Across U.S. metros, plasterers typically earn $2,950 more a year than flooring installers (5%). In the 32 metros where BLS publishes both, flooring installers earn more in 10 and plasterers in 22.
| Flooring Installer | Plasterer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $55,870 | $58,820 |
| Lowest metro median | $38,240 | $37,130 |
| Highest metro median | $105,280 | $120,180 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +9.0% | +2.8% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 2,200 | 1,500 |
| Self-employed | 21% | 17% |
| Typical education | No formal educational credential | No formal educational credential |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 73 | 157 |
| Metros with pay data | 70 | 58 |
On safety, plasterers report more injuries that cause missed work (157 vs. 73 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where flooring installers out-earn plasterers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where plasterers out-earn flooring installers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, flooring installers earn more in 6 states and plasterers in 21. The gap favors flooring installers most in Florida ($9,600) and plasterers most in New York ($58,820).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Outdoors, in all kinds of weather: occasionally for flooring installers, very often for plasterers. Working at heights: rarely for flooring installers, sometimes for plasterers.
| Flooring Installer | Plasterer | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Occasionally | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Often | Rarely |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Rarely | Sometimes |
| Working at heights | Rarely | Sometimes |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Rarely | Sometimes |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Often | Occasionally |
| Loud noise | Sometimes | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Occasionally |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Sometimes | Often |
| Sitting | Rarely | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Flooring Installer
Apply blocks, strips, or sheets of shock-absorbing, sound-deadening, or decorative coverings to floors.
Plasterer
Apply interior or exterior plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials. May also set ornamental plaster.
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