Career comparison
Construction Laborer vs. Drywall Installer
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Drywall installers earn more at the median ($58,930 vs. $47,120), while construction laborers usually get to work faster (Days to weeks (on the job) of training). Construction laborers prepare sites, move materials, pour concrete and support every trade on the job. Drywall installers hang and finish the walls and ceilings inside homes, offices and commercial buildings.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Construction Laborer | Drywall Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $47,120 ($22.66/hr) | $58,930 ($28.33/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,090 – $78,090 | $38,460 – $102,010 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +7.3% (much faster than average) | +2.5% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 120,000 | 6,600 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | Days to weeks (on the job) | 3–12 months on the job |
| Key credential | OSHA 10-Hour Construction | OSHA 10-Hour Construction |
| Work setting | Laborers work outdoors in all kinds of weather on construction sites, roadways and demolition projects. | Installers work indoors on new construction and remodeling projects. |
What each job does
Construction Laborer
- Prepare and clean job sites, removing debris and hazards
- Load, unload and move building materials
- Dig, backfill and compact trenches and foundations
- Mix, pour and spread concrete and asphalt
- Erect and dismantle scaffolding, barricades and forms
Drywall Installer
- Read blueprints and measure walls and ceilings
- Cut and hang drywall panels with screws and adhesive
- Frame metal studs, soffits and bulkheads
- Install corner bead and trim
- Tape and apply joint compound in multiple coats
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, and teamwork. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose construction laborer if…
- I like physical work and staying active all day
- I don’t mind getting dirty or working in bad weather
- I want to start working right away
Choose drywall installer if…
- I like physical, hands-on work
- I’m good at measuring and cutting accurately
- I don’t mind dust and repetitive tasks
Still torn? Take the Construction Laborer fit quiz and the Drywall Installer fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, construction laborer or drywall installer?
Drywall Installers earn more at the median: $58,930 versus $47,120 for construction laborers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Construction Laborers typically train faster (Days to weeks (on the job)) than drywall installers (3–12 months on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects construction laborers to grow +7.3% from 2025–35, compared with +2.5% for drywall installers.