Plasterers (Wall and Decorative)

Plasterers are the unsung heroes of construction, transforming bare walls into beautiful, smooth surfaces and intricate decorative designs. In the UK, their craftsmanship not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of homes and buildings but also plays a vital role in maintaining structural integrity and energy efficiency.

Plasterers (Wall and Decorative)

4

Construction & Trades

AI IMPACT
AI CAN DO4%moving to49%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSC
STARTING PAY£23,000 - £29,000
PHYSICAL MOATThe work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it.
This job holds up well against AI
AI cannot yet do much of what this job actually involves, and the work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

Career progression path

1FIRST STEPJunior PlastererAs a Junior Plasterer, you will assist experienced plasterers, learning the trade while gaining hands-on experience. You will be involved in basic plastering tasks and gradually take on more responsibility.£23,000 - £29,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level PlastererIn this role, you will work independently on a variety of projects, applying your skills to both new builds and renovations. You will be expected to manage your time effectively and ensure high-quality finishes.£32,000 - £40,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior PlastererAs a Senior Plasterer, you will lead projects, mentor junior staff, and ensure that all work meets industry standards. You may also be involved in estimating project costs and liaising with clients.£48,000+

Real apprenticeship standards

Live UK apprenticeship standards that lead into this career, from the Institute for Apprenticeships register.

L2Plasterer24 months typicalnot published
There is more than one way in

You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.

Careermash

Careermash: navigate your career path with real data. Explore career profiles, salary benchmarks, AI impact forecasts, and the qualifications you need to get there.


AI EXPOSURE = the share of a job's day-to-day tasks AI can already do today, from the same exposure engine used across this site (Anthropic labour market research, 2026, observed real-world AI usage by occupation). Higher means more exposed. It is a measurement of now, not a prediction. THE DOOR = how hard the job is to get into, grade A (easy) to E (extremely hard), from each career's published forecast (OpenAI, "The AI Jobs Transition Framework", Richmond 2026, CC BY 4.0). A card marked MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIED has a real exposure score but no entry yet in our moat register, so we make no claim about what structurally protects it. Scorecard grades and verdicts are Careermash editorial judgment: we show forecasts as forecasts and own our conclusions. Salary and pathway figures are each career's own published profile. Careermash is a service provided by What School Ltd.

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