PLASTERERS AND STUCCO MASONS California Occupational Guide Number 249 Interest Area 5-B 1995
THE JOB
PLASTERERS are skilled members of the construction industry who apply coatings of plaster to interior walls and ceilings to make buildings more decorative, soundproof, and fire-resistant. Plasterers also mold and install decorative designs for cornices, paneling, and ceiling recesses for light fixtures. Journey-level Plasterers must be skilled in various methods of plaster application.
Plasterers apply a 1/2-inch thick coat of gypsum over a gypsum lath base. After the first coat sets (or hardens), a selected finish coat is applied. Decorative effects such as swirls, stipples, and sand finishes are created by using floating or skipping maneuvers with various hand tools. Plasterers are assisted by plaster tenders. Plaster tenders erect scaffolding, mix plaster, and carry mixed plaster to the Plasterers.
STUCCO MASONS apply coating to exteriors. Exterior plastering is usually done in three coats. First, Plasterers nail wire mesh, lath, or similar materials to the outside surface as a binding device to hold stucco in place. Next, they apply a water-proof scratch coat of portland cement or gypsum plaster to the lath in the same manner as in interior plastering, or with the use of a spray gun. They then apply a second coat or "brown coat" using more sand to build up strength and thickness. Finally, they apply the final coat, which is usually a prepared mixture that needs only to be mixed with water.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Plasterers usually work on scaffolds and sometimes on the exterior of high rise construction. In most areas the Plasterer must have a car and be able to work on as many as three different jobs a week, often many miles apart. Plasterers must be prepared to work in hot, dusty areas. Plasterers furnish their own hand tools and work uniforms at an initial cost of approximately $50.00 to $100.00. Plasterers are subject to seasonal work stoppages, which are common to most construction workers. Usually Plasterers do not work in rainy weather because it interferes with delivery, batching, and curing of materials. Employment in most areas of the State is greatest during the spring, summer, and early fall months, when construction activity is at its peak. Contractors may keep a few workers year round. All union Plasterers belong to the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Association.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 7,850 Estimated number of workers in 2005 8,480 Projected Growth, 1990 to 2005 8% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 2,540
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
In the construction industry where most Plasterers work, job prospects fluctuate from year to year due to the changing economic conditions. Employment in most areas of the State is greatest during the spring, summer and early fall when construction activity peaks.
The renovation and general repair work being done on older commercial buildings and residences has been a recent, important factor in the employment of Plasterers.
In some sections in California, new construction has been at a low ebb, particularly in some of the small farming communities. Plastering jobs are expected to be hard to come by in these communities, and wages are expected to continue to be lower there than in other parts of the State.
The number of Union jobs has been decreasing as experienced Plasterers with business skills become plastering contractors. For the most part, these independent contractors do not pay wages as high as union plastering contractors; so they can afford to bid lower on plastering jobs and, therefore, obtain more work.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
The pay for nonunion trainees ranges from $5.00 to $7.50 an hour in the smaller communities to $6.00 to $11.00 in the cities.
The journey-level wages for a nonunion Plasterer or Stucco Mason ranges from $10.00 to $20.00 an hour. Nonunion employers usually do not offer benefits such as medical insurance, retirement, etc.
The Union apprentice's average hourly starting pay ranges from approximately $9.20 to $22.50. Journey-level pay goes as high as $25.60 hourly.
Pay scales vary in different localities according to agreements between local unions and contractors. According to the California State Department of Industrial Relations, which makes determinations as to the prevailing wage rates for various construction occupations, the pay for Plasterers with firms having construction contracts with the state of California, ranges from $23.65 to $34.15 per hour.
Most Plasterers work from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The standard workweek for Plasterers is forty hours, eight hours per day. Union Plasterers may get double pay if they work other than regular hours. Fringe benefits for union workers include vacation, health plans, and pension plans.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
For union workers, entry into this occupation is through the formal two and one-half to four years' (depending upon the area) apprenticeship. In areas where apprenticeship is not available, applicants may start as trainees or helpers and work toward journey-level performance. The minimum age requirement for apprentices is 17 years old, and there is no upper age limit. Applicants should be high school graduates with a knowledge of arithmetic and some mechanical experience or training.
Applicants are required to take a mechanical aptitude test before acceptance into the apprenticeship program. After completing an application and passing the mechanical aptitude test, jobs are usually supplied by the union. When hired, applicants must notify the apprenticeship office in order for a formal agreement to be signed between applicant and plastering contractor. The applicants then appear before the Joint Apprenticeship Committee for acceptance into the program. Training usually starts immediately after acceptance.
ADVANCEMENT
Qualified journey workers may be promoted from journey-level to crew leader if they have thoroughly mastered the skills of plastering and have the ability for supervision.
Plasterers who work for large plastering contractors may have opportunities to advance from crew leaders to estimator, or to superintendent. Persons with business skills can become plastering contractors. All contractors are licensed by the Contractors State Licensing Board. Licensing candidates need four years of journey-level experience to take the written exam, which covers the Plasterer's trade and business operation knowledge.
FINDING THE JOB
Plasterers at the journey-level obtain employment through referral by the union. Job seekers should also register with the California Employment Development Department Job Service, or apply directly to plastering contractors.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
For more information about plastering apprenticeships or work opportunities, contact local plastering contractors and the local or regional office of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
Information regarding Plasterer contractor's license can be obtained from:
Contractors State License Board 9835 Goethe Road P.O. Box 26000 Sacramento, CA 95826 (800) 321-2752 or (916) 255-3900
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Tile Setters No. 103 Glaziers No. 104 Painters and Paperhangers No. 148 Cement Masons No. 181 Bricklayers No. 204
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Plasterers 842.361-018 Stucco Masons 842.381-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Plasterers and Stucco Masons 873170
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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