How to become a plasterer, drywall installer, finisher or lather
Official title: Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
Also called: Lather, Plasterer, Wire lather, Wood lather, Metal lather, Drywall taper, Gypsum lather, Stucco lather, Drywall hanger, Drywall nailer, Drywall finisher, Drywall mechanic
Plasterers apply finish, and maintain and restore plaster or similar materials, on interior and exterior walls, ceilings and building partitions to produce plain or decorative surfaces. Drywall installers and finishers install and finish drywall sheets and various types of ceiling systems. Lathers install support framework for ceiling systems, interior and exterior walls and building partitions. They are employed by construction companies and by plastering, drywalling and lathing contractors, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Plasterers
- Clean and prepare surfaces
- Mix plaster ingredients in trough to desired consistency
- Apply, level and smooth coats of plaster using trowels, floats, brushes and spraying equipment
- Trowel or spray coats of stucco over exteriors of buildings to form weatherproof surfaces
- Finish corners and angles and create decorative designs in finish coat, if required
- Cure freshly plastered surfaces
- Mould and install ornamental plaster panels, cornices and trim
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of a three- or four-year apprenticeship program in plastering, drywalling or lathing or A combination of over three years of work experience and some high school, college or industry courses in plastering, drywalling or lathing is usually required. Plasterer trade certification is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Drywall installer and finisher trade certification is available, but voluntary, in British Columbia. Trade certification for lathers (interior systems mechanics) is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the Yukon. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified lathers (interior systems mechanic) upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Red Seal trade. Completion of a three- or four-year apprenticeship program in plastering, drywalling or lathing or A combination of over three years of work experience and some high school, college or industry courses in plastering, drywalling or lathing is usually required. Red Seal endorsement is available. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $64,350 a year The middle half earn $51,285 to $79,950.
- About 27,500 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 29,100 are projected by 2033. (+5.8%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a plasterer, drywall installer, finisher or lather?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of a three- or four-year apprenticeship program in plastering, drywalling or lathing or A combination of over three years of work experience and some high school, college or industry courses in plastering, drywalling or lathing is usually required. Plasterer trade certification is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Drywall installer and finisher trade certification is available, but voluntary, in British Columbia. Trade certification for lathers (interior systems mechanics) is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the Yukon. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified lathers (interior systems mechanic) upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
How much does a plasterer, drywall installer, finisher or lather earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $64,350 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $51,285 to $79,950.
Is a plasterer, drywall installer, finisher or lather a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2033, from about 27,500 to about 29,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a plasterer, drywall installer, finisher or lather?
Usually not. Only 4% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Red Seal trade.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03