what is a plasterer?
A plasterer is a skilled tradesperson who specialises in mixing plaster for interior and exterior walls to cover exposed surfaces of a building. The main task is to add a thin coat of cement mortar to seal the walls. This layer of plaster also provides soundproofing and fire resistance in houses.
Aside from improving the functionality of the building, plasterers also add decorative finishes to walls and ceilings. The role is important in the final stage of construction since it makes the building ready for occupation.
Plasterers work with a range of materials to achieve different effects, as each material creates a unique finish. Common materials include gypsum, lime, sand, cement and clay. Before application, the dry mix is combined with water to create a paste that adheres to the wall.
The choice of materials usually depends on the client or the construction manager. With dry lining becoming more popular, plasterers are also expected to know both drywall and traditional wet plastering.
In Luxembourg, plasterers are frequently needed for restoration projects on historic buildings, where traditional methods are used alongside modern approaches. The work often requires specialised tools for mixing plaster and trowels for smoothing surfaces. When plastering high walls, scaffolds and a hawk are used to hold the plaster while it is applied. Physical fitness and good knowledge of the tools are necessary to carry out projects effectively.
plasterer jobsaverage salary of a plasterer
The average salary of a plasterer in Luxembourg is €40,000 per year, which equals an hourly rate of €19. In an entry-level role, salaries usually start at around €33,000 per year. On the other end of the payscale, experienced plasterers can earn up to €50,000 annually. Pay is often higher in urban centres, where large construction projects and building renovations continue to drive steady demand for plastering skills.
factors affecting the salary of a plasterer.
Experience is the main factor that determines your earnings as a plasterer in Luxembourg. Apprentices and entry-level plasterers earn less because they are still learning the trade, while professionals with years of hands-on experience command higher pay. Those who can carry out advanced techniques such as decorative plasterwork, Venetian finishes or insulation-related rendering usually secure better wages because these skills are in higher demand.
Location also influences salary. In urban areas like Luxembourg City, plasterers generally earn more due to the higher cost of living and the constant demand created by large-scale construction and renovation projects. In smaller towns or rural areas, salaries tend to be lower as the workload is less intensive.
The size and type of employer also affect income. Large construction firms and contractors often pay higher wages because the projects are bigger and more complex. Smaller companies with limited budgets usually offer less. Working on high-end residential projects or commercial developments can also bring in higher earnings than routine patching or minor repair work.
types of plasterers.
The different types of plasterers include:
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Solid plasterer: as a solid plasterer, you apply wet finishes to walls and ceilings and smooth them to provide insulation and protection. This often involves external surfaces, where you may use sand and cement render or pebble-dash. Solid plasterers also take part in restoration projects, removing damaged plaster and applying fresh layers to keep buildings functional and weatherproof.
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Fibrous plasterer: as a fibrous plasterer, you use moulds, panelling and centre roses to create ornamental features. The work requires combining short fibres with plaster mixture to form decorative shapes based on drawings or architectural designs. This type of plastering is common in theatres, historic properties and other buildings where detailed decoration is required.
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Dry lining plasterer: as a dry lining plasterer, you install internal partitions and plasterboards. These boards are usually fastened to a metal frame and then prepared for decoration. Dry lining is often faster than traditional plastering and is widely used in modern housing and commercial buildings.
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Lime plasterer: as a lime plasterer, you specialise in older buildings where moisture control is essential. Lime, made from sand, lime and water, is breathable and helps preserve the structure of heritage properties. Lime plastering is valued in Luxembourg for maintaining historic buildings.
working as a plasterer.
Working as a plasterer is a fulfilling career path with great opportunities in Luxembourg's construction industry. Let’s take a look at the daily duties, responsibilities and work environments.
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plasterer job description
Some duties and responsibilities of plasterers include:
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Estimating the materials necessary for a project: as a plasterer, it is important to inspect the site and assess the height and type of walls that need plastering. You calculate the amount of plaster based on measurements and wall materials, and estimate the overall cost. Most walls require two coats, but if the surface is uneven, you may apply up to four. It’s also important to account for protective coverings on external walls.
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Preparing surfaces for plastering: before plastering begins, interior and exterior walls must be properly prepared. Remove rough particles since uneven surfaces need extra coats. If the ceiling or wall is too smooth, a scratcher helps the first coat stick. In some cases, a wire mesh is added to improve adhesion and keep the plaster in place.
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Mixing and applying plaster: once preparations are complete, you mix plaster or stucco to the required consistency. Site managers often specify the look they want for walls and ceilings. Work quickly when applying the wet finish since it dries fast. Trowels are used to spread the plaster evenly and achieve a quality finish, while decorative textures or patterns can also be created with the same tools.
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Adding protective coverings to walls: after finishing, plasterers often add sealants or waxes to keep surfaces smooth. External walls may need additional protection with cement render, sand or pebble-dash to improve durability against the weather.
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Handling repairs and renovation projects: plasterers also take on repair and renovation work. This may involve removing old plaster, adding fresh layers with decorative details, or restoring historic buildings to preserve original plasterwork.
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Creating ornamental plasterwork: plasterers sometimes produce decorative elements using fibres and plaster. After moulding and casting in a workshop, these pieces are installed on site to enhance ceilings and walls with detailed designs.
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Installing insulation systems: some projects involve fitting prefabricated insulation on external walls. This improves energy efficiency, and decorative designs can be cast on the surface to combine insulation with visual appeal.
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work environment
As a plasterer, you may work indoors or outdoors depending on the project. Interior plastering involves walls and ceilings inside buildings, while exterior plastering is carried out on outside walls. You often climb ladders or scaffolding to reach higher areas when applying plaster.
The work environment can be dusty and messy when mixing plaster materials, so protective equipment such as overalls, gloves, safety glasses, face masks and hard hats is necessary. Solid plasterers usually work on construction sites, while fibrous plasterers may divide their time between on-site work and workshop tasks.
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who are your colleagues?
As a plasterer, you work alongside other construction and maintenance professionals. In Luxembourg, colleagues may include interior designers, cost estimators and architects. You may also work with maintenance technicians, painters and masons. You also interact with other professionals, such as industrial electricians and construction electricians.
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work schedule
A plasterer usually works about 40 hours per week. In Luxembourg, the standard day runs from 8 am to 6 pm, though early starts or evening shifts are sometimes required. When projects face tight deadlines, you may also work weekends or public holidays.
Most plasterers are employed full-time, but part-time roles exist on smaller projects. Some contractors also offer fixed-term contracts. Travel between sites is common, with fibrous plasterers often alternating between workshop duties and on-site installations.
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job outlook
Becoming a plasterer is a fulfilling career with clear options for progression. In Luxembourg, plasterers often advance within the construction industry to supervisory roles such as site manager or construction manager.
With additional training, it is also possible to move into related roles like cost estimator or interior designer. Others choose to specialise further in areas such as fibrous or dry lining plastering. After gaining many years of experience, some plasterers explore self-employment, taking on independent projects or running their own businesses.
advantages of finding a plasterer job through randstad.
Finding your plasterer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
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a wide variety of training and development opportunities
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an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
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a range of opportunities in your area
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get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
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temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a plasterer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills.
While you don’t need a university degree to work as a plasterer in Luxembourg, most employers expect formal vocational training and hands-on experience. Common educational routes include:
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A certificate of professional aptitude: a Certificate of Professional Aptitude (CCP) in plastering usually takes three years to complete and includes apprenticeships. You can also obtain it through a validation of non-formal and informal learning. Another option is a vocational aptitude diploma (DAP) gained through an apprenticeship that combines on-the-job training with coursework.
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Experience: in addition to apprenticeships, practical experience is valuable. Internships and entry-level positions help you develop skills and prepare for long-term employment as a plasterer.
plasterer skills and competencies.
Plasterers need the following skills and competencies:
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Physical stamina: being a plasterer involves manual work such as lifting heavy materials and climbing scaffolds. It is important to be physically fit to cope with long hours on your feet, as well as stretching and bending.
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Eye for design: you need artistic ability to create decorative textures or ornamental pieces from plaster. A good eye for design allows you to turn plain surfaces into attractive features.
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Maths skills: mathematical ability is essential for estimating the cost of materials. Mixing plaster also requires accurate calculations to measure ratios and achieve the right consistency.
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Teamwork skills: plasterers work on construction projects as part of larger teams. Teamwork skills help you coordinate with other trades and maintain smooth progress on-site.
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Problem-solving skills: challenges such as uneven surfaces or incorrect measurements often come up. Strong problem-solving skills help you adapt quickly and keep the project on track.
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Time management skills: plastering projects often run to tight deadlines. Good time management enables you to prioritise tasks and deliver quality work on schedule.
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Attention to detail: achieving clean edges and smooth finishes requires precision. Attention to detail ensures consistency and high-quality results across all surfaces.
FAQs about working as a plasterer.
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a plasterer.
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what are the main duties of a plasterer?
As a plasterer, the main duties involve preparing walls and ceilings for work, mixing plaster to the right consistency and applying it to create either smooth finishes or decorative textures. You also repair damaged plaster, cover rough or uneven areas, and sometimes install insulation systems as part of the job. Other responsibilities include measuring and cutting materials, reading blueprints, and making sure surfaces are strong, safe and visually appealing.
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do plasterers make good money in luxembourg?
Yes, plasterers in Luxembourg earn a steady and competitive salary compared with many other construction roles. Pay depends on experience, location and the type of projects handled. Those with advanced skills in decorative plasterwork or façade insulation usually earn more. On average, plasterers in Luxembourg earn between €33,000 and €50,000 per year, with the most experienced tradespeople reaching the higher end of the scale.
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why is plastering so expensive?
Plastering is considered expensive because it requires a high level of skill, accuracy and time to produce quality results. The trade is physically demanding and takes years of practice to master, particularly for smooth finishes or detailed decorative work. Costs also reflect the price of materials, such as plaster, insulation boards and the specialised tools needed. On top of this, many projects involve working at heights or on uneven surfaces, which adds to the complexity and safety requirements.
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how many hours does a plasterer work in luxembourg?
In Luxembourg, plasterers usually work about 40 hours a week. A typical day starts between 7:00 and 8:00 am and finishes around 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Overtime or weekend shifts are sometimes necessary to meet deadlines on large projects. While the schedule is fairly regular, the work is physically demanding and involves long hours on your feet. Outdoor projects can also mean working in different weather conditions, which makes stamina and safety awareness essential.
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is plastering a hard job?
Yes, plastering is a demanding trade because it combines physical effort with technical precision. The work often involves lifting and carrying heavy materials, climbing scaffolds, and standing for long hours. Tasks such as mixing and applying plaster also require careful attention to detail to achieve smooth or decorative finishes. Outdoor jobs add another challenge, as plasterers work in different weather conditions. Even so, many plasterers consider the job rewarding because they can see the direct results of their work once a project is finished.
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how do I apply for a plasterer vacancy?
Applying for a plasterer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!