What are the functions of a plasterer?

Summary

  • 1 The profession of plasterer — drywaller
    • 1.1 The role of a plasterer — drywaller 1.2 Qualifications
    • and skills
    • 1.3 Advantages and disadvantages of the profession
  • 2 What training is required to become a plasterer — drywaller?
    • 2.1 Plasterer of plug — plaster manufacturer
    • 2.2 Professional certificate, pro plate and BTS
    • 2.3 What are the career advancement opportunities?
    • 2.4 Career change: what training is available for adult plasterers — drywallers?
    • 2.5 Becoming a drywaller without a diploma: possible or not?
  • 3 What is the average salary of a plasterer — drywaller?
    • 3.1 Salary of an apprentice
    • 3.2 Salary of a beginner employee
    • 3.3 Salary of an experienced drywaller
    • 3.4 Income and hourly rate of a contractor
  • 4 How to find a job as a plasterer — drywaller and in shipyards?

Do you want to become a plasterer-drywaller? The work of a drywaller involves a second job inside a home, and usually takes place at the end of the construction project. It is a very interesting specialization in construction, as it is in a perpetual evolution with new materials and techniques.

Related reading : What will be the price of Marlboro cigarettes in Belgium in 2026?

So concretely, what does a plasterer — drywaller do? What training is needed to learn this profession? What is the average salary and what are the career advancement opportunities? How to find a job? Discover without further delay our business sheet for the plaster professions!

The profession of plasterer — drywaller

The role of a plasterer — drywaller

The plasterer works on both new constructions and renovations. They are responsible for dressing surfaces, including installing partitions or false ceilings. It is therefore a secondary trade, which involves organizing, insulating, and decorating the interiors of buildings.

Further reading : What is the duration of a Mediterranean cruise?

Their main role is to organize prefabricated sheets of various materials (wood, metal, plasterboard, plastic, etc.) on surfaces previously constructed by the mason. They then take care of coating, smoothing, and joints to facilitate the painter’s work in the building.

The plaster is involved in the insulating part, whether thermal or acoustic, and for the formwork and coating of technical ducts. Generally, a single artisan plays the role of both plasterer and drywaller, because the two trades are complementary.

Qualities and skills

Being a plasterer requires specific skills and technical knowledge, whether know-how or expertise:

  • being able to read a construction plan;
  • how to use tools such as square, level, or drill;
  • taking measurements, marking, gluing, and applying a coating;
  • knowing safety rules and adhering to hygiene standards;
  • being versatile and creative to adapt to different materials;
  • being careful, precise, and meticulous in their work;
  • having an eye for detail, finishes, and aesthetics;
  • not having allergies to dust;
  • showing good physical health to carry heavy loads.

Read: The 5 best software for drywallers in 2021

Advantages and disadvantages of the trade

Plaster craftsmanship has many advantages for artisans.

The plasterer — drywaller plays a key role and provides a variety of services. They have the opportunity to use innovative materials and work on all types of structures: public buildings, residential buildings, shops, offices, historical monuments, etc.

It is a growing profession that contributes to the energy performance of buildings, and thus to environmental preservation. And since they work indoors, they are not subject to weather conditions like many other construction trades.

One of the only drawbacks is having to move to client job sites, which can be far from home. Carrying heavy loads can be a daily task, but lifting machines generally make this task easier.

What training is required to become a plasterer — drywaller?

Plasterer of plug — plaster manufacturer

The CAP Plasterer was replaced in 2019 by the CAP plaster and insulation professions. The student can start this training as early as the 9th grade, through apprenticeship or full-time.

It generally takes 2 years, covering all the skills and technical know-how related to this specialty. At the end of their studies, the student is thus able to take care of the interior layout of a building (partitions, ceilings, technical ducts, etc.).

They also learn about dry plastering techniques and will be made aware of environmental issues. This is why the CAP generally leads directly to professional life.

The student can then join a company, prove themselves, and practically apply what they learned in 2 years. If they wish to continue their studies to deepen their knowledge, this is entirely possible through the MC Drywaller, which lasts for 1 year.

Much more specialized, there is also the ornamental staff of the ACP for students who wish to focus on this specialization.

Professional certificate, pro plate, and BTS

Other options exist to continue studies as a plasterer — drywaller, aside from the complementary mention. We have 2 main ones:

  • Pro plate for Building Arrangement and Finishing: this Bac Pro takes place over 3 years and can be integrated after 2 years in sustainable construction, construction, and public works, or after a CAP. In apprenticeship, the student works directly on construction sites to acquire skills in the field. They will also be able to perform and manage work, and lead a team of 4 to 5 workers. The student can thus quickly advance to a team leader position.
  • Professional certificate in plaster and insulation: this BP teaches students to work with dry and wet materials. Like the Bac pro, their work involves both preparing the site and executing it. They thus acquire significant managerial skills that allow them to become site managers or trainers. The apprenticeship takes place 2 years after a CAP and grants access to a plate equivalency. If the student wants to specialize in a type of service, they can also pursue a professional certificate for coating applicators.

What are the career advancement opportunities?

After completing initial training as a plasterer and/or having several years of experience, the drywaller can claim the following professional developments:

  • Specialize as ornamental staff or stucco worker: caring for cornices, decorative ceilings, moldings, fireplaces, etc. Transition
  • to a related profession: painter, insulation editor, or acoustic corrector.
  • Become a team leader: after several years of experience or internal advancement within a construction company.
  • Start as a self-employed entrepreneur: after several years of experience and some knowledge in business management.

Career change: what training is available for adult plasterers — drywallers?

The work of a drywaller is not just for students! It is also possible for adults to become plasterers through the retraining process.

To start, the Afpa offers a qualified training as a drywaller. It lasts 6 months (4 modules and 2 business periods) and leads to a level 3 professional certificate. Admission is simply recorded.

It is possible to do it alternately if you want to get a quicker overview of the field. You can find the training program, as well as the list of plasterer-drywaller training centers accredited by Afpa here.

If you do not have the opportunity to take the Afpa drywaller training, you can turn to Pole Emploi. Each employee contributes to a training fund that entitles them to financial assistance.

There is no drywaller training directly at Pôle emploi, but it lists all the possibilities in France and assists you in your search. In particular, they help you improve your application and choose the most relevant training based on your needs.

Becoming a drywaller without a diploma: possible or not?

A plasterer — drywaller training is highly recommended for starting your own business. This profession remains regulated, and not everyone can simply start on their own.

However, if you can demonstrate at least 3 years of professional experience in this environment, it is possible to obtain an exemption through validation of experience (VAE), and be able to create your status as a self-employed entrepreneur.

All the legal information and steps to take are explained step by step here: becoming a self-employed entrepreneur in construction: the guide.

To find your first clients, the point of networking is mentioned in a paragraph at the end of this article.

What is the average salary of a plasterer — drywaller?

Salary of an apprentice

For all construction professions, the remuneration of apprentices is defined as a percentage of the minimum wage, based on age and the progress of their training cycle.

And apprentice plasterers — drywallers are no exception. Here is the percentage of the minimum wage they receive each month, excluding more favorable regional agreements:

  • 1st year: 40% for those under 18, 50% between 18 and 20 years, 55% for those over 21.
  • 2nd year: 50% for those under 18, 60% between 18 and 20 years, 65% for those over 21.
  • 3rd year: 60% for those under 18, 70% between 18 and 20 years, 80% for those over 21.

Note that the gross salary corresponds to the net salary, as the apprentice is not subject to wage expenses. There are also some exceptions and rules that can affect the final monthly amount.

For example, two apprenticeship contracts executed one after the other must have a remuneration level at least equal to or higher.

Or, the apprentice is entitled to a salary increase starting from the month following their birthday if they reach a certain age (for example, from 20 to 21 years).

Salary of a beginner employee

The salary of a beginner plasterer is €1,539.42 gross per month, which represents a net income of €1,219.

This corresponds to the minimum wage applied for this profession, but the amount does not take into account bonuses and benefits that the worker receives: meal allowances, travel bonuses, etc.

The usual contributions are then added to the withholding tax, which then charges the plasterer with a percentage of their income. Generally, the applicable rate is 4.5%.

The salary scale of a drywaller at the beginning of their career can vary from region to region, depending on the established collective agreements. Then, the more experience the employee gains, the more their salary increases proportionally.

Salary of an experienced drywaller

The salary of a drywaller is negotiable upwards as they accumulate experience and skills. Any additional know-how increases the added value brought by the artisan.

In short, anything that distinguishes you from your competitors increases your value and justifies a higher remuneration. To obtain a more generous payslip, here are the different arguments they can present to their employer:

  • experience, especially if it is rare or with a large company;
  • obtaining a diploma or validation of training;
  • mastery of a specific construction method or technique;
  • managerial skills and excellent project management, rare and valued qualities;
  • proficiency in English to seize job opportunities abroad;
  • perfect mastery of the software used by the company;
  • skills of trainers to integrate new recruits or temporary staff.

Income and hourly rate of a self-employed contractor

The salary of a self-employed drywaller depends on the rates they decide to apply. It is therefore necessary to start by defining the hourly rate, that is to say the rate that allows for profitability and generates a salary.

It is also necessary to consider current expenses, which depending on the status may or may not be deductible from their business (purchase of equipment or tools, fuel for the utility vehicle, premises, insurance, etc.).

To give an idea, the average rate of a drywaller is between €15 and €50 per m2, with an hourly rate of €20 to €45 excluding VAT.

It is therefore sufficient to find interesting construction sites and make a name for oneself in the environment to charge a price that seems fair and/or allows for a comfortable living.

How to find a job as a plasterer — drywaller and in construction sites?

Specifically, how to find a job as a drywaller or in construction sites? There are several solutions and communication channels depending on your professional status:

  • For self-employed drywallers: get closer to other construction professionals and communicate around your business. You need to be able to demonstrate your skills and qualities, and above all inspire trust. For example, it is possible to sign subcontracting contracts with companies, which often look for contractors in plastering.
  • For employee drywallers: the simplest solution is to respond to job offers as a drywaller, by sending a CV and cover letter. But as the job market is doing well in this sector, it may also be relevant to send unsolicited applications to companies in your city. This is also an excellent way to prove your motivation and determination.

The profession of plasterer — drywaller is particularly advantageous, as it combines many benefits of the building trade without adding the drawbacks. The artisan thus works indoors and takes care of dressing internal partitions. They then get involved in the smoothing and insulation of the structure. Generally, it is advisable to follow training to become a drywaller, which allows learning the technical skills necessary for the proper execution of the tasks assigned to them. Indeed, a plasterer-drywaller is meticulous and concerned about quality work. Mastering new techniques and trendy materials, they will have no trouble finding job sites or becoming indispensable for their company.

Tag : becoming a drywaller

What are the functions of a plasterer?