Career comparison
Plasterer vs. Stonemason
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Plasterers earn more at the median ($57,660 vs. $57,390), while plasterers usually get to work faster (2–4 year apprenticeship of training). Plasterers apply plaster and stucco to walls and ceilings for durable, decorative finishes. Stonemasons build and repair walls, buildings and features with natural and cut stone.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Plasterer | Stonemason | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $57,660 ($27.72/hr) | $57,390 ($27.59/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $39,560 – $96,710 | $39,300 – $86,180 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.8% (about as fast as average) | -5.4% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 1,500 | 500 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 2–4 year apprenticeship | 3–4 year apprenticeship |
| Key credential | Plasterer apprenticeship | Masonry apprenticeship |
| Work setting | Plasterers work indoors and outdoors on homes and commercial buildings.. | Stonemasons work outdoors on homes, commercial buildings and landscapes.. |
What each job does
Plasterer
- Prep surfaces
- Install lath
- Mix plaster
- Apply coats
- Finish textures
Stonemason
- Read plans
- Cut and shape stone
- Mix mortar
- Set stone
- Point joints
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, creative work, and working outdoors. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose plasterer if…
- I like craft work
- I’m patient
- I don’t mind heavy work
Choose stonemason if…
- I like working with my hands
- I like lasting work
- I’m strong
Still torn? Take the Plasterer fit quiz and the Stonemason fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, plasterer or stonemason?
Plasterers earn more at the median: $57,660 versus $57,390 for stonemasons, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Plasterers typically train faster (2–4 year apprenticeship) than stonemasons (3–4 year apprenticeship).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects plasterers to grow +2.8% from 2025–35, compared with -5.4% for stonemasons.