.00) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Writing (imp:2.12 lvl:2.25) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Mathematics (imp:2.00 lvl:1.88) — Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Science (imp:1.12 lvl:0.25) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Building and Construction (imp:4.06 lvl:4.28) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  Administration and Management (imp:3.23 lvl:3.44) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Design (imp:3.22 lvl:3.29) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  English Language (imp:3.07 lvl:2.52) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:3.05 lvl:3.26) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  Public Safety and Security (imp:2.96 lvl:3.11) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Mathematics (imp:2.90 lvl:2.94) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  Mechanical (imp:2.83 lvl:2.60) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  Production and Processing (imp:2.53 lvl:2.18) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Education and Training (imp:2.44 lvl:2.37) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Transportation (imp:2.33 lvl:1.82) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Sales and Marketing (imp:2.32 lvl:2.27) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:2.27 lvl:1.87) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Economics and Accounting (imp:2.01 lvl:1.09) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Engineering and Technology (imp:1.87 lvl:1.26) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Psychology (imp:1.87 lvl:1.17) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Law and Government (imp:1.84 lvl:1.63) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Administrative (imp:1.77 lvl:1.40) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:1.74 lvl:1.21) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  Chemistry (imp:1.68 lvl:1.29) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:1.66 lvl:0.71) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Physics (imp:1.59 lvl:1.03) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Geography (imp:1.58) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:1.54) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Foreign Language (imp:1.52 lvl:1.01) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  Biology (imp:1.46) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  Computers and Electronics (imp:1.45) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Food Production (imp:1.42) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:1.42) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Telecommunications (imp:1.41 lvl:0.61) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Communications and Media (imp:1.33) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Fine Arts (imp:1.32) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform
  History and Archeology (imp:1.21) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi

--- ABILITIES ---
  Near Vision (imp:3.75 lvl:3.25) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:3.62 lvl:3.00) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Manual Dexterity (imp:3.62 lvl:3.50) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Trunk Strength (imp:3.50 lvl:3.62) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Extent Flexibility (imp:3.50 lvl:3.62) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Static Strength (imp:3.25 lvl:3.62) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:3.25 lvl:2.88) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Oral Expression (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:3.12 lvl:2.75) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Visualization (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Dynamic Strength (imp:3.12 lvl:2.88) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Stamina (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Oral Comprehension (imp:3.00 lvl:2.75) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Information Ordering (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Finger Dexterity (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Control Precision (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:3.00 lvl:2.75) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:3.00 lvl:2.75) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Speech Clarity (imp:3.00 lvl:2.25) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:2.88 lvl:2.75) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Category Flexibility (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Selective Attention (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Far Vision (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Speech Recognition (imp:2.88 lvl:2.25) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Written Comprehension (imp:2.75 lvl:2.62) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Originality (imp:2.75 lvl:2.12) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:2.75 lvl:2.75) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Reaction Time (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:2.62 lvl:2.12) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:2.62 lvl:2.25) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Perceptual Speed (imp:2.62 lvl:2.50) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Rate Control (imp:2.62 lvl:2.62) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Written Expression (imp:2.50 lvl:2.25) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:2.50 lvl:2.38) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Depth Perception (imp:2.50 lvl:2.12) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Auditory Attention (imp:2.50 lvl:2.25) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:2.38 lvl:2.25) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:2.38 lvl:2.12) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:2.12 lvl:1.88) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Time Sharing (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Number Facility (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Memorization (imp:2.00 lvl:1.88) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Spatial Orientation (imp:2.00 lvl:1.62) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Response Orientation (imp:2.00 lvl:1.88) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Peripheral Vision (imp:2.00 lvl:1.50) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Sound Localization (imp:2.00 lvl:1.38) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
  Explosive Strength (imp:1.88 lvl:1.25) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Night Vision (imp:1.88 lvl:1.62) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.50 lvl:0.62) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Getting Information (imp:4.24 lvl:3.73) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:4.01 lvl:5.06) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:3.88 lvl:5.29) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:3.72 lvl:3.09) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:3.72 lvl:3.95) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:3.64 lvl:4.63) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:3.57 lvl:3.53) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:3.53 lvl:3.14) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:3.51 lvl:3.52) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:3.43 lvl:3.14) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:3.42 lvl:3.84) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:3.37 lvl:4.34) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:3.33 lvl:2.96) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:3.32 lvl:4.06) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Thinking Creatively (imp:3.31 lvl:3.69) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:3.28 lvl:4.48) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:3.20 lvl:3.63) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:3.18 lvl:3.55) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:3.14 lvl:3.33) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:3.08 lvl:3.45) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:3.06 lvl:3.16) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:3.03 lvl:3.41) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:3.00 lvl:2.92) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:3.00 lvl:3.02) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:2.97 lvl:2.95) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:2.93 lvl:3.34) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:2.93 lvl:3.22) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:2.89 lvl:2.94) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Processing Information (imp:2.87 lvl:3.16) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:2.83 lvl:3.06) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:2.79 lvl:2.93) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:2.72 lvl:2.74) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:2.70 lvl:2.42) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:2.64 lvl:2.51) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:2.35 lvl:2.49) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:2.34 lvl:2.52) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:2.28 lvl:1.94) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:2.24 lvl:2.26) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Working with Computers (imp:2.23 lvl:2.13) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:2.08) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:1.99) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Dependability (imp:2.11) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:1.86) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Cautiousness (imp:1.59) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Perseverance (imp:1.18) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Dependability (imp:1.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Achievement Orientation (imp:0.99) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Stress Tolerance (imp:0.84) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Cooperation (imp:0.73) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Integrity (imp:0.70) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Self-Control (imp:0.68) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Self-Confidence (imp:0.67) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Initiative (imp:0.28) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability (imp:0.26) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Innovation (imp:0.19) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Optimism (imp:0.16) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Sincerity (imp:0.13) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Intellectual Curiosity () — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability () — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Perseverance () — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Sincerity () — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Empathy () — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cooperation () — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Social Orientation () — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Cautiousness () — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Attention to Detail () — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Integrity () — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Stress Tolerance () — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Control () — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Social Orientation (imp:-0.05) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Humility (imp:-0.08) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Empathy (imp:-0.12) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Leadership Orientation (imp:-0.15) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:-0.17) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:-0.48) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Time Management (imp:3.00 lvl:2.75) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Coordination (imp:2.88 lvl:2.75) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Service Orientation (imp:2.88 lvl:2.25) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Operations Monitoring (imp:2.88 lvl:2.50) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:2.75 lvl:2.12) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:2.75 lvl:2.25) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Operation and Control (imp:2.75 lvl:2.25) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:2.75 lvl:2.50) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:2.62 lvl:2.12) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Instructing (imp:2.50 lvl:2.12) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Persuasion (imp:2.25 lvl:2.12) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Negotiation (imp:2.25 lvl:2.12) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Management of Material Resources (imp:2.25 lvl:1.88) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Equipment Selection (imp:2.12 lvl:1.62) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Troubleshooting (imp:2.12 lvl:1.88) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Systems Analysis (imp:2.12 lvl:1.62) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Systems Evaluation (imp:2.12 lvl:1.88) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Operations Analysis (imp:1.88 lvl:1.25) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:1.88 lvl:1.25) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Technology Design (imp:1.75 lvl:0.88) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Installation (imp:1.75 lvl:0.88) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  Repairing (imp:1.62 lvl:0.88) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:1.50 lvl:0.62) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Programming (imp:1.00) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
BLS OEWS May 2025 — 19,310 employed nationally bls.gov/oes ↗ · Public Domain · US Government · retrieved 2026-06-02
--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 19,310
  annual_median    : $57,660
  annual_pct10     : $39,560
  annual_pct25     : $47,970
  annual_pct75     : $71,310
  annual_pct90     : $96,710
  annual_mean      : $62,050
  hourly_median    : $27.72

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : New York ($120,180)
  lowest_state     : New Mexico ($45,350)
  dispersion_ratio : 2.650x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (28 total) ---
  Construction                             emp:   18,350  median: $  57,540
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:      150  median: $  78,200
  Educational Services                     emp:       90  median: $  64,120
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:       60  median: $  71,280

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (4 total) ---
  Construction                             emp:   18,350  median: $  57,540
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:      150  median: $  78,200
  Educational Services                     emp:       90  median: $  64,120
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:       60  median: $  71,280
Wikipedia — no exact match (0 words) N/A ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0
exact_match_status : no_exact_match
matched_title      : N/A
match_score        : 0.0000
wikidata_qid       : N/A
word_count         : 0
wikipedia_url      : N/A
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T22:42:48.811892Z

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association (similarity: 0.4894)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operative_Plasterers'_and_Cement_Masons'_International_Association
  QID: Q7097821
  Extract: The Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association of the United States and Canada (OPCMIA) is a trade union of plasterers and cement masons in the construction industry in the United States and Canada. Members of the union finish interior walls and ceilings of buildings and appl

  Title: Windsor Ruins (similarity: 0.2927)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windsor_Ruins
  QID: Q4111496
  Extract: Windsor Ruins are in Claiborne County, Mississippi, United States, about 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Port Gibson near Alcorn State University. The ruins consist of 23 standing Corinthian columns of the largest antebellum Greek Revival mansion ever built in the state. The mansion stood from 1861 to

  Title: Heythrop Park (similarity: 0.1463)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heythrop_Park
  QID: Q5749809
  Extract: Heythrop Park is a Grade II* listed early 18th-century country house 1 mile (1.6 km) southeast of Heythrop in Oxfordshire. It was designed by the architect Thomas Archer in the Baroque style for Charles Talbot, 1st Duke of Shrewsbury. A fire in 1831 destroyed the original interior. From 1922 until 1

  Title: List of This Old House episodes (seasons 11–20) (similarity: 0.4000)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_This_Old_House_episodes_(seasons_11%E2%80%9320)
  QID: Q85778657
  Extract: This Old House is an American home improvement media brand with television shows, a magazine and a website, ThisOldHouse.com. The brand is headquartered in Stamford, CT. The television series airs on the American television station Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and follows remodeling projects of

  Title: Richard Sharp Smith (similarity: 0.2553)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Sharp_Smith
  QID: Q7328981
  Extract: Richard Sharp Smith was an English-born American architect, noted for his association with George W. Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate and Asheville, North Carolina. Smith worked for some of America's important architectural firms of the late 19th century—Richard Morris Hunt, Bradford Lee Gilbert, and Re
Claude Inference — claude-sonnet-4-20250514 · confidence:high · $0.0480 inferred_at: 2026-06-03T23:35:29 UTC · Boise Standard inference pipeline v1.0
model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong O*NET data coverage with detailed task descriptions, clear wage data from BLS, and well-defined skill requirements. The occupation has distinct characteristics that differentiate it from related construction trades.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-03T23:35:29.304115+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,820
tokens_output        : 4,348
cost_usd             : $0.047987
wikipedia_used       : False
wikipedia_title      : None
wikipedia_note       : No exact Wikipedia match found, though the Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association provides relevant trade union context. This reflects the specialized nature of the occupation within broader construction trades.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Plasterers and Stucco Masons apply interior and exterior plaster, cement, stucco, and similar materials to building surfaces using hand tools and spray equipment. These skilled tradespeople create both functional protective coatings and decorative finishes on walls, ceilings, and exterior surfaces. The role requires strong manual dexterity, physical stamina, and knowledge of building construction techniques to achieve smooth, durable finishes.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
Workers begin by cleaning and preparing surfaces, including taping drywall and protecting nearby areas from splashing. They mix mortar and plaster to the proper consistency, then apply multiple coats using trowels, brushes, or spray guns. Between coats, they rough up surfaces with scratchers to ensure proper adhesion and may create decorative textures using specialized tools, sand, or stones. They install insulation systems on building exteriors and apply weatherproof coatings to protect structures. Work involves inspecting surfaces for quality and curing freshly plastered areas to achieve the desired finish.

WHO THRIVES:
This role suits individuals with strong realistic interests who enjoy working with their hands and creating tangible results. Success requires excellent arm-hand steadiness, manual dexterity, and trunk strength for extended periods of physical work. Workers need near vision abilities to detect imperfections and maintain attention to detail while ensuring consistent application. The job demands dependability and cautiousness, as mistakes can be costly and time-consuming to correct. Those who thrive appreciate working outdoors and indoors, solving problems related to surface preparation and application techniques.

CAREER ENTRY:
Most plasterers enter through on-the-job training or apprenticeships, with 68% having less than a high school diploma according to education distribution data. Many start as helpers to experienced plasterers, learning surface preparation, mixing techniques, and basic application skills. Apprenticeship programs typically last 2-4 years, combining classroom instruction in building construction, mathematics, and safety with hands-on training. Some workers pursue post-secondary certificates in construction trades to enhance their skills.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Experienced plasterers can advance to supervisory roles, overseeing crews and coordinating work activities as indicated by high coordination and management skills. Some specialize in ornamental or decorative plastering, commanding higher wages for artistic abilities. Others transition to related trades like cement masonry, tile setting, or drywall installation given the transferable skills in quality control and surface preparation. Entrepreneurial plasterers often establish their own contracting businesses, particularly in markets with strong residential construction activity.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
The occupation employs 19,310 workers nationally with a median annual wage of $57,660 according to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, ranging from $39,560 to $96,710. Geographic wage variation is substantial, with New York offering the highest wages at $120,180 compared to New Mexico's $45,350, reflecting regional construction demand and cost of living differences. Employment concentrates heavily in construction (18,350 workers) with minimal government and educational sector positions. The relatively small workforce size suggests specialized demand tied to construction cycles and architectural trends favoring plaster and stucco finishes.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
Manual dexterity requirements, arm-hand steadiness, and the need for artistic judgment in creating decorative textures provide moderate protection from automation. While spray application equipment continues to improve efficiency, the core tasks of surface preparation, quality assessment, and detail work remain largely manual processes requiring human skill and adaptability.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [skill_overlap] Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers (47-2051.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles share high importance in quality control analysis (3.0), handling materials, and creating smooth finished surfaces.
    data: Quality Control Analysis skill match
    data: Similar manual dexterity requirements
    data: Related building construction knowledge
  [task_similarity] Painters, Construction and Maintenance (47-2141.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both apply coatings to surfaces using brushes, spray guns, and require surface preparation and protection of adjacent areas.
    data: Apply coats using spray guns task
    data: Surface preparation activities
    data: Protection of surrounding areas
  [career_pathway] Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers (47-2081.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Drywall installation often precedes plastering work, and both require building construction knowledge and manual dexterity.
    data: Building and Construction knowledge (4.1)
    data: Manual dexterity requirements
    data: Sequential work relationship
  [riasec_cluster] Tile and Stone Setters (47-2044.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both are realistic-oriented trades requiring similar manual skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of building construction techniques.
    data: Realistic orientation (R:7.00)
    data: Manual dexterity abilities
    data: Building construction knowledge
  [career_pathway] Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons (47-3014.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Direct entry-level pathway where helpers learn basic skills before advancing to full plasterer positions.
    data: Job Zone progression from 1 to 2
    data: Named helper category
    data: Training pathway structure
  [task_similarity] Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall (47-2131.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both roles involve applying insulation systems to building exteriors and require knowledge of building construction.
    data: Install insulation systems task
    data: Building and Construction knowledge
    data: Exterior application work

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['plaster', 'stucco', 'mason', 'plasterer', 'decorative plaster', 'ornamental plaster', 'cement application', 'surface finishing']
  exclude_keywords : ['helper', 'assistant', 'drywall only', 'painting only', 'concrete pouring']
  title_patterns   : ['*Plasterer*', '*Stucco*Mason*', '*Plaster*Applicator*', '*Ornamental*Plasterer*', '*Decorative*Plasterer*']
  common_variations: ['Plasterer', 'Stucco Mason', 'Plaster Applicator', 'Decorative Plasterer', 'Ornamental Plasterer', 'Plaster Mechanic', 'Stucco Worker', 'Surface Finisher']
Semantic Manifold — 40 terms · 5 provenance layers employment_word_extractor.py · sources: onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference · Constitutional Law III
total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['tendency', 'others', 'equipment', 'materials', 'principles', 'surfaces', 'construction', 'techniques', 'control', 'includes', 'objects', 'activities', 'decorative', 'body', 'ideas', 'problems', 'structures', 'hand', 'plaster', 'building']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
tendency                   42  0.01511  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
others                     39  0.01403  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:97%  inference:3%
equipment                  29  0.01043  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:79%  dwas:14%  inference:7%
materials                  18  0.00648  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:56%  onet_tasks:22%  dwas:17%
principles                 16  0.00576  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
surfaces                   14  0.00504  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:36%  inference:36%  dwas:29%
construction               14  0.00504  inference            inference:57%  onet_dimensions:14%  dwas:14%
techniques                 13  0.00468  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:77%  inference:23%
control                    13  0.00468  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:92%  inference:8%
includes                   12  0.00432  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
objects                    12  0.00432  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
activities                 12  0.00432  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:75%  dwas:17%  inference:8%
decorative                 11  0.00396  dwas                 dwas:45%  inference:36%  onet_tasks:18%
body                       11  0.00396  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:91%  wikipedia:9%
ideas                      11  0.00396  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
problems                   10  0.00360  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:90%  inference:10%
structures                 10  0.00360  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:50%  dwas:30%  wikipedia:10%
hand                       10  0.00360  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:70%  inference:30%
plaster                     9  0.00324  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:56%  inference:33%  wikipedia:11%
building                    9  0.00324  inference            inference:44%  onet_dimensions:33%  onet_tasks:11%
needed                      9  0.00324  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:78%  onet_tasks:11%  dwas:11%
resources                   9  0.00324  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
quality                     9  0.00324  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:67%  inference:33%
quickly                     9  0.00324  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
orientation                 9  0.00324  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
stucco                      8  0.00288  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:62%  inference:38%
monitoring                  8  0.00288  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
procedures                  8  0.00288  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
needs                       8  0.00288  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
rules                       8  0.00288  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
management                  8  0.00288  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:88%  inference:12%
human                       8  0.00288  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:88%  inference:12%
production                  8  0.00288  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
standards                   8  0.00288  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
physical                    8  0.00288  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:75%  inference:25%
events                      8  0.00288  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
arm                         8  0.00288  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:75%  inference:25%
performing                  8  0.00288  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
actions                     8  0.00288  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
identifying                 8  0.00288  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
◈ Boise Standard Employment Graph · 47-2161.00 · built 2026-06-02 · Sources declared above are authoritative originals. This page synthesizes but does not replace them. Every claim traceable. Full provenance. Constitutional Law I.
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