Tapers in Iowa
Tapers seal and finish joints between sheets of plasterboard or wallboard, preparing smooth wall surfaces ready for painting or wallpaper. They work on construction sites, in homes, and commercial buildings, applying joint compound and tape to cover seams and create seamless surfaces. In Iowa the median pay is $66,980 a year, 2% below the national median of $68,270.
$66,980median pay in Iowa, per year
$56,790–$70,380middle half earn
100employed in Iowa
$68,270U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against tapers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against tapers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
MonitoringActive ListeningTime ManagementSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationCritical Thinking
Knowledge areas
English LanguageAdministration and ManagementPublic Safety and SecurityEducation and TrainingBuilding and ConstructionCustomer and Personal Service
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Tapers.
Licenses and training in Iowa
Tapers pay in other states
Illinois · $113,180Hawaii · $95,490Pennsylvania · $82,240Washington · $79,040Minnesota · $78,090New York · $77,790Kansas · $74,120Ohio · $73,840California · $73,460Oregon · $71,450
Related occupations
Drywall and Ceiling Tile InstallersBoilermakersBrickmasons and BlockmasonsStonemasonsCarpentersCarpet InstallersFloor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard TilesFloor Sanders and Finishers
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against tapers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against tapers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-2082.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Iowa, annual.