Construction · SOC 47-2161
Applying plaster and stucco is a tactile craft requiring live adjustment — there is no robotic substitute for a skilled mason's trowel work.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Plastering and stucco application are among the most tactile of trades — meaningful automation is not plausible within a 15-year horizon.
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$54,660 median pay
$58,140 median pay
$41,600 median pay
$40,590 median pay
$57,260 median pay
AI job-risk card
Plasterers and Stucco Masons is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Plasterers and Stucco Masons is 10/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
10 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Mixing mortar to specification and directing mixing workers, Site cleanup and material disposal documentation. Harder to automate: Applying coats to walls, ceilings, and curved surfaces by hand, Reading surface conditions and adjusting mix consistency, Setting up and working from scaffolding safely, Achieving consistent texture and finish quality.
Lean into Plaster and stucco mix design, Scaffold safety and OSHA compliance, Surface preparation and substrate assessment, Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). Consider roles such as Masonry contractor (business owner) or Historic building restoration specialist or Construction foreman.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.