In a small corner of the workshop, a div element with a width and height of 255px sits on the left, creating space for the narrative to unfold.
A manager from a wallpaper supplier shared a story about a couple who specialize in wallpaper installation at his store. In 2012, their income reached an impressive 220,000 yuan.
Even those working in seemingly minor roles within home decoration, like wallpaper installers, can earn such high salaries. It truly proves that "a skill in the body is better than knowledge in the heart."
The couple, earning 220,000 yuan annually, have built their success through hard work and dedication. The husband, Chen Bing, 28 years old, and his wife, Zhong Qiuping, both from Lishui, Zhejiang, have been working at the “Jinhui Wallpaper†store in Zhoushan for around six or seven years. They focus on providing wallpaper services for home improvement projects.
In 2012, they installed between four to five thousand rolls of wallpaper. Each roll covers approximately 5 square meters. With a labor cost of 10 yuan per square meter, their total income amounted to 220,000 yuan. Both Chen Bing and Zhong Qiuping confirmed this figure with a smile.
When it comes to applying wallpaper, Chen Bing takes the lead, while his wife assists with simpler tasks. A 100-square-meter house with about 150 square meters of walls can be completed in one day, with them installing up to 30 rolls daily. Their daily wage is roughly 1,500 yuan.
However, their work schedule is demanding. They start at 7:30 AM, arrive at the job site by 8:00 AM, eat a quick lunch, and continue working until 5 or 6 PM. On some days, they even work late into the evening to meet deadlines. Since last year, their workload has increased significantly, with very few days off.
Working 10 hours a day for 30 days a month, they managed to earn 220,000 yuan annually.
Wallpaper installation is a skilled trade. Chen Bing first learned the craft in Ningbo with his brother-in-law, spending two to three years mastering the technique. Initially, he earned only 30 to 40 yuan per day.
Although the task seems simple, it requires precision. His wife, Zhong Qiuping, followed him for a year but still couldn't master the more complex types of wallpaper.
At work, Chen Bing carries a well-equipped toolkit, including sponges, rollers, scissors, utility knives, blades, and plastic scrapers, along with an infrared level.
According to Hong Jinhui, a qualified wallpaper installer must understand the properties of different wallpapers—such as PVC, non-woven, and metallic varieties. The quality of the installation depends on the seams and the finishing. A good job should have no visible seams, a flat edge, and the right amount of adhesive. Too much glue causes waste, while too little leads to poor adhesion. Experience is gained through time and practice.
Compared to plasterers, wallpaper installers face slightly less physical strain. Plasterers deal with heavy materials, noise, and harsh environments, often earning 300 yuan per day.
Modern wallpaper glue is environmentally friendly, sometimes referred to as “glutinous rice glue.†Hong Jinhui even demonstrated its safety by touching it and putting it in his mouth, saying, “You can even eat it.â€
While plasterers earn around 110,000 yuan a year, wallpaper installers typically make a bit more, though there are risks involved, especially when working on stairs.
The increase in income is mainly due to the booming renovation market. Five years ago, there were fewer full-time wallpaper installers, and wages were lower. Over the past five years, the price per square meter has remained stable between 8 to 15 yuan, depending on the wallpaper type.
With more people choosing wallpapers for home decoration, the demand has grown. More than 90% of urban families now use wallpapers, which are not only decorative but also warmer and more durable than latex paint.
In 2011, Chen Bing and his wife bought a 1.6L automatic Cruz car and rented a new city apartment for 2,000 yuan a month. Despite rising living costs, their income allows them to manage comfortably.
As the market expands, competition among workers increases. However, being employed by a reputable store like Jinhui gives them stability. The boss trusts their skills and always sends them to handle important jobs.
Hong Jinhui, impressed by their performance, said, “If I had a son, I would definitely let him learn this trade!†He added, “Many college graduates earn only 50,000 to 60,000 yuan a year. After spending over a decade to get a degree, is a skilled worker really worse off?â€
Despite his admiration for skilled labor, Hong Jinhui ended up raising a daughter instead.
The trend of skilled technical jobs in home improvement is growing. In 2012, Zhoushan faced a shortage of skilled workers. Local plasterers were scarce, and many trades were taken over by migrant workers.
Designers noted that the wages of skilled workers are rising. In foreign countries, where decorations are simpler, high wages for workers are common. Foreigners often choose wallpapers because they are more affordable and easier to apply.
In many developed countries, blue-collar skilled workers earn as much as or even more than white-collar professionals. This reality is becoming increasingly evident in Zhoushan, where even business owners feel the gap between traditional and skilled labor.
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