Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers, and lathers Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
Occupation code: 73202（NOC） Skilled migration occupation Overall 7.1/10
Canadian plasterers apply plaster, mortar, etc., to building interiors and exteriors, a construction trade. Due to stable residential and commercial demand, immigration via PNP or employer sponsorship is possible but usually requires a provincial license or apprenticeship certification.
Ratings · Overall 7.1/10i
In the AI era: what happens to Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers, and lathers
Plasterers, drywall installers, and other traditional construction trades are significantly affected by automation; repetitive plastering, cutting, and sanding tasks are easily replaced by robots and prefabrication, potentially reducing job demand.
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Replaced by automated drywall joint finishing, surface preparation, and painting for drywall joint compounders and finishers, performing repetitive and labor-intensive tasks.
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Replaces measuring and layout tasks for plasterboard and drywall installers; automatically prints precise layout marks on the floor, reducing manual measuring and marking.
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Although mainly for bricklaying, its technical principles can partially replace manual plastering and masonry work, especially repetitive brick wall construction.
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Replaces traditional plastering and drywall installation by directly printing complete walls and surfaces through digital design, significantly reducing the need for finishing work.
- Trimble SiteVision Product Partial 2022
Assist drywall installers and plasterers in positioning and installation, reducing measurement errors and rework through AR visualization, but not fully replacing manual labor.
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Replaces part of the planning work for lathers and drywall installers by using digital models to identify issues early, reducing on-site adjustments and rework, but actual installation still requires manual labor.
- Automatic plastering robots for large-area mortar spraying and leveling
- CNC cutting machine for precise cutting and hole opening of gypsum boards
- AI vision system checks wall flatness and automatically grinds and corrects
- Mechanized installation of prefabricated drywall modules replaces manual measurement and assembly
- AI measurement tools improve survey accuracy and reduce rework
- BIM model helps auto-generate material lists and cutting paths
- AR glasses overlay construction drawings and acceptance specifications in real time.
- Drone + AI inspection of high-rise facade plastering quality
- scenarios requiring manual craftsmanship, such as complex curved surfaces and heritage restoration
- On-site judgment of base treatment, humidity, adhesion, and other comprehensive process experience
- Multi-trade coordination and on-site problem decision-making
- Responsibilities requiring trust: client communication, quality acceptance
- Basic BIM/3D scanning operation and model reading
- Operation and maintenance of smart equipment such as automatic plastering machines and CNC cutting machines
- Drywall system design and prefabricated construction processes
- Basic programming skills to debug automation tool parameters
- chemical properties of construction cementitious materials and environmental standards
- Use of digital project management software on site.
Entry-level positions still exist, but apprenticeship requirements are higher, requiring skills like digital measurement and BIM reading. Pure physical roles are decreasing, and the entry barrier is actually rising.
Over the next 5 years, traditional plasterers should proactively transition to 'smart construction technicians': learn to operate automatic plastering robots and CNC cutting equipment, master BIM reading and digital setting-out skills; simultaneously strengthen irreplaceable abilities like custom craftsmanship and quality supervision. They can advance to senior roles such as prefabricated drywall installation supervisor or architectural spraying automation engineer, or move into the field of Building Information Modeling (BIM) coordination.
Salary
| Experience | Annual (CAD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0–3 years) | $36,000 ~ $48,000 | Apprenticeship or entry-level tradesperson, hourly wage approximately $18-$24 |
| Mid-level (3–7 years) | $48,000 ~ $65,000 | Experienced tradesperson, hourly wage $25-$33 |
| Senior (7+ years) | $65,000 ~ $86,000 | Foreman or Red Seal certification, hourly wage $35-$45. |
Education Path
| Stage | Duration | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| High school diploma | None | $0~$0 |
| Apprenticeship training | 3-4 years | $1,000~$5,000 |
Qualifications
| Qualification | Issuer | |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial license/certificate | provincial industry regulatory bodies (e.g., Skilled Trades Ontario) | Required |
| Language test scores | IELTS or CELPIP | Required |
| Red Seal certification | Canadian apprenticeship system | Optional |
| ECA (Educational Credential Assessment). | WES etc. | Optional |
Migration
Occupation classification code: 73202（NOC）
| Visa | Details |
|---|---|
| EE Express Entry (Federal Skilled Trades Program) | Meets Federal Skilled Trades Program requirements, needs 1 year of Canadian work experience or employer offer, language CLB 5 |
| PNP Provincial Nominee Program | Most provinces have skilled trades nominations for construction, such as Ontario, BC, and Alberta, usually requiring employer sponsorship |
| EMP Employer-specific work permit (LMIA) | Obtain a work permit through a Labour Market Impact Assessment, then transition to permanent residence after gaining experience |
Who it fits
- People who are physically fit and willing to do outdoor/indoor manual labor
- Skilled migration candidates with relevant construction experience or apprenticeship background
- Individuals willing to pursue provincial nomination or employer sponsorship pathways
- Those unable to adapt to working at heights and dusty environments
- People seeking easy or indoor desk jobs
Career outlook
Starting as a junior apprentice, can advance to senior tradesperson, foreman, or independent contractor, and can work across provinces via Red Seal certification. Some transition to drywall inspector or construction supervisor.
Canada's construction industry continues to grow, especially in cities like Toronto and Vancouver for residential renovation and commercial projects. Job growth is expected to be steady from 2024-2031, with opportunities from retiring workers. Competition is moderate in popular areas.
Growth areas：
Construction labor shortageProvincial NomineeRed Seal tradeSkilled trades demand
FAQ
Data sources
Salary estimates on this page are compiled from publicly available ranges on Job Bank, Indeed, Glassdoor, ERI SalaryExpert, etc. Employment and demand forecasts reference Statistics Canada and ESDC/Job Bank. Immigration information is based on IRCC's Express Entry and latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) rules. Data is for reference only. Always refer to official sources for the most current information.