How to become a Plasterer
Official title: Plasterer (Wall and Ceiling)
Also called: Drywall Plasterer, Wall and Ceiling Fixer
Applies and fixes plasterboard partitions, suspended ceilings, fire rating systems, acoustic ceiling panels and composite wall linings to buildings.
Main tasks
- Determines plasterboard layout, and installs insulation and vapour barriers
- Measures, marks and cuts plasterboard, lifts and positions panels, and secures them to walls, ceilings and battens
- Prepares corner beads and secures them into position
- Covers joins and nail holes with wet plaster, joint tape and sealing compound, then smooths them using wet brush and sandpaper
- Plumbs and straightens corners, angles and wall ceiling surfaces
- Applies and finishes acoustic, insulating and fireproofing materials bonded with plaster, plastic cement and similar materials
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining (CPC31220); Certificate III in Solid Plastering (CPC31020)
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $95,732 a year
- About 31,400 people work in this job group now, and about 33,200 are projected by 2035. (+5.7%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Plasterer?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining; Certificate III in Solid Plastering; Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining.
How much does a Plasterer earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $95,732 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Plasterer a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 31,400 to about 33,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Plasterer?
Usually not. Only 3% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining; Certificate III in Solid Plastering; Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining.
Will AI change the work of a Plasterer?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04