Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons

Workplace and environment | Exact O*NET occupational context: outdoors in all weather 60% daily; high places 30% daily; cramped spaces or awkward positions 19% monthly, 36% yearly and 32% never. Do not broadly describe cramped work as frequent. Protection and exposure | Contaminants 37% daily; hazardous equipment 12% daily / 16% weekly; noise 18% daily / 29% weekly; whole-body vibration 27% yearly / 61% never. Do not broadly claim frequent vibration exposure. Physical demands and posture | Standing 68% continually or almost continually; using hands 68% continually; proximity 20% very close, nearly touching, and 37% at arm's length. Communication and collaboration | Constant contact with others 73%; daily face-to-face discussions 84%; teamwork extremely important 74%. Accuracy and responsibility | Accuracy extremely important 27% / important 30%; errors fairly serious 35% / serious 22% / very serious 16%; responsibility for others' health and safety high 37% / very high 22%. Progress and pace | Time pressure 34% daily; equipment speed important 38%. This does not establish that everyone's pace is controlled by a skilled worker. Materials and equipment | Tasks include sanding, masking, cleaning and supplying materials. Plaster mixing and paint-stripping tanks are Supplemental; assess equipment and hazards against actual tasks. Scheduling and site | Irregular schedules 50%, regular schedules 40%; a typical 40-hour week 92%. Scheduling does not establish routine overtime. Digital tools | Email never used 93%; software directories and hiring skills do not establish widespread adoption or AI effects.

Records and collaboration | Starting with the work order, materials list and substrate condition, first check the work location and drawing number, substrate material and condition, paint or mortar, putty and masking material specifications, mixing and stirring, surface preparation, sanding and dust removal, masking and protection, scaffolding, work at height and ventilation, and cleaning, curing and protection after work. Then assist according to skilled workers' instructions and sequencing requirements, and hand over by shift. Scaffold erection and dismantling, work at height, open edges, chemicals and fire prevention must follow qualification requirements and established procedures, with traceable materials and work records retained.

BLS wage coverage presented by O*NET | This page covers O*NET/SOC 47-3014.00, Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons. O*NET's 47-3014.00 page presents 2025 U.S. median wages of USD 19.46 per hour / USD 40,470 per year (2025, BLS OEWS, data for this occupation itself, 47-3014.00). The 10th percentile is USD 15.00 per hour and USD 31,200 per year; the 25th is USD 17.71 per hour and USD 36,830 per year; the 75th is USD 23.60 per hour and USD 49,090 per year; and the 90th is USD 25.00 per hour and USD 52,000 per year. All come from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS 2025, as presented by O*NET). The page does not mark these as data from a broader or neighboring occupation, so they are presented as data for this occupation itself (47-3014.00). They include production incentive bonuses and exclude benefits, overtime and nonproduction bonuses; the median is not an entry-level starting wage. A nationwide occupational wage distribution precisely matching this occupation in mainland China has not been established. This page records that gap under the evidence policy rather than filling it with substitutes.

Check work order and substrate → Prepare materials, mixes and masking → Prepare surfaces, sand and remove dust → Mask and protect → Assist with painting, plastering or paperhanging → Clean, cure, restore, record and hand over

The Chinese sources reviewed did not provide a wage distribution for the exact occupation 47-3014. For construction assistance, NBS2025 construction-sector annual average wages of RMB 92,036 / 66,275 for non-private / private entities may serve as background only for an industry covering multiple occupations. They do not substitute for starting wages, take-home income or individual quotations. Check qualifications against actual tasks.

Safety and compliance | Organize work according to construction safety, chemical, ventilation, fire prevention, scaffolding, height, open-edge, dust, occupational health and recordkeeping requirements. Mixing, surface preparation, masking, painting or plastering, and cleaning must follow procedures and current standards, with sources and limitations identified; they must not replace scaffold acceptance checks, fire prevention and chemical management requirements, or safety permits. Scaffold erection and dismantling, work at height or open edges, confined spaces and spraying require work permits, personal protection and ventilation as prescribed. Collecting, using or externally providing project and supplier technical information requires a lawful basis, must be limited to what is necessary, and must follow approval and recordkeeping procedures.

BLS projections for the exact occupation 47-3014 for 2025—2035 are approximately 7,600→7,700 workers, 1.5% growth, and 700 average annual openings including replacements; base-year self-employment is 1.7%. These are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

Receive assignment and check substrate → Prepare materials, mixes and protection → Prepare surfaces, sand and remove dust → Apply masking and protective coverings → Assist with painting, plastering or paperhanging → Clean, cure, restore and record

Standards and quality boundaries | This page involves three types of requirements. First, technical quality: mixing, surface preparation, sanding, masking, painting or plastering, and cleaning must follow procedures and current acceptance standards, with materials and work records maintained. Second, safety and occupational health: solvents, paints, chemicals, ventilation, fire prevention, scaffolding, heights, open edges, dust and personal protection must meet construction safety and occupational health requirements. Third, environmental protection and orderly construction: disposal of solvent and paint residues, waste, dust and noise must meet environmental protection and orderly construction requirements. All three are subject to currently effective versions and the requirements of competent authorities and the enterprise.

Records and collaboration | Follow the enterprise's construction, quality and safety management procedures to record work orders, materials, mix ratios and quantities, surface preparation, sanding and dust removal, masking and protection, painting, plastering or paperhanging and curing, cleaning and restoration, abnormalities, rework, outstanding items, shift handovers, original records and revision trails. Verify locations and materials with skilled workers, crews, materials personnel and safety personnel; promptly isolate and report abnormalities.

Boundary conclusion | This page covers O*NET 47-3014.00, Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons. Its central distinction from neighboring roles is the objects of work, outputs and level of authorization. It deals with paint, solvents, mortar, putty, substrates, scaffolding and on-site assistance. Outputs are assistance completed according to procedures—materials, mixing, surface preparation, masking, application and cleaning—and traceable materials and work records. Work is completed through materials, tools and site coordination skills within skilled workers' instructions and job authorization, with responsibility for work safety, process quality and site order. Construction and maintenance painters, plasterers, stucco masons, paperhangers and drywall installers produce work in their own specialties, with different responsibility and authorization levels.

Core principle of neighboring roles | Most related and neighboring roles aim to complete painting, plastering, paperhanging or finishing to specified quality within procedural and safety requirements, with records retained. Differences concern the objects of work, outputs and authorization levels: some focus on independent application and forming, while others focus on on-site assistance, materials and cleaning.

Core purpose of this occupation | Work with paint, solvents, mortar, putty, substrates and procedures within skilled workers' instructions, safety requirements and authorization: materials, supplying and mixing; surface preparation, sanding and filling cracks; masking and protection; application assistance; and cleaning, curing and recording. Outputs are assistance that meets procedural requirements and traceable records.

Main work objects and bases of neighboring roles | Construction and maintenance painters follow painting procedures and coating requirements; plasterers and stucco masons follow plastering and stucco procedures; paperhangers follow wallpaper and paperhanging procedures; drywall and ceiling tile installers follow light-gauge steel framing and panel installation procedures; construction laborers follow general construction and operating procedures. Most focus on independent application and forming, unlike this occupation's on-site assistance.

Main work objects and bases of this occupation | Work with the work location and drawing number, substrate material and condition, paint or mortar, putty and masking material specifications, mixing and stirring, surface preparation, sanding and dust removal, masking and protection, scaffolding and ventilation, and cleaning and curing requirements. Provide assistance and make judgments according to procedures, current acceptance standards, and construction safety and occupational health requirements.

Occupational profile | This page's Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons is the exact O*NET occupation 47-3014.00. Workers provide on-site assistance with materials, mixing, surface preparation, masking and cleaning in painting, plastering and paperhanging crews on building construction, municipal works, decoration, renovation and repair projects. Work mainly involves physical site work and assistance with materials and tools, together with sanding, dust removal, masking, handling, cleaning, recordkeeping and collaboration. Workers commonly encounter dust, contaminants, noise, solvent odors, outdoor weather and heights, with work organized around project sequences and schedules.

Core processes of neighboring roles | Construction and maintenance painters focus on applying and forming paint finishes; plasterers and stucco masons focus on plaster and stucco application; paperhangers focus on cutting and hanging wallpaper; drywall installers focus on framing and panel installation; this occupation focuses on assistance with materials, mixing, surface preparation, masking and cleaning.

Core process of this occupation | Receive assignments and check substrates; prepare materials, mixes and protection; prepare surfaces, sand and remove dust; apply masking and protective coverings; assist with painting, plastering or paperhanging; and clean, cure, restore, record and hand over. Every step must follow procedures and skilled workers' instructions and be open to review by skilled workers, quality inspectors and safety personnel.

Main outputs of neighboring roles | Construction and maintenance painters produce coatings, finishes and acceptance records; plasterers and stucco masons produce plaster surfaces, finishes and acceptance records; paperhangers produce papered surfaces and acceptance records; drywall installers produce partitions, suspended ceilings and installation records. These differ from this occupation's assistance and materials and work records.

Main outputs of this occupation | Assistance completed according to procedures: mixed paint, mortar and putty; prepared, sanded and dust-free substrates; installed masking and protection; assistance with painting, plastering or paperhanging; and cleaned and restored sites. Outputs also include materials, work and inspection records; quantities, leftover materials and rework records; abnormalities and outstanding items; and traceable shift and handover records.

Responsibility in neighboring roles | Responsibility in related and neighboring roles is usually defined by the employer and its construction, safety and quality systems, primarily concerning finish quality, personal safety, schedules, fire prevention and environmental protection.

Workers in this occupation are responsible for their own mixing, surface preparation, sanding, masking, cleaning and records, and for assistance completed according to procedures and safety requirements. Matters involving scaffold erection or dismantling, chemicals and fire prevention, heights and open edges, or major quality and safety issues must be referred to the appropriate roles or organizations according to qualifications, job authorization and established procedures.

Authority and approvals in neighboring roles | Authority in related and neighboring roles comes from enterprise authorization and construction, safety and professional standards. It usually does not include independent decisions on formulation or design changes, major fire prevention matters or their handling. Formulation or design changes, scaffold acceptance, specialized work and major rework should be referred to the appropriate roles or organizations.

Authority and approvals in this occupation | Routine mixing, surface preparation, sanding, masking, application assistance and cleaning must remain within skilled workers' instructions, job authorization and operating procedures. Scaffold erection and dismantling, work at height and open edges, confined spaces, spraying and chemical work, formulation or design changes and major rework must follow established procedures and qualification requirements. Qualifications and work permits for scaffold erection and dismantling, work at height and hazardous chemicals are subject to competent authorities' and enterprise requirements.

Limits on conclusions in neighboring roles | Conclusions in related and neighboring roles are mostly limited to the relevant process or location and generally do not determine finish acceptance, fire safety or legal liability. Conclusions spanning specialties or involving fire prevention, chemicals or major safety issues have limits on their applicability.

Limits on conclusions in this occupation | Conclusions on mixing, surface preparation, masking, cleaning and curing should state only verifiable material quantities, work performed and results, distinguishing measured facts, judgments and inferences, and matters awaiting verification. Workers must not issue conclusions in their own name on matters beyond their qualifications, such as scaffold acceptance, fire prevention and chemical compliance determinations, or final project acceptance.

Checks before joining | Use the following six items when applying and before starting work, to avoid inferring actual duties and authority from job titles or promotional wording. Base findings on written recruitment information, employment contracts, job descriptions, and construction and safety procedures, and keep confirming them after joining. This page lists checks only and does not constitute a hiring or safety determination.

Check guidance | Similar job titles may have very different duties and authority. Some focus on materials, mixing and cleaning; others on surface preparation, masking and application assistance; others on particular locations, such as interior painting, exterior walls, plastering or paperhanging; and some also involve scaffolding, spraying or assistance at height. Chemical, specialized work, qualification and safety requirements vary by enterprise and jurisdiction. Check these before assessing fit.

01 Actual duties, work and site authority | Check whether the role actually performs site work involving materials, mixing, surface preparation, masking and application assistance, or mainly handling, cleaning and support. Confirm permitted project types and locations, such as interiors, exterior walls, plastering or paperhanging; authority to use tools, equipment and spraying equipment; authorization to participate in scaffolding, work at height and chemical work; and interfaces with skilled workers, crews, materials personnel and safety personnel.

Check guidance | This occupation commonly works around dust, contaminants, noise, solvent odors, heights and cramped spaces. It generally requires training in safety, scaffolding, heights, open edges, chemicals, ventilation, fire prevention and occupational health, and compliance with personal protection and emergency response requirements.

02 Safety, occupational health, chemical, height and machinery requirements | Check whether the employer requires and provides safe operating procedures and training for scaffolding, work at height and open edges; safe use, ventilation and fire prevention requirements for chemicals, paint and solvents; personal protection, emergency response and drills; handling and reporting requirements for solvent and paint residues, waste, dust and noise; and requirements to identify and report site and chemical hazards.

Check guidance | U.S. O*NET places 47-3014.00, Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons, in Job Zone 1-2 (little or no preparation to some preparation needed), with an SVP range below 6.0 (SVP Below 6.0). The education section reports that 68% indicate less than a high school diploma is required, 26% a high school diploma or equivalent, and 4% a postsecondary certificate (the three categories listed on that page). Growth is labeled Slower than average (2%), without Bright Outlook. In the U.S., preparation usually involves short-term on-the-job training and mentoring by skilled workers, or registered painting and plastering apprenticeships.

03 Education, training, apprenticeship and qualification requirements | Check whether vocational school training, on-the-job experience or a registered apprenticeship is required (the page lists Job Zone 1-2, little or no preparation to some preparation needed, and SVP below 6.0, SVP Below 6.0); whether mentoring or registered painting and plastering apprenticeships are offered; whether scaffold erection and dismantling, work at height or hazardous chemicals require qualifications, internal training or assessment; and whether training and assessment cover mixing, surface preparation, masking, application assistance, cleaning, safety and emergency response.

Check guidance | This occupation focuses on inspection, obtaining information, physical activities and operation. Its highest-rated activities are inspecting equipment 80, getting information 79, performing general physical activities 78, and controlling machines and processes 77. Contaminants and solvent odors are common, standing is sustained, accuracy requirements are relatively high, consequences of error are most often fairly serious, and responsibility for others' health and safety is substantial. Include site conditions, physical demands and tolerance for safety-related demands in your checks.

04 Pay, working hours and employment contract definitions | Check the components of offered compensation: base pay; overtime, accelerated schedule and height allowances; piece rates and crew performance pay; regional, enterprise and project differences; the five social insurance schemes and housing provident fund; labor protection, protective supplies, meals and accommodation. Confirm working hours, shifts, movement between project locations, rainy-season and winter shutdown arrangements, contract duration, probation and termination terms, and training, qualification and advancement arrangements. U.S. medians and percentiles are market references only and do not equal any enterprise's or region's offer.

Check guidance | Interfaces with skilled workers, crews, project teams, materials suppliers and safety personnel determine the boundaries of mixing, surface preparation, application, acceptance, authority, responsibility and disclosure, and must be clarified beforehand.

05 Interfaces with skilled workers, crews and project teams | Confirm authority to approve and adjust materials, mix ratios and quantities; arrangements for requesting, using and reviewing tools, equipment and spraying equipment; processes for surface preparation, masking, application, nonconformities and rework; and requirements for handling and externally providing project and supplier technical information.

Check guidance | Traceability and recordkeeping requirements for work orders, materials, mixing, quantities, surface preparation, cleaning, curing and abnormalities determine quality and responsibility boundaries. Clarify templates, deadlines, amendment, archiving, access and retention rules beforehand. Project and supplier technical information must also be managed according to confidentiality and minimum-necessary requirements.

06 Materials, surfaces, cleanup and record requirements | Check requirements for work order records; materials, mix ratios and quantities; surface preparation, sanding and dust removal; masking and protection; painting, plastering or paperhanging and curing; cleaning and restoration; abnormalities, rework and outstanding items; and work permits, shift handovers, original records and revision trails.

Conclusion | The central difference between this page's occupation, O*NET 47-3014.00 Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons, and neighboring roles concerns work objects, outputs and authorization levels. This occupation works with paint, solvents, mortar, putty, substrates and on-site assistance, producing assistance completed according to procedures and traceable materials and work records. Construction and maintenance painters, plasterers, stucco masons, paperhangers, drywall installers and construction laborers focus on their own work objects, with different outputs and authorization levels.

Evidence note | The occupations compared below come from O*NET classifications and public sources. The comparison helps distinguish neighboring occupations' work and assess fit. It does not constitute qualification, hiring or pay conclusions, or fire prevention, chemical, specialized work or legal advice. Check wages and employment using each occupation's own code and statistical coverage; figures cannot be transferred between occupations.

Introduction | The comparison below uses four columns: occupational direction—core work and outputs—key distinction—who may prefer it. Painting, plastering, paperhanging, drywall and general construction roles often connect within the same project and process, but coordination does not make them interchangeable. Their work objects, materials, qualifications and responsibility boundaries differ and must be checked separately.

Key distinction: this occupation works with paint, solvents, mortar, putty, substrates and on-site assistance. Using materials, tools and site coordination skills, workers complete mixing, surface preparation, masking, application assistance and cleaning within skilled workers' instructions and job authorization, taking responsibility for work safety, process quality and site order. Neighboring roles focus on independent painting, plastering, paperhanging, panel installation or general construction, with different specialties and authority.

May better suit people willing to provide hands-on assistance with surfaces, materials and tools, carry out mixing, surface preparation, masking, application assistance and cleaning thoroughly according to skilled workers' instructions and procedures, and accept responsibility for work safety and process quality.

Core work and outputs: supply or hold tools and materials; mix and stir paint or mortar and putty; prepare substrates through sanding, filling cracks and dust removal; apply protective coverings such as masking tape; erect scaffolding and assist with painting, plastering or paperhanging; and clean work areas and equipment. Outputs are assistance completed according to procedures and materials and work records.

This occupation: Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons (O*NET/SOC 47-3014.00, Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons)

Key distinction: focuses on applying and forming paint finishes, producing coatings, finishes and acceptance records. This occupation focuses on on-site assistance, with a different authorization level.

May better suit people willing to take independent responsibility for applying and forming paint finishes; this occupation places more emphasis on on-site assistance with materials, mixing, surface preparation and masking.

Core work and outputs: mixing, applying, repairing and forming coatings and finishes, producing coatings, finishes and acceptance records.

Painters, Construction and Maintenance (Painters, Construction and Maintenance, 47-2141.00)

Key distinction: focuses on applying and forming plaster and stucco, producing plaster surfaces, finishes and acceptance records. This occupation focuses on on-site assistance, with a different authorization level.

May better suit people willing to take independent responsibility for plaster and stucco application; this occupation places more emphasis on on-site assistance with materials, mixing and surface preparation.

Core work and outputs: applying, leveling and forming interior and exterior wall plaster and stucco finishes, producing plaster surfaces, finishes and acceptance records.

Plasterers and Stucco Masons (Plasterers and Stucco Masons, 47-2161.00)

Key distinction: focuses on cutting and hanging wallpaper, producing papered surfaces and acceptance records. This occupation focuses on on-site assistance, with a different authorization level.

May better suit people willing to take independent responsibility for cutting and hanging wallpaper; this occupation places more emphasis on on-site assistance with materials, substrate preparation and masking.

Core work and outputs: cutting, matching patterns and hanging wallpaper and wallcovering fabric, producing papered surfaces and acceptance records.

Paperhangers (Paperhangers, 47-2142.00)

Key distinction: focuses on framing and panel installation, producing partitions, suspended ceilings and installation records. This occupation focuses on on-site painting and plastering assistance, with different specialties and authority.

May better suit people willing to install drywall and suspended ceilings; this occupation places more emphasis on on-site assistance with painting, plastering and paperhanging.

Core work and outputs: installing and jointing light-gauge steel framing, drywall and ceiling panels, producing partitions, suspended ceilings and installation records.

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers (Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers, 47-2081.00)

Key distinction: focuses on general construction, demolition and handling, producing construction work records. This occupation focuses on on-site painting and plastering assistance, with a different specialty.

May better suit people willing to perform general construction, demolition and handling; this occupation places more emphasis on on-site assistance for painting, plastering and paperhanging crews.

Core work and outputs: earthwork, demolition, handling and assistance on general construction sites, producing general construction work and safety records.

Construction Laborers (Construction Laborers, 47-2061.00)

Transition | This page places neighboring roles side by side by work objects, outputs and authorization levels to help you decide which type of painting, plastering, paperhanging, panel installation or general construction work you want to pursue over time. In every direction, actual readiness depends on the relevant materials, procedures, safety and qualification capabilities, together with the target enterprise's and jurisdiction's training, specialized work and qualification requirements. Check wages and employment using each occupation's own code and statistical coverage; figures cannot be transferred between occupations.

Entry and job-shadowing stage

Use digital tools for reversible support tasks: organizing work orders and materials ledgers, looking up paint and mortar mix ratios and masking information, and entering quantities and progress. Mixing, surface preparation and safety judgments remain subject to skilled workers' instructions and authorization.

Independent assistance role

Use materials and labor-hour records and project communication applications to record quantities, progress and handovers. You remain responsible for mixing, surface preparation, masking and cleaning judgments according to procedures.

Skilled and specialist roles

Use tools to aggregate and analyze data on multiple locations, materials, quantities and progress. Confirm complex and controlled matters, including scaffolding, chemicals, fire prevention and specialized work, with skilled workers or safety personnel.

Crew leader and site management roles

Use tools for quality, safety, materials, cost and progress statistics, reporting and knowledge management. Major conclusions, formulation or design changes, and external disclosures require human approval and recorded trails.

Editorial task assessment | Work orders, materials lists and draft records may be trialed in approved environments, with people checking original information and site criteria. No occupation-specific generative AI adoption rate, measured efficiency gain, exposure level or employment causation has been obtained; this does not guarantee that the occupation as a whole will avoid displacement. O*NET currently lists 4 software skill categories: accounting, Office, project management and Excel. The 2 hot technologies, Excel and Office, are entries in a U.S. 2025 hiring skills directory; neither has a reported share. They do not establish widespread enterprise use, AI adoption or efficiency gains. BLS projections for the exact occupation 47-3014 for 2025—2035 are approximately 7,600→7,700 workers, 1.5% growth, and 700 average annual openings including replacements; base-year self-employment is 1.7%. These are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

O*NET 47-3014.00 detailed information (tasks and work activities)

Used to define this occupation's task scope and work context: cleaning work areas and equipment; supplying or holding tools and materials; applying protective coverings, such as masking tape, to objects or areas that could be damaged or stained by work processes; smoothing surfaces of objects to be painted using sanding and buffing tools and equipment; and erecting scaffolding. Activity ratings include inspecting equipment 80, getting information 79, performing general physical activities 78 and controlling machines and processes 77. This is a U.S. occupational classification and does not cover mainland China's construction safety and hazardous chemical regulations.

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS 2025)

Used for point-in-time estimates of U.S. wages and percentiles. This page uses data for this occupation itself as presented on O*NET's 47-3014.00 page, and does not call them neighboring occupation figures.

BLS Employment Projections (2025—2035)

BLS projections for the exact occupation 47-3014 for 2025—2035 are approximately 7,600→7,700 workers, 1.5% growth, and 700 average annual openings including replacements; base-year self-employment is 1.7%. These are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

O*NET 47-3014.00 hot technologies (software skills)

O*NET currently lists 4 software skill categories: accounting, Office, project management and Excel. The 2 hot technologies, Excel and Office, are entries in a U.S. 2025 hiring skills directory; neither has a reported share. They do not establish widespread enterprise use, AI adoption or efficiency gains.

ILO study on generative AI and occupational exposure indices for employment

Used to understand how technology affects data, document and information tasks. The research mainly concerns broad occupational groups and does not predict changes to individual jobs in this occupation.

NIST Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework (AI RMF 1.0)

Used for general governance and risk control principles; it is not a chemical, fire prevention, specialized work, safety or legal standard.

O*NET 47-3014.00 work context (tasks, environment and safety)

Used to explain this occupation's work and safety characteristics: exposure to contaminants 37% daily, continual standing 68%, daily face-to-face discussions 84%, relatively frequent decisions, consequences of error most often fairly serious, substantial responsibility for others' health and safety, and constraints from sequencing and schedules.

Introduction to differences | The comparison below examines what AI and automation mainly change / what people remain responsible for in neighboring roles. The conclusion is consistent: equipment and systems can enhance work orders, quantities, materials, progress and knowledge retrieval; on-site mixing, surface preparation, sanding, masking, application assistance and safety responsibility remain with personnel who have the relevant experience and authorization. Technical feasibility, enterprise adoption, which depends on chemical, specialized work and construction safety requirements, and job outcomes must be assessed separately.

Equipment and systems can handle work orders, materials ledgers, quantity readings and draft progress updates

On-site mixing, surface preparation, masking, application, safety and process responsibility

Tools can accelerate aggregation and statistics for data on multiple locations, materials, quantities and progress

Decisions on formulation or design changes, fire prevention, acceptance and external disclosure

Tools can generate knowledge retrieval results and drafts on procedures, mix ratios and materials

Content evidence, safety and quality review, and chemical responsibility

Evidence introduction | Citation rules: cite only sources that support this page's claims; identify jurisdiction, period, statistical coverage and whether data are for 47-3014.00 itself. General research mainly concerning broad occupational groups must not be used to infer changes to individual jobs in this occupation. Technology lists do not establish adoption; mentions of materials and progress tools do not transfer responsibility.

Occupational description, not an automation rate or risk rating

O*NET 47-3014.00 detailed information

Tasks and work context describe the occupation, indicating substantial physical demands, surface preparation and safety responsibilities

Tasks and context support on-site work and assistance responsibilities; they do not establish resistance to displacement for the whole occupation, enterprise adoption or efficiency gains.

Not applicable to other jurisdictions; the median is not a starting wage

BLS OEWS (2025, data for this occupation itself, 47-3014.00)

Point-in-time sample estimates of U.S. wages

May2025 median annual wage for the exact occupation 47-3014.00: USD 40,470; hourly wage: USD 19.46. These are not Chinese wages or starting wages.

Projections are not actual job postings; openings mainly reflect replacement needs

BLS Employment Projections (2025—2035, data for this occupation itself, 47-3014.00)

Projections include growth and replacement needs

BLS projections for the exact occupation 47-3014 for 2025—2035 are approximately 7,600→7,700 workers, 1.5% growth, and 700 average annual openings including replacements; base-year self-employment is 1.7%. These are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

Technology mentions do not establish adoption or degree of automation

O*NET 47-3014.00 hot technologies (software skills)

O*NET currently lists 4 software skill categories: accounting, Office, project management and Excel. The 2 hot technologies, Excel and Office, are entries in a U.S. 2025 hiring skills directory; neither has a reported share. They do not establish widespread enterprise use, AI adoption or efficiency gains.

Distinguish ordinary software from generative AI. Directory entries and hiring mentions do not establish adoption or results, or transfer on-site responsibility.

Not a chemical, fire prevention, specialized work, safety or legal standard

NIST AI RMF 1.0

General AI risk governance framework

Using generative tools, automated data organization and digital records requires clear responsibility, safety and quality review, verification of results and a rollback plan

Technical feasibility: equipment or systems may technically affect a task. This is only a feasibility judgment, not permission to use them or evidence that enterprises have adopted them.

Enterprise and regulatory adoption: introduction depends on chemical, fire prevention, specialized work and construction safety requirements, as well as enterprise construction and safety management procedures. Work and personal safety responsibilities cannot be transferred by introducing a system.

BLS projections for the exact occupation 47-3014 for 2025—2035 are approximately 7,600→7,700 workers, 1.5% growth, and 700 average annual openings including replacements; base-year self-employment is 1.7%. These are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

There is no evidence establishing a year when the occupation will disappear, nor a guarantee that it will never be eliminated. BLS projections for the exact occupation 47-3014 for 2025—2035 are approximately 7,600→7,700 workers, 1.5% growth, and 700 average annual openings including replacements; base-year self-employment is 1.7%. These are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

O*NET tasks; not a displacement forecast

O*NET currently lists 4 software skill categories: accounting, Office, project management and Excel. The 2 hot technologies, Excel and Office, are entries in a U.S. 2025 hiring skills directory; neither has a reported share. They do not establish widespread enterprise use, AI adoption or efficiency gains. The tool list does not prove that no positions require programming; check actual equipment and hiring requirements separately.

U.S. 2025 hiring skill mentions

Editorial assistance hypothesis | Information retrieval, work order organization and draft records may be trialed. Results require actual verification; a software directory does not establish adoption.

O*NET tasks; editorial assistance hypothesis

BLS projections for the exact occupation 47-3014 for 2025—2035 are approximately 7,600→7,700 workers, 1.5% growth, and 700 average annual openings including replacements; base-year self-employment is 1.7%. These are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

BLS2025—2035 projections

It cannot take responsibility independently. On-site mixing, surface preparation, sanding, masking, application and acceptance are the responsibility of personnel and enterprises with relevant experience and authorization. Systems can assist with mix ratios and data recording according to settings, but people must define and confirm mixing specifications, surface preparation and safety judgments.

NIST general governance; check specific qualifications separately

There is no evidence establishing a year when the occupation will disappear, nor a guarantee that it will never be eliminated. BLS projections for the exact occupation 47-3014 for 2025—2035 are approximately 7,600→7,700 workers, 1.5% growth, and 700 average annual openings including replacements; base-year self-employment is 1.7%. These are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

BLS projections; no inference about a disappearance year

Prioritize materials, mixing and stirring; surface preparation, sanding, filling cracks and dust removal; masking and protection; painting, plastering or paperhanging assistance; safe work with scaffolding, heights, chemicals, ventilation and dust; and the ability to maintain procedures, evidence, records and abnormality reporting under sequencing and schedule pressure. Digital tools only need to be used competently.

O*NET tasks; editorial learning suggestions

Responsibility introduction | Efficiency can be delegated to equipment and systems; on-site mixing, surface preparation, sanding and masking judgments, safety and process responsibility cannot. The following five steps identify human responsibilities that must be preserved before and after adopting digital tools or automated data and report generation.

Tasks and boundaries: skilled workers and personnel with relevant experience and authorization must define location, material, chemical and safety boundaries. Equipment and systems do not replace site and process judgments.

Data and methods: you must check and review quantities, mix ratios, materials, progress data, sources and validation. Explicitly state data gaps or deviations; do not conceal gaps with system outputs.

Conclusions and determinations: you must draw conclusions about mixing, surface preparation, masking, application and cleaning according to procedures and current acceptance standards. System outputs must not directly authorize release, rework or external publication.

Safety and compliance: solvents, paint, chemicals, ventilation, fire prevention, scaffolding, heights, open edges, dust, work permits and personal protection must comply with construction safety and occupational health requirements and established procedures. Manage controlled information according to confidentiality and retention requirements.

Changes and disclosure: disclosure of materials, mix ratios and process information, and formulation or design changes, must remain within authorization and established procedures. Pause, isolate and report solvent, height, sanding or authorization-related abnormalities according to procedures.

Directly using system-generated mix ratios or process suggestions for mixing, application or release

You must verify mixing, safety and quality responsibilities according to procedures and retain records

Accidentally sending project and supplier materials or process technical information to unauthorized channels

Limit purpose, retention period and access; do not upload controlled information to external services or unauthorized environments

Missing model, tool, template and parameter versions make suggestions impossible to reproduce or trace.

Retain tool versions, inputs, outputs and human review. Check actual tasks after version changes; do not use outputs directly for release.

Errors in material identifiers, quantities, dimensions, units or original readings cause incorrect work and quality judgments.

Check original records, units, batches and site measurements; stop and review abnormalities, and do not fabricate data.

Unclear responsibility: who mixes, determines acceptance, and approves changes and disclosure is unspecified

Before adopting a system, define work, application and approval paths and responsible personnel, and retain records

You are responsible for judgments on material supply and mixing assistance (human control point)

Materials and preparation

Checklists can assist; people remain responsible for judgments

Supply or hold tools and materials, and organize and store them

You are responsible for sanding, filling cracks and substrate judgments according to procedures (human control point)

Surface preparation

Records can assist; people remain responsible for judgments

Smooth surfaces using sanding and buffing tools and fill cracks with putty

You are responsible for masking, protection and boundary judgments (human control point)

Masking and protection

Records can assist; people remain responsible for judgments

Apply protective coverings such as masking tape

You are responsible for application assistance and delivering materials within your authorization (human control point)

Application assistance

Checklists can assist; people remain responsible for judgments

Assist painters, paperhangers, plasterers and stucco masons with their work

You are responsible for cleaning, removing materials and restoration according to procedures (human control point)

Cleaning and closeout

Records can assist; people remain responsible for judgments

Clean work areas and equipment and remove leftover materials and protective layers

You are responsible for scaffold erection and dismantling, chemical work and assistance at height according to your qualifications (human control point)

Scaffolding and safety

Records can assist; people remain responsible for safety judgments

Erect scaffolding and work according to chemical, height and ventilation requirements

You identify, isolate and report abnormalities and request rework within your authorization (human control point)

Handling abnormalities

Abnormality records can assist; people remain responsible for determinations and handling

Identify solvent, height or sanding abnormalities, isolate and report them

Editorial suggestion | Trial information retrieval and record assistance in authorized environments and verify actual results. Outputs do not replace original readings, site work, or safety and quality responsibilities. No occupation-specific evidence of measured efficiency gains has been obtained.

Coverage | U.S. national wages for the exact occupation 47-3014.00, May2025. Limits | Percentiles do not establish seniority or starting wages; figures include production bonuses and exclude benefits, overtime and nonproduction bonuses.

May2025 50th percentile annual wage: USD 40,470; hourly wage: USD 19.46

Coverage | U.S. national wages for the exact occupation 47-3014.00, May2025. Limits | Percentiles do not establish seniority or starting wages; figures include production bonuses and exclude benefits, overtime and nonproduction bonuses.

May2025 75th percentile annual wage: USD 49,090; hourly wage: USD 23.60

Coverage | U.S. national wages for the exact occupation 47-3014.00, May2025. Limits | Percentiles do not establish seniority or starting wages; figures include production bonuses and exclude benefits, overtime and nonproduction bonuses.

May2025 90th percentile annual wage: USD 52,000; hourly wage: USD 25.00

Coverage | U.S. national wages for the exact occupation 47-3014.00, May2025. Limits | Percentiles do not establish seniority or starting wages; figures include production bonuses and exclude benefits, overtime and nonproduction bonuses.

BLS projections for the exact occupation 47-3014 for 2025—2035 are approximately 7,600→7,700 workers, 1.5% growth, and 700 average annual openings including replacements; base-year self-employment is 1.7%. These are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

Coverage | BLS2025—2035 projections for the exact occupation. Limits | Employment includes self-employment and openings include replacements; these are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

BLS projections for the exact occupation 47-3014 for 2025—2035 are approximately 7,600→7,700 workers, 1.5% growth, and 700 average annual openings including replacements; base-year self-employment is 1.7%. These are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

Coverage | BLS2025—2035 projections for the exact occupation. Limits | Employment includes self-employment and openings include replacements; these are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

BLS projections for the exact occupation 47-3014 for 2025—2035 are approximately 7,600→7,700 workers, 1.5% growth, and 700 average annual openings including replacements; base-year self-employment is 1.7%. These are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

Coverage | BLS2025—2035 projections for the exact occupation. Limits | Employment includes self-employment and openings include replacements; these are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

AI exposure | Generative and statistical tools may assist with drafts of work orders, quantities, materials, progress and knowledge retrieval in this occupation. No evidence establishing a generative AI exposure level has been obtained, so no level is assigned. Generative AI's direct effects concentrate on data, documents, retrieval and organization. This page does not score or predict its AI impact.

Occupational definition | This page's Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons is the exact O*NET occupation 47-3014.00: helping painters, paperhangers, plasterers or stucco masons through duties requiring less skill, including using, supplying or delivering materials and tools and cleaning work areas and equipment. In the U.S., it is in Job Zone 1-2 (little or no preparation to some preparation needed), below 6.0 (SVP Below 6.0). Growth is listed as exact growth of 1.5% for 2025—2035; the page does not display Bright Outlook.

Education and training related to painting, plastering or decoration

Most positions

Provides a starting foundation of materials, process and safety knowledge for entry. The page's education section reports that 68% indicate less than a high school diploma is required, 26% a high school diploma or equivalent, and 4% a postsecondary certificate (the three categories listed on the page)

Capabilities in materials, mixing, surface preparation, masking and application assistance

All positions

Roles usually require mixing, surface preparation, sanding, masking, application assistance and cleaning, with compliance with chemical, ventilation, fire prevention, scaffolding, height and dust safety requirements

Qualifications for scaffold erection and dismantling, work at height, hazardous chemicals and similar work

Positions involving the relevant work

Effective 2026-06-01, actual specialized construction trades on building and municipal engineering projects require prescribed training, assessment and certification. Not all helpers or activities at height require every qualification. Apprenticeship is not listed as universally necessary or common.

Occupational health and labor protection requirements

Positions involving dust, solvent odors and contaminants

Workers exposed to occupational disease hazards require examinations and protection as prescribed. Job adjustments depend on actual hazards and results; rotation is not a fixed requirement for everyone.

Construction (Construction)

O*NET's 47-3014.00 page identifies construction as this occupation's main U.S. industry. The National Bureau of Statistics publishes average wages of employed persons in urban units by industry category. Construction covers multiple occupations and cannot substitute for this occupation's wages.

Decoration, renovation and specialty contracting (reference)

Some painting, plastering and paperhanging positions serve decoration, renovation and specialty contracting enterprises. These industry averages do not equal this occupation's wages and are not used as substitutes on this page.

Building construction, municipal works and repair projects (reference)

Some positions may fall within building construction, municipal works and repair project categories. These industry averages do not equal this occupation's wages and are not used as substitutes on this page.

National Bureau of Statistics: coverage notes on average wages of employed persons in urban units | https://www.stats.gov.cn/sj/zxfb/

Occupational name comparison | Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons (O*NET/SOC 47-3014.00 Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons; recruitment and industry usage often includes painter, plasterer, tiler, decoration and renovation worker, and painting application assistant).

Mainland China | Roles similar to Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons exist in mainland China's painting, plastering, decoration, renovation and paperhanging sectors. Their work, scaffolding, heights, open edges, chemicals, ventilation, fire prevention, dust, safety, occupational health and records are governed by the Work Safety Law of the People's Republic of China and relevant construction safety, hazardous chemical management where applicable, occupational health and environmental protection regulations and standards. However, public occupational statistics do not separately report a national wage distribution for this occupation.

Matching rationale | Painting, plastering and paperhanging construction assistance roles match construction; check the industry category separately for manufacturing employers. Industry averages are not occupational wages. Broad references are 2025 annual average construction-sector wages of RMB 92,036 / 66,275 in urban non-private / private units. These statistics cover multiple occupations and job levels and cannot substitute for this occupation's median, starting wage or individual income. No precise national wage distribution for this occupation was obtained in this round; the gap remains.

National Bureau of Statistics: annual average wages of employed persons in urban units in 2025 | https://www.stats.gov.cn/zwfwck/sjfb/202605/t20260515_1963707.html

Pay structure | Income in this occupation is usually related to region, project and living costs; overtime, accelerated schedule and height allowances; qualifications for scaffold erection and dismantling, work at height and hazardous chemicals; and responsibility for spraying, work at height or crew leadership. Similar positions vary considerably by region and project. The page's U.S. annual wage distribution ranges from USD 31,200 at the 10th percentile to USD 52,000 at the 90th percentile.

2025 construction / urban non-private units (industry reference)

Annual average wage: RMB 92,036 / year; an average for all employed persons in the industry, not this occupation's wage.

2025 construction / urban private units (industry reference)

Annual average wage: RMB 66,275 / year; an average for all employed persons in the industry, not this occupation's wage.

Precise national occupational wages for this occupation in mainland China

Insufficient evidence: mainland China's public occupational statistics have not established a national wage distribution precisely matching O*NET 47-3014.00, Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons. The National Bureau of Statistics publishes average wages of employed persons in urban units by industry category, without occupational distinctions. This page does not substitute industry averages, recruitment offers or U.S. data.

Classification comparison | This page covers the exact O*NET occupation 47-3014.00, Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons. It differs from neighboring occupations such as Painters, Construction and Maintenance (47-2141.00), Plasterers and Stucco Masons (47-2161.00), Paperhangers (47-2142.00), Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers (47-2081.00), and Construction Laborers (47-2061.00). Check wages and employment using each occupation's own code and statistical coverage; figures cannot be transferred between occupations.

U.S. BLS and O*NET statistical coverage notes | https://www.bls.gov/oes/

Growth: slower than average; exact growth of 1.5% for 2025—2035 (2025—2035, BLS Employment Projections, data for this occupation itself, 47-3014.00; the page does not display Bright Outlook)

Median hourly wage: USD 19.46 / median annual wage: USD 40,470 (2025, BLS OEWS, data for this occupation itself, 47-3014.00)

May2025 25th percentile annual wage: USD 36,830; hourly wage: USD 17.71

Coverage | U.S. national wages for the exact occupation 47-3014.00, May2025. Limits | Percentiles do not establish seniority or starting wages; figures include production bonuses and exclude benefits, overtime and nonproduction bonuses.

May2025 50th percentile annual wage: USD 40,470; hourly wage: USD 19.46

Coverage | U.S. national wages for the exact occupation 47-3014.00, May2025. Limits | Percentiles do not establish seniority or starting wages; figures include production bonuses and exclude benefits, overtime and nonproduction bonuses.

May2025 75th percentile annual wage: USD 49,090; hourly wage: USD 23.60

Coverage | U.S. national wages for the exact occupation 47-3014.00, May2025. Limits | Percentiles do not establish seniority or starting wages; figures include production bonuses and exclude benefits, overtime and nonproduction bonuses.

May2025 90th percentile annual wage: USD 52,000; hourly wage: USD 25.00

Coverage | U.S. national wages for the exact occupation 47-3014.00, May2025. Limits | Percentiles do not establish seniority or starting wages; figures include production bonuses and exclude benefits, overtime and nonproduction bonuses.

BLS projections for the exact occupation 47-3014 for 2025—2035 are approximately 7,600→7,700 workers, 1.5% growth, and 700 average annual openings including replacements; base-year self-employment is 1.7%. These are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

Coverage | BLS2025—2035 projections for the exact occupation. Limits | Employment includes self-employment and openings include replacements; these are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

BLS projections for the exact occupation 47-3014 for 2025—2035 are approximately 7,600→7,700 workers, 1.5% growth, and 700 average annual openings including replacements; base-year self-employment is 1.7%. These are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

Coverage | BLS2025—2035 projections for the exact occupation. Limits | Employment includes self-employment and openings include replacements; these are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

BLS projections for the exact occupation 47-3014 for 2025—2035 are approximately 7,600→7,700 workers, 1.5% growth, and 700 average annual openings including replacements; base-year self-employment is 1.7%. These are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

Coverage | BLS2025—2035 projections for the exact occupation. Limits | Employment includes self-employment and openings include replacements; these are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

The five precise national wage percentiles and employment projections have been checked; regional and precise industry wages were not obtained. Industry background is separately labeled by scope. Shared older facts and protected content remain; no claim is made that the whole page has been synchronized.

For the exact U.S. occupation 47-3014.00, May2025 median annual wage is USD 40,470 and hourly wage USD 19.46; five percentiles have been checked. BLS projections for the exact occupation 47-3014 for 2025—2035 are approximately 7,600→7,700 workers, 1.5% growth, and 700 average annual openings including replacements; base-year self-employment is 1.7%. These are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

Procedural complexity and demand vary substantially by project, including building construction, municipal works, decoration, renovation and repairs, and by trade, including painting, plastering and paperhanging, affecting income and stability.

Project type and trade

Capabilities in mixing, surface preparation, sanding, masking, scaffold erection and dismantling, and spraying, together with relevant qualifications, can substantially affect income.

Region, skills and qualifications

Roles involving spraying, work at height, complex finishes, crew leadership or site management have different responsibilities and pay structures from roles mainly involving basic handling and cleaning.

Job responsibilities and crew leadership

Growth: slower than average; exact growth of 1.5% for 2025—2035 (2025—2035, BLS Employment Projections, data for this occupation itself, 47-3014.00; the page does not display Bright Outlook)

Construction of buildings (construction laborers and helpers occupational group background)

USD 47,540 / year

OOH May2025 median wage for the construction laborers and helpers occupational group, not the exact occupation 47-3014. Precise industry wages were not obtained; do not extrapolate to China.

Heavy and civil engineering construction (construction laborers and helpers occupational group background)

USD 47,420 / year

OOH May2025 median wage for the construction laborers and helpers occupational group, not the exact occupation 47-3014. Precise industry wages were not obtained; do not extrapolate to China.

Specialty trade contractors (construction laborers and helpers occupational group background)

USD 46,360 / year

OOH May2025 median wage for the construction laborers and helpers occupational group, not the exact occupation 47-3014. Precise industry wages were not obtained; do not extrapolate to China.

Temporary help services (construction laborers and helpers occupational group background)

USD 35,740 / year

OOH May2025 median wage for the construction laborers and helpers occupational group, not the exact occupation 47-3014. Precise industry wages were not obtained; do not extrapolate to China.

Reading the distribution: the median is the midpoint, not the starting point. Annual wages between this occupation's 10th and 90th percentiles range from approximately USD 31,200 to USD 52,000, with differences mainly related to region, project, trade, skills, qualifications and responsibilities.

Reading the coverage: OEWS wages are employer-reported, include production incentive bonuses, and exclude benefits, overtime and nonproduction bonuses. The figures on this page are presented through O*NET's 47-3014.00 page, which does not label them as coming from a broader or neighboring occupation. They are therefore presented as data for this occupation itself and cannot establish individual incomes in neighboring occupations.

Wages are May2025 OEWS figures presented on O*NET's precise national page; employment projections use the BLS2025—2035 precise matrix, include self-employment, and have different coverage from employee wages.

Usage suggestion: read the three sets of figures—median, percentiles and employment—alongside the qualifications that these are data for this occupation itself, not neighboring occupations, and that exact growth of 1.5% for 2025—2035 is slower than average, with openings mainly reflecting replacements. Avoid treating the median as a starting wage or projections as individual outcomes.

Median hourly wage: USD 19.46 / median annual wage: USD 40,470 (2025, BLS OEWS, data for this occupation itself, 47-3014.00)

Position in the national distribution does not establish experience, responsibilities or starting wages; check causes of individual wages separately.

The median represents a typical level at the distribution midpoint, not an entry-level starting wage. It rises with changes in region, project, trade, skills, qualifications and responsibility scope. These are data for this occupation itself, not neighboring occupations.

Position in the national distribution does not establish experience, responsibilities or starting wages; check causes of individual wages separately.

Holland (RIASEC) | Used to understand your relative Realistic and Conventional preferences. This occupation's O*NET interest code is RC (Realistic—Conventional), corresponding to willingness to work hands-on with materials and tools and perform physical activities (Realistic), and willingness to organize information and data and maintain order according to procedures and rules (Conventional).

Evidence level | Moderate: the interest code comes from O*NET's occupational analysis and results concerning workers in this occupation, but individual scores do not map one-to-one to occupational codes.

If working around dust, contaminants, noise, solvent odors, heights and cramped spaces is difficult for you, or you struggle with a pace that changes with project sequencing, schedules and weather and may involve overtime, or are unwilling to take responsibility for work safety, process quality and site order, a high interest questionnaire score cannot change these practical costs. Also confirm the employer's requirements for scaffold erection and dismantling, work at height, hazardous chemicals and occupational health.

Editorial suggestion: observe safety procedures, material checks and handovers; Big Five traits do not establish easier adaptation.

No validation studies on assessments predicting fit, performance or learning outcomes in this occupation were obtained. The following are editorial exploration suggestions.

Do not use a personality assessment saying you are unsuitable as grounds to give up or avoid entering the field. Rely on site shadowing, internships or simulated mixing, surface preparation and application assistance tasks, skilled workers' feedback and assessment results.

Understanding this interest code: RC means Realistic, working hands-on with materials and tools and performing physical activities, and Conventional, organizing information and data and maintaining order according to procedures and rules. It helps explain occupational preferences, not determine ability or qualifications.

MBTI | Typology supports self-reflection on communication and work preferences. This occupation requires collaboration with skilled workers, crews and materials personnel; preferences do not determine competence.

Interest experience: enjoying providing complete assistance with mixing, surface preparation, sanding, masking and cleaning, and gaining satisfaction from an orderly site where materials, surfaces, safety and records are all handled properly.

Evidence level | Low: MBTI is not an occupational qualification or ability assessment tool and cannot be used for employment decisions.

RC

Realistic—Conventional

Use types only as a reference for communication styles, not to infer whether you or others can perform mixing, surface preparation and application assistance well.

Enneagram | Used to observe your reactions to tight sequencing, schedules and site abnormalities. When solvent, height, sanding, fire prevention or authorization issues arise, checking and handling them first according to evidence and procedures matters more than a type label.

No validation studies on assessments predicting fit, performance or learning outcomes in this occupation were obtained. The following are editorial exploration suggestions.

Do not explain quality or safety disputes through type labels; return to the procedural basis, work process and adequacy of records.

Editorial suggestion: observe drawing interpretation, dimension and data checks; no evidence compares the predictive validity of IQ and practical capabilities.

No validation studies on assessments predicting fit, performance or learning outcomes in this occupation were obtained. The following are editorial exploration suggestions.

Scores do not establish whether you can learn mixing, surface preparation and application assistance; test this through site shadowing, internships or simulated tasks and skilled workers' feedback.

Editorial suggestion: observe communication, explanation of abnormalities and review under schedule pressure; EQ scores do not establish quality or safety.

No validation studies on assessments predicting fit, performance or learning outcomes in this occupation were obtained. The following are editorial exploration suggestions.

Emotional capabilities can improve through actual work, mentoring and deliberate practice; assessment scores need not define your limits.

Boundaries | Assessments and career comparisons on this page support self-reflection and exploration only. They are not hiring standards, ability scores or qualification judgments. Entry depends on education, training, safety, occupational health, qualifications and enterprise authorization. In particular, U.S. O*NET places this occupation in Job Zone 1-2 (little or no preparation to some preparation needed), below 6.0 (SVP Below 6.0). Scaffold erection and dismantling, work at height and hazardous chemicals also require the relevant qualifications and work permits.

Assessments cannot replace qualifications, skills or job authorization. Under safe supervision or using simulated materials, observe material units, substrate information, masking boundaries, records and abnormality reporting. These are editorial observation suggestions; no validity evidence establishes greater reliability than questionnaires.

This occupation's direction, Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons | Outputs are assistance completed according to procedures—materials, mixing, surface preparation, sanding, masking, application assistance and cleaning—and traceable materials and work records: materials and preparation, surface preparation, masking and protection, application assistance, cleaning, closeout and records

Able to independently complete mixing, surface preparation, masking, application assistance, cleaning and records within skilled workers' instructions, job authorization and operating procedures

Editorial comparison suggestion | If working around dust, solvent odors, heights and cramped spaces is difficult, or you struggle with overtime and a pace varying by project sequencing and schedule, check your actual work experience.

Construction and maintenance painting direction | Refer to the core outputs of Painters, Construction and Maintenance in the direction comparison table; work objects, specialty and authorization levels differ from this occupation

Editorial exploration | Check painting, plastering, paperhanging, panel or general construction skills and actual qualifications separately for your target direction; do not treat all trades as shared entry requirements.

Editorial comparison suggestion | If you prefer on-site painting and plastering assistance rather than that direction, compare this occupation's differences further.

Plastering and stucco masonry direction | Refer to the core outputs of Plasterers and Stucco Masons in the direction comparison table; work objects, specialty and authorization levels differ from this occupation

Editorial exploration | Check painting, plastering, paperhanging, panel or general construction skills and actual qualifications separately for your target direction; do not treat all trades as shared entry requirements.

Editorial comparison suggestion | If you prefer on-site painting and plastering assistance rather than that direction, compare this occupation's differences further.

Paperhanging direction | Refer to the core outputs of Paperhangers in the direction comparison table; work objects, specialty and authorization levels differ from this occupation

Editorial exploration | Check painting, plastering, paperhanging, panel or general construction skills and actual qualifications separately for your target direction; do not treat all trades as shared entry requirements.

Editorial comparison suggestion | If you prefer on-site painting and plastering assistance rather than that direction, compare this occupation's differences further.

Drywall and ceiling tile installation direction | Refer to the core outputs of Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers in the direction comparison table; work objects, specialty and authorization levels differ from this occupation

Editorial exploration | Check painting, plastering, paperhanging, panel or general construction skills and actual qualifications separately for your target direction; do not treat all trades as shared entry requirements.

Editorial comparison suggestion | If you prefer on-site painting and plastering assistance rather than that direction, compare this occupation's differences further.

Construction labor direction | Refer to the core outputs of Construction Laborers in the direction comparison table; work objects, specialty and authorization levels differ from this occupation

Editorial exploration | Check painting, plastering, paperhanging, panel or general construction skills and actual qualifications separately for your target direction; do not treat all trades as shared entry requirements.

Editorial comparison suggestion | If you prefer on-site painting and plastering assistance rather than that direction, compare this occupation's differences further.

Personality types and introversion or extraversion are not validated occupational entry requirements. Under safe supervision or using simulated materials, observe material units, substrate information, masking boundaries, records and abnormality reporting. These are editorial observation suggestions, without comparing the predictive validity of personality and skills.

Personality types and introversion or extraversion are not validated occupational entry requirements. Under safe supervision or using simulated materials, observe material units, substrate information, masking boundaries, records and abnormality reporting. These are editorial observation suggestions, without comparing the predictive validity of personality and skills.

Personality types and introversion or extraversion are not validated occupational entry requirements. Under safe supervision or using simulated materials, observe material units, substrate information, masking boundaries, records and abnormality reporting. These are editorial observation suggestions, without comparing the predictive validity of personality and skills.

Which MBTI type best suits this occupation? No type has been proven best suited. MBTI is not an occupational qualification or ability assessment tool; occupational adjustment mainly depends on skills, qualifications, safety and procedural compliance.

Which Holland interest types better suit this occupation? Its O*NET interest code is RC: Realistic, working hands-on with materials and tools and performing physical activities, and Conventional, organizing information and data and maintaining order according to procedures and rules.

Personality types and introversion or extraversion are not validated occupational entry requirements. Under safe supervision or using simulated materials, observe material units, substrate information, masking boundaries, records and abnormality reporting. These are editorial observation suggestions, without comparing the predictive validity of personality and skills.

Can I do this work if I am poor at math? Basic mix ratio, quantity, measurement, calculation and reading skills are needed. Quantitative foundations can improve through training and tools, but strong difficulty with ratios, measuring instruments and quantities would be a significant constraint.

Does this occupation require high emotional intelligence? Emotional stability, communication and conflict handling skills are needed, but no specific assessment score is required. Sequencing, schedule and rework pressure require self-regulation and reporting according to procedures.

Can the Enneagram determine whether I fit? No. It is a self-exploration tool, not a conclusion about occupational ability or fit. Assess fit by whether you can complete mixing, surface preparation, masking, cleaning and records under safety and procedural requirements.

Under safe supervision or using simulated materials, observe material units, substrate information, masking boundaries, records and abnormality reporting. These are editorial exploration suggestions; no evidence shows these materials predict fit better than questionnaires.

Fit signals: willingness to take responsibility for work safety and process quality under solvent, paint, chemical, ventilation, fire prevention, scaffolding and height requirements; ability to switch between mixing, surface preparation, masking, application assistance and cleaning while valuing evidence and records; ability to maintain procedures, evidence and review under sequencing and schedule pressure; and isolating and reporting site or material abnormalities or matters beyond authorization according to procedures.

Caution signals: difficulty working around dust, contaminants, noise, solvent odors and heights; difficulty accepting overtime and a pace that changes with project sequencing, schedules and weather; unwillingness to take responsibility for work safety, process quality and site order; or unwillingness to report and hand over matters beyond authorization according to procedures.

Verification suggestion: first test your ability to read procedures, mix, prepare surfaces and write records through a simulated or real assistance task. Learn the target enterprise's and jurisdiction's requirements for safety, occupational health, scaffold erection and dismantling, work at height and hazardous chemical qualifications before deciding whether to pursue this work over time.

Used to check this occupation's task scope and work context under the U.S. occupational classification.

Used to check this occupation's tasks, work activities and detailed work activities.

RC interests are for exploration only. Current work style scores of dependability 66, cooperation 52, attention to detail 46 and cautiousness 41 describe the occupation and do not predict individual performance. JobZone1-2, SVP below 6; these do not support conclusions about psychological assessment scores predicting performance.

RC interests are for exploration only. Current work style scores of dependability 66, cooperation 52, attention to detail 46 and cautiousness 41 describe the occupation and do not predict individual performance. JobZone1-2, SVP below 6; these do not support conclusions about psychological assessment scores predicting performance.

RC interests are for exploration only. Current work style scores of dependability 66, cooperation 52, attention to detail 46 and cautiousness 41 describe the occupation and do not predict individual performance. JobZone1-2, SVP below 6; these do not support conclusions about psychological assessment scores predicting performance.

RC interests are for exploration only. Current work style scores of dependability 66, cooperation 52, attention to detail 46 and cautiousness 41 describe the occupation and do not predict individual performance. JobZone1-2, SVP below 6; these do not support conclusions about psychological assessment scores predicting performance.

Used to check point-in-time U.S. wage estimate coverage: data for this occupation itself, not labeled on that page as coming from a broader or neighboring occupation, and not representative of neighboring occupations.

Used to check employment trends and the official period shown: data for this occupation itself; growth for 2025—2035 is exact growth of 1.5% for 2025—2035.

Boundaries | This page lists relatively common failure types and control points in mixing, surface preparation, sanding, masking, application assistance and cleaning to help identify and manage risks. It does not constitute safety, chemical, fire prevention, specialized work, occupational health or legal advice, or conclusions on individual cases. Scaffold acceptance, fire prevention and chemical compliance determinations, accident determinations and occupational disease diagnoses must be handled by appropriately qualified roles or organizations.

Direct answer | The central risks in this occupation extend beyond whether a surface can be painted well to four failure categories with substantial consequences: safety and personal injury failures, including solvent, paint and chemical exposure, heights, scaffolding and falls, sanding, spraying and equipment injuries, dust, contaminants and noise; quality and rework failures, where inadequate mixing, surface preparation, masking or application cause finish rework and additional losses; finished-work failures, where improper cleaning, curing or protection damages coatings and finishes; and recordkeeping and traceability failures, where inaccurate materials and quantity data prevent responsibility from being determined.

O*NET's exact tasks and context and BLS occupational group environment support risk indicators. The six cards are editorial scenarios, not card-specific accident rates or statutory qualification determinations. Effective 2026-06-01, actual specialized construction trades on building and municipal engineering projects require prescribed training, assessment and certification. Not all helpers or activities at height require every qualification.

Worker and crew; safety and occupational health managers; occupational health and work environment

Solvent, paint and chemical exposure causes inhalation injuries, skin or eye damage, or fires; inadequate ventilation, fire prevention or personal protection, or failure to follow substance safety requirements

Follow ventilation, fire prevention, personal protection and substance safety requirements and use appropriate protective equipment. Stop immediately, withdraw, review and report chemical or odor abnormalities

Scenario | Under schedule pressure, you are asked to mix and paint before ventilation and protection are adequate, with paperwork to follow later.

Worker, scaffold erectors and safety personnel; personal safety; scaffolding and work-at-height boundaries

Inadequate scaffold, edge or opening protection causes falls or falling-object injuries; failure to follow erection, acceptance and protection requirements or to attach protection

Follow scaffold erection, acceptance, edge and opening protection requirements and check fixings. Stop work immediately, isolate and report scaffold or protection abnormalities

Scenario | During a staff shortage, you are asked to temporarily take over scaffold erection, dismantling or work at height despite being untrained.

Worker, safety and equipment managers; personal safety and machinery and spraying boundaries

Incorrect use of sanders, spraying equipment or handheld power tools causes injury or coating contamination; failure to follow machinery, spraying safety and protection requirements or isolate energy

Sanding and spraying must follow protection, power isolation, segregation and ventilation requirements. Stop immediately, isolate and report machinery or spraying abnormalities

Scenario | Sanding or spraying protection and ventilation procedures are incomplete, but you are asked to start work and complete paperwork later.

Worker, safety and occupational health personnel; occupational health and work environment

Dust, contaminant, noise and vibration exposure causes inhalation injuries or other harm; inadequate dust removal, noise reduction or personal protection, or failure to follow substance safety requirements

Follow dust removal, noise reduction, personal protection and substance safety requirements and use appropriate protective equipment. Stop immediately, review and report dust or noise abnormalities

Editorial scenario | Dust removal or ventilation and personal protection are not in place, but you are asked to enter a dusty or contaminated area to finish sanding and cleaning before adding protection later.

Worker, skilled workers and quality inspectors; process quality; surface preparation and rework boundaries

Inadequate mixing, surface preparation, masking or application causes finish rework or material waste; failure to follow procedures, mix ratios and substrate requirements

Complete mixing, surface preparation, sanding, masking and application assistance according to procedures. Immediately isolate and report nonconformities or rework needs and assist with repairs

Scenario | Mix ratios or surface preparation edges are nonconforming, but sequencing pressure leads to requests to apply first and rework later.

Worker, skilled workers and site management; work quality and responsibility determination; qualification and disclosure boundaries

Missing or inaccurate work orders, mix ratios, quantities, surface preparation and cleaning records prevent traceability and responsibility determination; issuing scaffold acceptance or fire prevention and chemical compliance conclusions beyond authority, or fabricating retrospective records

Record truthfully according to procedures and retain original records and revision trails. Never generate unverified content or issue acceptance or compliance conclusions beyond authority

Scenario | Materials and quantities at a location differ from the actual records, but you are asked to issue a quality conclusion using existing records and revise them later.

Used to check this occupation's tasks and work context and help identify failure types in mixing, surface preparation, masking, application assistance and cleaning under U.S. coverage.

Occupational group background, not precise occupation-specific probabilities for each card or Chinese qualifications.

Task indicators, not a law making all technical data confidential or requiring permits for all construction.

Effective 2026-06-01, actual specialized construction trades on building and municipal engineering projects require prescribed training, assessment and certification. Not all helpers or activities at height require every qualification.

NIST's voluntary AI governance framework, not Chinese construction or specialized work law.

Qualification boundaries (I) | Hiring conditions, education, proof of training, safety and skills training, scaffold erection and dismantling, height and hazardous chemical qualifications, occupational health examinations, job and work authorization, scaffold acceptance, and fire prevention and chemical compliance are different statuses. Meeting hiring conditions does not confer authority to spray independently, erect or dismantle scaffolding, or issue acceptance and compliance conclusions. In the U.S., the occupation is in Job Zone 1-2 (little or no preparation to some preparation needed), below 6.0 (SVP Below 6.0), with growth labeled Slower than average (2%).

For the exact U.S. BLS occupation 47-3014, typical requirements are no formal educational credential, no related experience and short-term on-the-job training. O*NET's new-hire figures of 68% below high school, 26% high school and 4% postsecondary certificate are surveyed requirements, not Chinese entry requirements or the educational composition of all workers. Actual specialized construction work on building and municipal projects in China requires trade-specific certification under Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Order No. 60. Before formally starting work for the first time, workers must complete at least 6 months of practical training under a person with at least 6 years in the relevant trade and must not work independently. This does not apply to all helpers.

Qualification boundaries (III) | Preparation items listed on this page do not equal authorization and do not automatically confer authority for spraying, scaffold erection and dismantling or external disclosure. Actual authority is subject to enterprise and competent authority requirements.

Under Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Order No. 60, actual specialized construction work certificates are valid for 3 years and subject to renewal review. Check other qualifications, work permits and equipment acceptance separately; solvent use or spraying does not automatically imply the same hazardous chemical operating certificate.

Recruitment sample note | This page cites no counts or pay figures from specific job advertisements. Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons are often recruited through building construction, municipal works, decoration, renovation, repair and specialty contracting enterprises and labor and human resources channels. Region, project, trade and project cycles affect recruitment, making public samples difficult to generalize to the whole market. Hiring requirements and authority must be based on written recruitment information, employment contracts, job descriptions, and construction and safety procedures.

This page lists checks only and makes no hiring or pay commitment.

Boundaries | Preparation pathways and capability levels on this page help plan learning and evidence collection. They do not determine hiring, advancement or qualifications. Actual entry depends on safety and skills training, qualifications, enterprise authorization and assessments, and does not confer authority for independent spraying, scaffold erection and dismantling or scaffold acceptance.

Under supervision, prepare materials and tools and assist with mixing, sanding, handling, cleaning and records. Do not independently spray, erect or dismantle scaffolding, or issue acceptance conclusions.

Shadowing and support roles

Independently complete mixing, surface preparation, sanding, masking, application assistance, cleaning and records within skilled workers' instructions, job authorization and procedures. Isolate and report abnormalities, safety issues or matters beyond authorization according to procedures.

Independent assistance role

Able to undertake spraying, assistance with complex finishes, mixing, mentoring and process coordination.

Skilled and specialist roles

Able to arrange crews and processes, implement and evaluate quality, safety, materials and progress, jointly sign off on abnormalities and coordinate multiple parties.

Crew leader and site management roles

For the exact U.S. BLS occupation 47-3014, typical requirements are no formal educational credential, no related experience and short-term on-the-job training. O*NET's new-hire figures of 68% below high school, 26% high school and 4% postsecondary certificate are surveyed requirements, not Chinese entry requirements or the educational composition of all workers. Check qualifications and enterprise authorization against actual work; apprenticeships, vocational courses or all specialized certificates are not universally required. The development ladder is editorial planning, not a guarantee of hiring or advancement.

Qualification boundaries | Occupational training, shadowing and practical work, educational or training credentials, passing safety and skills assessments and obtaining scaffold erection and dismantling, height and hazardous chemical qualifications, inclusion in occupational health management, and enterprise job and work authorization are different statuses. Preparation items listed on this page do not equal authorization and do not automatically confer spraying, scaffold erection and dismantling or external disclosure authority.

For the exact U.S. BLS occupation 47-3014, typical requirements are no formal educational credential, no related experience and short-term on-the-job training. O*NET's new-hire figures of 68% below high school, 26% high school and 4% postsecondary certificate are surveyed requirements, not Chinese entry requirements or the educational composition of all workers. Effective 2026-06-01, actual specialized construction trades on building and municipal engineering projects require prescribed training, assessment and certification. Not all helpers or activities at height require every qualification. Keep U.S. and Chinese jurisdictions separate; do not combine them.

Summary | Treat the pathway as a cycle of learning—shadowing and practical work—safety, skills and qualifications—job and work authorization—responsibility. Complete skills training first, then learn mixing, surface preparation, masking, application assistance and construction safety procedures through supervision. Work independently after obtaining qualifications and authorization and deepen your specialty. Handle scaffold acceptance, fire prevention and chemical compliance and major rework according to procedures and competent authority requirements.

For the exact U.S. BLS occupation 47-3014, typical requirements are no formal educational credential, no related experience and short-term on-the-job training. O*NET's new-hire figures of 68% below high school, 26% high school and 4% postsecondary certificate are surveyed requirements, not Chinese entry requirements or the educational composition of all workers.

Used to check tasks, work activities and work environment and help plan learning priorities.

Training or apprenticeship search entry point, not evidence of universal requirements or participation rates.

Related certification search entry point, not evidence that all certifications are universally required or constitute Chinese qualifications.

Basic materials and mixing training records; basic safety and chemical training.

Learn key points of mixing, stirring, masking, measuring instruments and safety.

Mixing assistance records and mentoring feedback; ability to restate materials, safety and reporting points.

Learn materials, mixing, masking, measuring instruments and safety under supervision; do not independently spray or erect or dismantle scaffolding.

Materials and preparation shadowing role

Job authorization, safety and qualifications; materials and mixing experience.

Gain experience with different materials and locations; practice mixing, ratios and preparation methods.

Mixing, ratio and quantity records and review comments.

Independently complete materials, mixing, stirring, preparation and records according to procedures; isolate and report abnormalities under established procedures.

Materials and preparation role

Relevant job authorization and specialized qualifications; complex mix ratio experience.

Learn mix ratios for complex locations and methods of materials and process coordination.

Complex mix ratio, mixing and abnormality handling records.

Undertake mix ratios for complex locations, mixing of multiple materials, mentoring and process coordination.

Materials and preparation specialist role

Relevant management appointment or enterprise authorization.

Improve materials, mixing and traceability management mechanisms.

Coordination conclusions; materials, mixing and traceability documents.

Coordinate materials, mixing, quality, safety and joint sign-offs, and guide newcomers.

Materials and site supervisor role

Basic surface preparation and tool training records; safety training.

Learn key points of sanding, dust removal, masking and safety.

Surface preparation assistance records and mentoring feedback; ability to restate masking and safety points.

Under supervision, assist with sanding, dust removal, masking and tool preparation; do not independently apply finishes or spray critical locations.

Surface preparation and application shadowing role

Job authorization, safety and qualifications; surface preparation and application experience.

Gain experience across substrates and processes; practice sanding, masking and application methods.

Surface preparation, masking and application records and review comments.

Complete sanding, filling cracks, dust removal, masking, application assistance and records according to procedures; report abnormalities under established procedures.

Surface preparation and application role

Relevant job authorization and specialized qualifications; complex surface experience.

Learn surface preparation, masking and process coordination methods for complex locations.

Complex surface and abnormality handling records.

Undertake surface preparation, masking and application assistance for complex locations, mentoring and process coordination.

Surface preparation and application specialist role

Relevant management appointment or enterprise authorization.

Improve crew, process and quality management mechanisms.

Coordination conclusions; crew, process and quality documents.

Coordinate crews, processes, quality, safety and joint sign-offs, and guide newcomers.

Crew and process supervisor role

Basic information and safety training records; safety and confidentiality training.

Learn standards for materials, quantities, cleaning, curing and safety records.

Records of assistance with organizing, checking and archiving records, and review comments.

Under supervision, help organize and archive materials, quantity, cleaning and curing records; do not independently determine compliance or disclose externally.

Safety and cleanup assistance role

Job authorization, safety and qualifications; records and compliance experience.

Gain experience across locations and processes; practice recordkeeping, traceability and safety methods.

Mixing, quantity, cleaning and safety records and review comments.

Truthfully record and hand over mixing, quantities, cleaning, curing and abnormalities under established procedures, and manage record versions and retention.

Safety and cleanup role

Relevant job authorization and specialized training; review and corrective action records.

Learn safety, quality, orderly construction, data quality and audit methods.

Review, corrective action, traceability and audit records.

Implement safety, quality, orderly construction, data quality, traceability and corrective actions.

Safety and compliance review role

Relevant management appointment or enterprise authorization.

Improve safety, compliance, recordkeeping and traceability management mechanisms.

Coordination conclusions; safety, compliance and traceability documents.

Coordinate safety, records, compliance, training and joint sign-offs, handle complex and disputed matters, and guide newcomers.

Safety and compliance supervisor role

For the exact U.S. occupation 47-3014, May2025 median annual wage is USD 40,470 and hourly wage USD 19.46. BLS projections for the exact occupation 47-3014 for 2025—2035 are approximately 7,600→7,700 workers, 1.5% growth, and 700 average annual openings including replacements; base-year self-employment is 1.7%. These are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation. Precise Chinese occupational wage and employment data were not obtained. NBS 2025 construction annual average wages of RMB 92,036 / 66,275 for non-private / private units provide industry-category background only.

United States

2025

The median is the distribution midpoint, not a starting wage. Differences arise from region, project, trade, skills, qualifications and responsibilities. Figures cover this occupation itself, not neighboring occupations.

OEWS includes production incentive bonuses and excludes benefits, overtime and nonproduction bonuses. This page presents data for this occupation as O*NET does not mark them as coming from a broader or neighboring occupation. Figures are from 2025; use current queries for later updates.

Wages (median and percentiles, data for this occupation itself)

SOC 47-3014.00 (OEWS 2025, as presented by O*NET)

Median hourly wage USD 19.46 and median annual wage USD 40,470; 10th percentile hourly wage 15.00 and annual wage 31,200, 25th percentile hourly wage 17.71 and annual wage 36,830, 75th percentile hourly wage 23.60 and annual wage 49,090, and 90th percentile hourly wage 25.00 and annual wage 52,000

United States

2025—2035

These are projections affected by investment in building, municipal, decoration and repair projects, mechanization and labor organization. Openings mainly reflect replacement needs. Figures cover this occupation itself and do not equal individual job outcomes.

Coverage differs from BLS OEWS point-in-time employment estimates; do not mix them. Projections are not actual job postings. Openings are annual averages over the period and must not be read as net new jobs.

Employment size, growth and openings (data for this occupation itself)

SOC 47-3014.00 (BLS Employment Projections, as presented by O*NET)

BLS projections for the exact occupation 47-3014 for 2025—2035 are approximately 7,600→7,700 workers, 1.5% growth, and 700 average annual openings including replacements; base-year self-employment is 1.7%. These are not real-time vacancies, net additions or evidence of AI causation.

Mainland China

2025

Similar roles exist in mainland China's painting, plastering, decoration, renovation and paperhanging sectors, with work and standards defined by construction safety, hazardous chemical management, occupational health and environmental protection systems. Public statistics do not separately report this occupation's national wage distribution; it cannot be inferred from industry averages or recruitment offers.

Legal environments, management systems and statistical coverage differ; do not combine or convert them. This page's China section records only statistical coverage and visible gaps.

Occupational wages and employment (statistical coverage and gaps)

National Bureau of Statistics average wages of employed persons in urban units (industry-category coverage) and bounded searches

Insufficient evidence: mainland China's public occupational statistics have not established a national wage distribution precisely matching O*NET 47-3014.00, Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons. The National Bureau of Statistics publishes average wages of employed persons in urban units by industry category, without occupational distinctions. This page does not substitute industry averages, recruitment offers or U.S. data.

U.S. exact occupation May2025 wages

U.S. exact occupation 2025—2035 projections include self-employment and replacements

Chinese industry annual averages, not occupational wages

Used to check O*NET's task, employment and industry presentation for this occupation under U.S. coverage; wages and employment cover this occupation itself.

Needs additional coating mixing, painting and repair capabilities

Painting application experience

Relatively close: move from on-site assistance to independent painting, adding mixing and finish-forming skills (editorial judgment)

Needs additional plaster and stucco application and leveling capabilities

Plastering experience

Relatively close: move from on-site assistance to plastering, adding leveling and stucco skills (editorial judgment)

Needs additional wallpaper cutting, pattern matching and hanging capabilities

Paperhanging experience

Relatively close: move from on-site assistance to paperhanging, adding cutting and pattern matching skills (editorial judgment)

Needs additional framing, panel installation and jointing capabilities

Panel installation experience

Moderate: move from on-site assistance to drywall installation, adding framing and jointing skills (editorial judgment)

Needs additional general construction, demolition and handling capabilities

General construction experience

Relatively close: move from painting and plastering assistance to general construction, adding earthwork and demolition skills (editorial judgment)

Needs additional cement and concrete placement and finishing capabilities

Concrete work experience

Moderate: move from painting and plastering assistance to cement and concrete work, adding placement and finishing skills (editorial judgment)

Needs additional terrazzo mixing, placement and grinding capabilities

Terrazzo work experience

Moderate: move from painting and plastering assistance to terrazzo work, adding mix ratio and grinding skills (editorial judgment)

Needs additional glass cutting, installation and sealing capabilities

Glass installation experience

Moderate: move from painting and plastering assistance to glass installation, adding cutting and sealing skills (editorial judgment)

Source card | Research process: first check the official scope, tasks, work activities, work context, interest code, Job Zone, certifications and training opportunities for U.S. O*NET/SOC 47-3014.00, Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons. Then obtain BLS OEWS 2025 wages and BLS Employment Projections 2025—2035 employment, growth and openings, all presented through O*NET pages and not marked as coming from a broader or neighboring occupation, so presented as data for this occupation itself. For mainland China, record coverage and gaps according to National Bureau of Statistics data and construction safety, hazardous chemical management, occupational health and environmental protection systems.

Source card | Source register: this page's register lists O*NET 47-3014.00 detailed information, industry distribution, occupational profile, detailed tasks, work activities, work context, software skills, certification directory and detailed interests, together with BLS OEWS, BLS Employment Projections, ILO, NIST and relevant neighboring occupation entries. Sources are registered separately by use for occupational identity, tasks, wages, employment, qualifications and human control.

This round, on 2026-10-11, checked 11 tasks, 7 Core / 4 Supplemental; original activity ratings 80 / 79 / 78 / 77 / 76 and context; education 68 / 26 / 4; RC/Zone1-2; work styles 66 / 52 / 46 / 41; 4 software categories and 2 hot technologies without shares; May2025 five percentiles; BLS2025—2035 matrix; OOH group background; NBS2025; and Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Order No. 60.

Precise Chinese occupational wages and employment, precise U.S. industry and regional wages, AI adoption, efficiency and causation evidence, and psychological validity evidence were not obtained. The 4 industry figures are construction laborers and helpers group background. The apprenticeship entry point has no specific title; this does not establish nonexistence or a universal requirement. Shared older projections in protected content remain; no claim is made that the whole page has been synchronized.