Updated 2025 · Construction
How to Become a Drywall Installer
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.
Steps to Become a Drywall Installer
- Meet basic requirements — You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. A strong foundation in math, physics, and shop classes helps.
- Apply to an apprenticeship program — Drywall Installer apprenticeships last 3 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apply through your local union (IBEW, UA, etc.) or a non-union contractor program. You earn while you learn from day one.
- Complete required training — Complete 6000 hours of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
- Earn certifications — Required certifications include: OSHA 10/30-Hour, NCCER Drywall certification, Scaffold user certification.
- Pass the journeyman exam — After completing your apprenticeship, pass the journeyman licensing exam in your state to earn full journeyman status and pay.
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.
Daily Duties
- 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
Skills Needed
- Drywall hanging
- Taping and finishing
- Texturing
- Blueprint reading
- Stilt walking
Required Certifications
- OSHA 10/30-Hour
- NCCER Drywall certification
- Scaffold user certification
Drywall Installer Salary (2025)
The national median drywall installer salary is $54,480 per year. Pay ranges from $45,404 in the lowest-paying metro to $73,060 in the highest-paying metro. See the full drywall installer salary breakdown by city.
Apprentice Pay Progression
Drywall Installer apprentices earn while they learn, starting at approximately 40% of journeyman pay:
| Year | % of Journeyman | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40% | $21,792 |
| Year 2 | 65% | $35,412 |
| Year 3 | 90% | $49,032 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $54,480 |
Union vs Non-Union Drywall Installer Pay
Union drywall installers earn 29% more than non-union workers — $31.40/hour union vs $24.34/hour non-union. Approximately 13.2% of drywall installers are union members. See the full union vs non-union comparison.
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.
Career Outlook
Demand tied to residential and commercial construction activity. Experienced finishers with smooth Level 5 finishing skills earn premium wages.
Frequently Asked Questions
The national median salary for a drywall installer is $54,480 per year (2025 BLS data). Pay ranges from $45,404 to $73,060 depending on location, with top earners in the 90th percentile making significantly more.
It takes 3 years to complete a drywall installer apprenticeship. During this time, you earn while you learn — starting at approximately 40-50% of journeyman wages and receiving annual raises.
No college degree is required to become a drywall installer. The primary path is through an apprenticeship program or trade school. You will need to earn specific certifications: OSHA 10/30-Hour and NCCER Drywall certification.
Drywall Installer earns a Trade Pay Score grade of D, meaning it rates moderately on pay relative to cost of living, wage growth, and demand. Demand tied to residential and commercial construction activity. Experienced finishers with smooth Level 5 finishing skills earn premium wages.
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