Drywall Installer Salary in the USA can be around $47,309 per year or about $22.74 per hour when looking at the current average for the specific “Drywall Installer” job title, while official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for the broader occupation of drywall and ceiling tile installers shows a much higher median wage of $58,930 per year or $28.33 per hour in May 2025. So, how much does a drywall installer make in the United States? The answer depends on experience, location, type of construction work, employer, skills, overtime and whether the worker is doing basic drywall installation or also skilled finishing and taping work. A new drywall installer may start at a lower pay, while experienced workers can make $60,000, $70,000 or even more, with the highest-paid workers in the broader BLS occupation earning above $102,010 per year. This guide looks at drywall installer salary, drywall installer hourly pay, starting salary, experienced worker pay, drywall installation salary and drywall installer salary by state across the USA.
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How Much Does a Drywall Installer Make in the USA?
A drywall installer is a construction worker who puts drywall or wallboard on interior walls and ceilings of homes, apartments, offices and other buildings. The work may look simple when finished, but doing it properly needs good measuring, lifting, cutting and installation skills. Drywall installers work with large sheets of wallboard and have to make them fit around doors, windows, electrical boxes, corners and ceilings.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for drywall and ceiling tile installers was $58,930 in May 2025. That is about $28.33 per hour for a full-time worker. The bottom 10 percent earned less than $38,460 per year, while the top 10 percent earned more than $102,010. These official figures are for the broader drywall and ceiling tile installer occupation, which is the standard government occupational classification used for this work.
There is also another salary number people will see online. Current ZipRecruiter data for the specific job title “Drywall Installer” shows an average of about $47,309 per year, or $22.74 per hour. Most reported salaries fall around $40,000 to $52,500, although pay can go higher with experience and location. The difference is mainly because salary websites and government occupational data can use different job titles, employer listings and occupational groupings.
| Drywall Installer Pay | Approximate Salary |
|---|---|
| Specific Drywall Installer average | $47,309 per year |
| Specific Drywall Installer hourly average | $22.74 per hour |
| BLS occupation median | $58,930 per year |
| BLS occupation median hourly | $28.33 per hour |
| BLS lower 10% | Less than $38,460 per year |
| BLS upper 10% | More than $102,010 per year |
For someone searching “how much do drywall installers make,” it is useful to know that there is not one fixed salary. A person working as a helper or new installer can make considerably less than an experienced installer. A skilled worker who can install, tape, finish and handle difficult commercial projects can make much more. Overtime, union work, prevailing-wage construction projects and self-employment can also change total yearly income.
Drywall Installer Salary by State
Drywall installer salary by state can be very different across the United States. Construction demand, local wages, cost of living, commercial building activity and the amount of experienced workers in an area can all affect pay. Official BLS and CareerOneStop wage data show large differences between states. For example, the 2025 median wage for drywall and ceiling tile installers is $61,280 per year in New York, while it is $48,970 in Florida. Alaska has a median of $73,690 in the available 2025 wage data.
The following table gives a useful state-by-state salary view for drywall installers. Salary figures can change by source and by year, so workers should treat these numbers as a guide rather than a guaranteed wage offer. The official occupation used for the table is Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers, SOC 47-2081.
| State | Median Hourly Pay | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $23.08 | $48,000 |
| Alaska | $35.43 | $73,690 |
| Arizona | — | — |
| Arkansas | — | — |
| California | — | — |
| Colorado | — | — |
| Connecticut | $29.08 | $60,480 |
| Delaware | $24.12 | $50,170 |
| Florida | $23.54 | $48,970 |
| Georgia | — | — |
| Hawaii | — | — |
| Idaho | — | — |
| Illinois | — | — |
| Indiana | — | — |
| Iowa | — | — |
| Kansas | $19.18 | $39,890 |
| Kentucky | — | — |
| Louisiana | $22.80 | $47,420 |
| Maine | — | — |
| Maryland | — | — |
| Massachusetts | — | — |
| Michigan | — | — |
| Minnesota | — | — |
| Mississippi | $17.94 | $37,310 |
| Missouri | $30.09 | $62,580 |
| Montana | — | — |
| Nebraska | — | — |
| Nevada | — | — |
| New Hampshire | — | — |
| New Jersey | — | — |
| New Mexico | — | — |
| New York | $29.46 | $61,280 |
| North Carolina | $21.67 | $45,080 |
| North Dakota | — | — |
| Ohio | — | — |
| Oklahoma | — | — |
| Oregon | — | — |
| Pennsylvania | — | — |
| Rhode Island | — | — |
| South Carolina | $21.80 | $45,340 |
| South Dakota | — | — |
| Tennessee | — | — |
| Texas | — | — |
| Utah | — | — |
| Vermont | — | — |
| Virginia | — | — |
| Washington | — | — |
| West Virginia | — | — |
| Wisconsin | — | — |
| Wyoming | $21.15 | $43,990 |
Note: State wage figures above are shown only where the researched 2025 CareerOneStop/BLS result was directly available in the source set used for this section. The remaining states should not be filled with guessed numbers. The official BLS May 2025 state wage system provides state and area estimates for this occupation.
What Does a Drywall Installer Do?
A drywall installer puts drywall sheets on interior walls and ceilings before the surfaces are finished and painted. The job includes measuring the area, cutting wallboard, lifting large sheets, attaching them to framing and making sure the panels line up correctly.
Drywall installers can work in new home construction, apartment buildings, office buildings, remodeling projects and commercial construction. The work is physical because drywall sheets can be large and heavy, and workers spend much of the day standing, bending, reaching and moving material. BLS also notes that workers often need to lift and maneuver heavy wallboard.
- Measure walls and ceilings before installation.
- Cut drywall sheets to the needed size.
- Install drywall on walls and ceilings.
- Use screws, nails or other fasteners to attach wallboard.
- Cut openings around doors, windows and electrical fixtures.
- Install corner materials and other drywall components.
- Check that drywall panels are straight and properly aligned.
- Work with other construction workers on building projects.
- Repair or replace damaged drywall when working on remodeling jobs.
- Some experienced workers also do taping and finishing work.
Drywall Installer Hourly Pay
Drywall installer hourly pay depends strongly on experience and the kind of job. A general salary estimate for the specific “Drywall Installer” title is around $22.74 per hour, while the BLS median for drywall and ceiling tile installers is $28.33 per hour. This difference is important when comparing websites because they may not be measuring exactly the same group of workers.
For a worker earning $22.74 per hour and working a standard 40-hour week, the simple yearly calculation is close to $47,300 before taxes, assuming work is available for about 52 weeks. A worker making $28.33 per hour would have a simple annual equivalent near $58,926. Actual yearly pay can be different because construction workers may have overtime, seasonal gaps, bonuses, different weekly hours or periods between projects.
- $20 per hour: about $41,600 per year at 40 hours a week.
- $25 per hour: about $52,000 per year.
- $28.33 per hour: about $58,926 per year, close to the BLS median.
- $30 per hour: about $62,400 per year.
- $35 per hour: about $72,800 per year.
- $40 per hour: about $83,200 per year.
These calculations are gross pay before taxes and other deductions. They are also not a promise of what every drywall installer will earn. Local construction wages can be quite different from the national number.
Drywall Installer Starting Salary
The drywall installer starting salary is usually lower than the pay of an experienced installer. A person entering this trade may begin as a drywall helper, construction laborer or entry-level drywall installer before getting more responsibility. The exact starting pay depends on the contractor, location, type of construction and whether the worker already has construction experience.
Someone who is completely new to drywall work should not expect the top salary on the first job. In many cases, the first job is more about learning how to measure, cut and install drywall safely and correctly. Once the worker becomes faster and can work with less supervision, the pay can increase.
- New drywall helper or entry-level worker may start around the lower end of the local wage range.
- Basic drywall installation skills can help a worker move into a regular installer position.
- Workers who can install drywall quickly and accurately may get better hourly pay.
- Experience with commercial construction can help increase earning potential.
- Taping, mudding and finishing skills can make a worker more valuable.
- Overtime can increase total yearly income when construction work is busy.
Experienced Drywall Installer Salary
An experienced drywall installer salary can be much higher than entry-level pay. Experience matters in this trade because employers are not only paying for physical work. They are also paying for speed, accuracy and the ability to finish a job without creating expensive mistakes.
An experienced installer may know how to work with different drywall thicknesses, ceiling layouts, corners, difficult measurements and remodeling situations. Some workers also become skilled in taping and finishing. This gives them more opportunities than someone who only installs the sheets.
According to BLS wage data, the highest 10 percent of workers in the broader drywall and ceiling tile installer occupation earned more than $102,010 per year in May 2025. That does not mean every experienced drywall installer makes six figures, but it shows that higher-paying jobs are possible in this trade, especially when experience, location, project type and skill level are favorable.
- More years of drywall installation experience.
- Ability to work without constant supervision.
- Good measuring and cutting skills.
- Professional drywall finishing skills.
- Commercial construction experience.
- Ability to handle large or complicated projects.
- Overtime and weekend work when available.
- Working in a high-wage construction market.
Highest Paying States for Drywall Installers
If you are searching for the highest paying states for drywall installers, it is important to look at official wage data instead of only one salary website. Construction wages can be very different from one state to another. The cost of living is also different, so a higher salary does not always mean more buying power.
In the 2025 wage data available for drywall and ceiling tile installers, some of the stronger state median wages include Alaska, New York and Connecticut. New York's median annual wage was about $61,280 and Connecticut was about $60,480, while Alaska was about $73,690. Other states can also have high wages in particular metropolitan construction markets even when the statewide number is lower.
- Alaska: around $73,690 median annual wage in the available 2025 data.
- New York: around $61,280 median annual wage.
- Connecticut: around $60,480 median annual wage.
- Missouri: around $62,580 median annual wage in the available data.
- Delaware: around $50,170 median annual wage.
- Florida: around $48,970 median annual wage.
These numbers should be used as a salary guide. A drywall installer in a major city may earn a different wage than someone working in a smaller town in the same state. Union construction, commercial projects and prevailing wage work can also create higher-paying opportunities.
Drywall Installer Salary California
Drywall installer salary California is a popular search because California has a very large construction industry and some of the highest living costs in the country. Pay can vary significantly between cities and construction markets. Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and other large areas can have different wage conditions from smaller communities.
California workers may also see higher hourly rates on commercial construction or union projects. But the salary should always be compared with housing, transportation and other living expenses. A drywall installer earning more per hour in California may not necessarily have more disposable income than a worker earning less in another state.
Drywall Installer Salary Texas
Drywall installer salary Texas can be attractive because Texas has continuous residential and commercial construction in many growing cities. Areas such as Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio have large construction markets, which can create demand for drywall installers.
Texas also has many residential construction projects, remodeling jobs and commercial buildings. A worker who can move between different types of drywall projects may have more opportunities to stay busy throughout the year.
- Residential home construction.
- Apartment and multifamily construction.
- Commercial office projects.
- Hotel and hospitality construction.
- Remodeling and renovation work.
- Drywall repair and finishing jobs.
Drywall Installer Salary Florida
Drywall installer salary Florida is another common search, especially because Florida has strong residential construction and remodeling activity. The 2025 median annual wage for drywall and ceiling tile installers in Florida was about $48,970, or roughly $23.54 per hour.
Florida construction work can be affected by new home building, apartment construction, commercial development and renovation. Experienced workers may earn more than the statewide median depending on their employer and project.
Drywall Installer Salary New York
Drywall installer salary New York can be higher than many parts of the country. The available 2025 wage data shows a median annual wage of around $61,280, equal to approximately $29.46 per hour.
New York has a wide construction market, from residential remodeling to large commercial buildings. Pay can be particularly different between New York City and smaller areas of the state. A worker should therefore check the local wage before accepting a job based only on the statewide average.
Drywall Installer Salary Per Month
People also search for drywall installer salary per month when trying to understand what the yearly salary means in real life. Using the specific-job average of about $47,309 per year, the simple monthly gross equivalent is around $3,942 per month. Using the BLS occupation median of $58,930, the monthly equivalent is about $4,911 per month.
This is gross income before federal and state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, insurance and other deductions. Actual take-home pay can be lower. Also, construction workers may not receive exactly the same amount every month because working hours can change.
| Annual Pay | Approx. Monthly Gross Pay |
|---|---|
| $40,000 | $3,333 |
| $45,000 | $3,750 |
| $47,309 | $3,942 |
| $50,000 | $4,167 |
| $58,930 | $4,911 |
| $60,000 | $5,000 |
| $70,000 | $5,833 |
| $80,000 | $6,667 |
Drywall Installer Salary Per Year
The drywall installer salary per year depends on the hourly rate and the number of hours worked. A worker making $25 an hour and working 40 hours every week would have a basic annual equivalent of about $52,000 before taxes. At $30 an hour, the equivalent becomes about $62,400.
But construction income does not always work like a simple calculator. Overtime can increase income, while slow periods between projects can reduce yearly earnings. Workers who are paid hourly should look at the complete compensation package rather than only the advertised hourly rate.
- $20/hour = about $41,600 yearly at 40 hours per week.
- $22/hour = about $45,760 yearly.
- $25/hour = about $52,000 yearly.
- $28/hour = about $58,240 yearly.
- $30/hour = about $62,400 yearly.
- $35/hour = about $72,800 yearly.
- $40/hour = about $83,200 yearly.
Do Drywall Installers Get Benefits?
Benefits for drywall installers depend on the employer and whether the worker is employed by a construction company, subcontractor, union contractor or works independently. Not every drywall installer receives the same benefits.
Employees of larger construction companies may receive health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off or other employee benefits. Union workers can have benefit packages through their union and employer. Self-employed drywall contractors normally have to arrange their own health insurance, retirement savings and other benefits.
- Health insurance may be available with larger employers.
- Retirement plans may be offered by some companies.
- Paid holidays or vacation may be available.
- Union jobs can include additional benefit packages.
- Some employers provide safety equipment or work clothing.
- Workers may receive overtime pay when eligible.
- Self-employed installers generally pay for their own benefits.
How to Become a Drywall Installer
One reason people choose this construction trade is that a four-year college degree is normally not required. BLS says drywall and ceiling tile installers typically learn their skills on the job. Some workers begin as helpers and learn from experienced installers while working on actual construction projects.
A person who wants to become a drywall installer should focus on practical skills. Measuring correctly is very important because a wrong cut can waste material and slow down the project. Physical fitness, safe lifting and the ability to work on ladders or overhead are also useful.
- Start with a drywall helper or construction laborer position.
- Learn basic construction safety.
- Learn how to measure walls and ceilings.
- Learn proper drywall cutting techniques.
- Learn how to install drywall panels.
- Develop taping and finishing skills.
- Learn how to read basic construction plans.
- Build experience on residential and commercial projects.
Drywall Installer Training and Education
Formal education requirements are generally limited for this occupation. Most people learn through on-the-job training. Some employers may prefer workers who already have basic construction experience, while apprenticeship or vocational programs can provide another way to learn the trade.
Training can include safe use of tools, material handling, installation methods, workplace safety and finishing techniques. A worker who wants to increase their future drywall installer pay should not stop at basic installation. Learning finishing, repair and more advanced commercial work can create additional opportunities.
Drywall Installer vs Drywall Finisher
A drywall installer and a drywall finisher can work on the same construction project, but their main tasks are different. The installer mainly puts drywall sheets onto walls and ceilings. The finisher works on joints, seams and screw holes so the surface becomes smooth and ready for paint.
In smaller companies, one worker may perform both jobs. This is why a person searching for “drywall installer salary” should also look at drywall finisher and drywall taper jobs. Having more than one skill can make it easier to find steady work.
| Job | Main Work |
|---|---|
| Drywall Installer | Measures, cuts and installs drywall panels. |
| Drywall Finisher | Finishes joints, seams and screw holes. |
| Drywall Taper | Applies tape and joint compound to drywall seams. |
| Drywall Repair Worker | Repairs damaged walls and ceilings. |
| Drywall Contractor | Runs drywall projects and may manage workers and customers. |
Drywall Installer Overtime Pay
Drywall installer overtime pay can make a noticeable difference in yearly income. Construction projects sometimes need workers to work longer hours when a project is behind schedule or when several trades are working to finish a building. An hourly drywall installer who is eligible for overtime can earn more than the normal hourly wage for qualifying overtime hours.
For example, a worker earning $25 per hour has a basic rate of $25. If overtime is paid at time-and-a-half, the overtime rate would be $37.50 per hour. Ten overtime hours in one week would add about $375 in gross pay for that week. Actual overtime rules depend on the worker's employment situation and applicable wage laws.
- Overtime can increase yearly drywall installer income.
- Commercial projects may sometimes require longer working hours.
- Busy construction periods can create extra hours.
- Overtime eligibility depends on the worker and employer situation.
- Time-and-a-half is a common overtime calculation for eligible workers, but the actual legal situation can vary.
How Much Does a Drywall Contractor Make?
How much does a drywall contractor make? This is different from asking about an employee drywall installer salary. A contractor may own or operate a drywall business, take projects from builders or homeowners and then pay workers or subcontractors to complete the work.
A drywall contractor's income can potentially be much higher than an employee's wage, but business income is not the same as personal salary. The contractor has to pay for labor, materials, transportation, insurance, equipment, taxes, advertising and other business expenses. A contractor with a large customer base and good project management can make strong income, but there is also more financial risk.
- Employee drywall installer earns wages or salary from an employer.
- Independent contractor may be paid by the project or contract.
- Drywall business owners can manage several crews.
- Contractors have business expenses that reduce net profit.
- Large commercial contracts can create bigger revenue but also bigger costs.
- Good estimating and project management are important for contractor profit.
Union Drywall Installer Salary
Union drywall installer salary can be higher in some construction markets, especially for experienced workers. Union wages are generally established through negotiated agreements and can include benefit packages in addition to the hourly wage.
A union drywall installer may receive a wage package that includes health benefits, retirement contributions and other benefits. But union availability is not the same in every city or state. Workers should check the local union and the current agreement before comparing a union job with a non-union job.
For someone planning a long-term career in drywall, union apprenticeship programs can also be worth checking. Apprentices can learn the trade while gaining practical job experience. Starting pay may be lower than a fully qualified journeyman rate, but wages can increase as the apprentice progresses.
Drywall Installer Apprenticeship
A drywall installer apprenticeship is one possible way to enter the trade. Apprentices learn construction skills while working under more experienced workers. The exact program structure depends on the employer, union or training organization.
Apprenticeship can be useful for someone who does not have previous construction experience because it combines practical work with learning. A person can gradually learn installation, finishing, safety, tools and construction terminology instead of trying to learn everything alone.
- Learn drywall installation from experienced workers.
- Get practical construction experience.
- Learn workplace and jobsite safety.
- Develop measuring and cutting skills.
- Learn how to use drywall tools correctly.
- Build experience that can help with future higher-paying positions.
Drywall Installer Skills That Can Increase Pay
Not every drywall installer earns the same money because skill level can make a big difference. A worker who takes a long time to complete basic work may not have the same earning potential as someone who can finish a difficult project quickly and with very little waste.
The best way to increase drywall installer pay is usually to become more useful on the job. Installation is the foundation, but adding finishing, repair and commercial construction skills can give a worker more options.
- Accurate measuring.
- Fast and clean drywall cutting.
- Ceiling drywall installation.
- Drywall taping.
- Joint compound application.
- Sanding and finishing.
- Drywall repair.
- Reading construction drawings.
- Working safely at heights.
- Using power tools properly.
- Estimating materials.
- Working independently without constant supervision.
Where Do Drywall Installers Work?
Drywall installers work in many different construction environments. Residential construction is one of the most visible areas because almost every new home needs interior wall and ceiling finishing. But drywall is also used in apartments, hotels, offices, schools, hospitals and other commercial buildings.
The job is not normally an office job. Installers spend much of their working time inside construction sites, often around dust, noise, ladders and other construction activity. Some remodeling jobs can also require working inside occupied homes or businesses, which means the worker needs to keep the work area reasonably clean and safe.
- New residential homes.
- Apartment buildings.
- Office buildings.
- Hotels.
- Schools and educational buildings.
- Hospitals and healthcare buildings.
- Retail stores.
- Warehouses and commercial properties.
- Home remodeling projects.
- Drywall repair projects.
Is Drywall Installer a Good Career?
For someone who prefers hands-on work instead of sitting at a desk, drywall installer can be a good career. One of the biggest advantages is that a four-year college degree is normally not required. Workers can enter through on-the-job training and build their skills over time.
The job is also useful because construction continues to need people who can install and finish interior walls. However, it is physical work and can be hard on the body. Workers may lift large drywall sheets, bend, kneel, reach overhead and work on ladders or lifts.
BLS projects employment for drywall and ceiling tile installers to grow about 2% from 2025 to 2035. The occupation is expected to have about 8,600 openings per year on average over the decade, mostly from workers leaving the occupation or retiring rather than from rapid employment growth. ([bls.gov](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Construction-and-Extraction/Drywall-and-ceiling-tile-installers-and-tapers.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
- No traditional four-year college degree is normally required.
- Most skills can be learned through on-the-job training.
- Construction experience can lead to better opportunities.
- Experienced workers can move into finishing or supervisory work.
- Some workers can eventually start their own drywall business.
- The work is physical and can be demanding.
- Income can increase with experience and additional skills.
Drywall Installer Career Path
A drywall worker does not have to remain at the entry-level forever. There are several possible directions after gaining experience. Some workers become highly skilled installers and finishers, while others move into foreman or supervisor positions. Some eventually become independent contractors.
The career path can look different for every worker, but gaining more construction knowledge normally gives more choices.
- Drywall Helper: Helps experienced workers and learns basic jobsite skills.
- Entry-Level Drywall Installer: Performs basic installation tasks.
- Experienced Drywall Installer: Handles more difficult installation work independently.
- Drywall Finisher: Develops advanced taping and finishing skills.
- Lead Installer: Helps coordinate drywall work on a project.
- Foreman: May supervise workers and coordinate daily work.
- Drywall Contractor: Runs projects and may operate a drywall business.
Drywall Installer Salary vs Construction Laborer Salary
People looking for construction jobs often compare drywall installer salary with construction laborer pay. These are not exactly the same job. A general construction laborer can perform many different tasks around a jobsite, while a drywall installer develops specialized skills in installing wallboard and related materials.
Specialized skills can provide a path toward higher wages as experience grows. A construction worker who starts as a general laborer may therefore decide to specialize in drywall, electrical, plumbing or another construction trade.
| Career | Main Skill | Education Path |
|---|---|---|
| Drywall Installer | Drywall installation | Mostly on-the-job training |
| Drywall Finisher | Taping and finishing | Mostly on-the-job training |
| Construction Laborer | General construction work | Mostly on-the-job training |
| Carpenter | Wood and building construction | Training/apprenticeship |
| Construction Foreman | Supervision and project coordination | Experience-based |
What Affects Drywall Installer Salary?
There is no single drywall installer salary for everybody in America. Several things can change the amount a worker earns. Location is one of the biggest factors, but experience and job type are also important.
- Location: Wages are different from state to state and city to city.
- Experience: Experienced installers normally have more earning opportunities.
- Skills: Finishing, taping and repair skills can increase value.
- Employer: Large construction companies may offer different pay and benefits than small contractors.
- Project type: Commercial and specialized projects can have different wage levels.
- Union membership: Union construction can provide negotiated wages and benefits in some markets.
- Overtime: Extra hours can increase gross yearly earnings.
- Work quality: Accurate and clean work can help a worker build a strong reputation.
- Self-employment: Contractors have the possibility of higher business income but also more expenses and risk.
Final Thoughts on Drywall Installer Salary
The drywall installer salary in the USA depends on much more than one national average. A specific drywall installer job title may average around $47,309 per year, while the official BLS median for drywall and ceiling tile installers is $58,930 per year. Higher-level workers can earn much more, with the top 10 percent of the broader occupation above $102,010 in May 2025.
For a new worker, drywall can be an accessible construction trade because a four-year college degree is normally not needed. The important part is building real job skills. Learning installation, taping, finishing and repair can make a worker more valuable and can create a path toward higher-paying positions, foreman work or eventually a drywall contracting business.
If you are comparing this career based only on salary, also look at the local hourly wage, overtime opportunities, benefits, commute, cost of living and amount of construction work in your area. The best drywall installer job is not always the one with the biggest number on the job advertisement. It is the one that gives good total pay and steady work with a path to improve your skills and income.