Updated May 2026 · BLS OEWS 2024
How to Become a Drywall Installer (2024)
Construction · 3-year apprenticeship · SOC 47-2081
Drywall Installers earn a national median of $58,184 per 2024 BLS data, with the 90th percentile reaching $131,860 in San Francisco. The standard path is a 3-year registered apprenticeship — paid from day one, no four-year degree required.
What Does a Drywall Installer Do?
Drywall installers hang drywall panels on walls and ceilings in buildings. They measure, cut, and fasten panels, then tape and finish joints for a smooth surface ready for painting.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Measure and cut drywall panels
- Fasten drywall to wood or metal studs
- Tape, mud, and sand joints between panels
- Apply texture to ceilings and walls
- Install metal corner bead and trim
The Path: How to Become a Drywall Installer
- 1
Finish high school or earn a GED
Most apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED. Strong math (especially algebra and geometry) and reading skills matter for trade exams and blueprint work. - 2
Find a registered apprenticeship
Search apprenticeship.gov for registered programs in your area. Programs are sponsored by unions, contractor associations, or individual employers. Application windows are usually annual. - 3
Complete the 3-year apprenticeship
Apprentices spend roughly 6000+ hours on the job paired with a journeyman, plus 144 classroom hours per year. Pay starts around $58,030 and steps up each year — see the timeline below. - 4
Pass the journeyman exam
Most states require a written + practical exam to earn the journeyman license. The exam covers code knowledge, safety, and practical work scenarios. Pass rates vary 50-80% on the first attempt. - 5
Earn certifications and (optionally) the master license
Layer on specialty certifications (OSHA 10/30-Hour) to access higher-paying work. Most states offer a master license after 2-4 additional years of journeyman experience — required for independent contracting in many states. - 6
Climb to the top decile
Top earners ($131,860 in San Francisco) typically reach the 90th percentile through specialization, foreman/supervisor roles, union membership, or running a small contracting business.
Drywall Installer Apprentice Pay Timeline
Hourly wage progression based on industry-standard apprenticeship pay schedules. Actual rates vary by local union or contractor agreement.
| Year | Stage | Hourly | Annual (2,080 hr) | % of Journeyman |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Apprentice | $45/hr | $93,600 | 161% |
| Year 2 | Apprentice 2 | $62/hr | $128,960 | 221% |
| Year 3 | Pre-journeyman | $82/hr | $170,560 | 293% |
| Journeyman | Licensed | $28/hr | $58,184 | 100% |
| Master / Top 10% | Specialist / Foreman | $63/hr | $131,860 | 227% |
Required Certifications & Licenses
- ✓OSHA 10/30-Hour
- ✓NCCER Drywall certification
- ✓Scaffold user certification
Skills You'll Need to Build
Work Environment
Drywall installers work indoors on construction sites. Physically demanding, lifting heavy drywall sheets (50-100 lbs), overhead work, and extended time on stilts.
Job Outlook
Demand tied to residential and commercial construction activity. Experienced finishers with smooth Level 5 finishing skills earn premium wages.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Drywall Installer Pay by City
The highest-paying metros for drywall installers, with cost-of-living-adjusted pay so you can compare real take-home.
| City | Median | Top 10% | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $80,500 | $131,860 | F |
| Seattle, WA | $77,030 | $113,380 | D |
| Boston, MA | $71,400 | $80,550 | D |
| Chicago, IL | $69,810 | $110,670 | D |
| New York, NY | $65,840 | $112,040 | F |
| Minneapolis, MN | $65,250 | $112,780 | D |
| Portland, OR | $64,870 | $103,290 | D |
| Los Angeles, CA | $64,170 | $118,150 | F |
| Columbus, OH | $63,530 | $73,240 | D |
| Philadelphia, PA | $63,420 | $73,070 | D |
Frequently Asked Questions
Most drywall installers complete a 3-year registered apprenticeship — typically 6000+ hours of paid on-the-job training plus 144 classroom hours per year. After completing the apprenticeship and passing the journeyman exam, you can work independently. Master-level certification (where applicable) usually takes another 2-4 years of journeyman experience.
No. Drywall Installers do not require a four-year college degree. The standard credential is a journeyman license earned through a paid apprenticeship registered with the U.S. Department of Labor at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/. Some workers complete a 1- or 2-year certificate at a community or trade college before applying — but the journeyman license is what employers actually require.
Drywall Installer apprentices typically start at $58,030 per year (10th percentile) and progress upward each year of the apprenticeship. By year 2, pay usually reaches the 50th percentile around $58,184. All training is paid — apprentices are W-2 employees of contractors or unions, not students paying tuition.
Common drywall installer certifications include: OSHA 10/30-Hour; NCCER Drywall certification; Scaffold user certification. Most states also require a journeyman license; some have a separate master license for independent work.
Drywall Installers earn a national median of $58,184 (Trade Pay Score grade D), wages have grown -2% over the past 5 years, and the BLS counts roughly 35,190 drywall installer jobs nationwide. The work is physically demanding and the apprenticeship is real, but the trade clears the bar for living-wage, debt-free career entry.
The U.S. Department of Labor maintains a searchable database of registered apprenticeship programs at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/. Local building trades councils, IBEW/UA/IUPAT/IBB union halls, and trade school career offices also place candidates directly. Most apprenticeships have one open application window per year — check listings early.
Wage figures from BLS OEWS 2024. Apprentice pay schedules from industry-standard registered programs. Career outlook from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 2032 projections.