How to become paperhangerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$52,140

25th–75th pct. $44,890–$60,180

Top pay (est.)

$89,800

Top 10% $69,050

Pay in 5 years

$61,400est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$72,300est.

$62,200–$83,900

Outlook score

67/100

★★★☆☆ Good

AI replacement risk

Very low

Job growth (10 yr)

+4.3%

200 openings / yr

How to become paperhangers

Typical education

No formal educational credential

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Long-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Paperhangers

Key skills

Coordination

2.9

Complex Problem Solving

2.5

Monitoring

2.5

Active Listening

2.5

Operations Monitoring

2.4

Speaking

2.4

Reading Comprehension

2.4

Time Management

2.4

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

4.1

Building and Construction

3.9

Education and Training

3.7

Administration and Management

3.5

Mathematics

3.5

Mechanical

3.4

Design

3.2

Production and Processing

3.1

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Important abilities

Extent FlexibilityNear VisionTrunk StrengthManual DexterityFinger DexterityControl Precision

Education of workers

High school diploma

54%

Less than high school

24%

Post-secondary certificate

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

32%

3–6 months

24%

6–12 months

14%

1–2 years

12%

1–3 months

2–4 years

4–10 years

None / short demo

Related work experience

None

20%

3–6 months

14%

Over 10 years

13%

6–12 months

12%

1–2 years

4–6 years

2–4 years

1–3 months

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as paperhangers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Construction Laborers Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites.	$47,120	67/100	8%
2	First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.	$79,920	71/100	16%
3	Electricians Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures.	$63,190	78/100	7%
4	Carpenters Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors.	$60,580	67/100	9%
5	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement.	$59,850	58/100	15%
6	Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases.	$63,800	76/100	7%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.