Drywall Installer FAQ

Hanging can be learned in weeks; finishing well takes longer and lots of practice.

Individual installers usually don’t, but contractors may need a state or local license.

Some are paid hourly and others by piece rate, such as per board or per square foot.

The median annual wage for drywall installers was $58,930 ($28.33 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $38,460 and the highest 10% earned more than $102,010.

Most people need about 3–12 months on the job of training. No formal education is required. Most installers learn on the job. Apprenticeships through carpenter unions or contractor associations last three to four years and include safety, blueprint reading and finishing.

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +2.5% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 6,600 openings each year. Upsides include steady work in construction and remodeling; a common challenge is that heavy lifting and overhead work.

Key technical skills include blueprint reading, measuring and cutting drywall, hanging with screw guns and lifts, and taping and mudding. Employers also value teamwork, stamina, and precision.

Common credentials include OSHA 10-Hour Construction, Scaffold and aerial lift training, Silica awareness training, and Apprenticeship completion. Requirements vary by state and employer.