MaViAl

Drywall Installer Jobs in Canada

Sector: Construction & Trades · Work locations: Quebec (Montréal area), Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia · Classification: NOC 73102 (occupation group used for wage reference)

Gross pay reference (CAD/hour)

Provincial low–median–high ranges are shown below. Offers vary by project, experience, and overtime rules.

Gross range shown on this page: $18.88–$48.73/h
Typical schedule & setting

On-site construction. Standing, lifting, climbing ladders/scaffolding. Day shifts are common; some projects use evenings/weekends.

Safety-first trade (PPE is non-negotiable)
CV REQUIRED: candidates without a CV are not considered. Upload your CV here: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
Last updated: December 29, 2025
Page: /drywall-installer.html
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Overview Candidate portrait Key tasks Requirements Work authorization Gross pay table How to apply Related roles FAQ

Role overview

What employers typically expect in Canada

A Drywall Installer is responsible for building interior wall and ceiling systems: measuring layouts, installing sheets (gypsum board), preparing joints, and delivering a finish quality that matches the project standard (tape-ready, Level 4/5, texture-ready, or paint-ready). The work is production-driven, but quality defects (waves, joint cracking, screw pops) are expensive—so employers value accuracy as much as speed.

This page is written as a role guide for candidates applying through MaViAl. It explains typical requirements, gross pay reference by province, and a practical checklist of documents for working legally in Canada.

Worksite snapshot (anti-template module)

Same engine across the category; unique output per page

Note: This page does not contain external links by design. Use the Contact page if you need clarification.

Short candidate portrait

Who usually gets hired for this trade

Strong match if you…

  • ✓
    Work clean and straight
    Plumb lines, tight joints, consistent screw patterns.
  • ✓
    Know finishing basics
    Taping, bedding, corner bead, skim coats, sanding discipline.
  • ✓
    Read layouts
    Basic drawings or foreman marks; you measure twice, cut once.
  • ✓
    Respect safety rules
    Dust control, fall protection, tool safety, site induction.

You may struggle if you…

  • !
    Rush finishing
    Fast work that fails inspection creates rework and delays.
  • !
    Dislike physical work
    Sheets, overhead work, ladders, repetitive arm/shoulder load.
  • !
    Cannot follow site discipline
    Punctuality, housekeeping, PPE, and teamwork are evaluated daily.
  • !
    Expect cash-only arrangements
    Canadian employers usually operate with formal payroll and compliance.

Key tasks (what you actually do)

Written to be specific (anti-duplicate)

Installation scope

  1. Measure and mark wall/ceiling layouts; confirm openings, corners, and service penetrations.
  2. Install drywall sheets on metal or wood framing; align joints; keep edges supported.
  3. Fasten with screws (and adhesives where specified), following spacing rules and avoiding paper breaks.
  4. Install beads and trims (corner bead, J-bead, control joints) for straight edges and crack control.

Finishing scope

  1. Tape joints; embed tape; apply successive coats to required finish level.
  2. Sand with dust control (vacuum attachments where possible); repair imperfections.
  3. Prepare for paint/texture; complete punch-list items and corrections.
  4. Maintain housekeeping: clean paths, safe stacking, and waste handling.
Keywords covered: drywall installer / hanger / finisher / taper (contextual, not spammy)

Requirements (detailed)

What hiring teams typically verify

Hard skills

  • Drywall hanging on walls/ceilings; cutting around boxes, doors, windows; working with metal studs.
  • Finishing: joint compound handling, corner bead installation, sanding control, basic texture prep.
  • Ability to keep lines straight and surfaces consistent (quality is measurable).
  • Comfort with production tools: screw gun, knives, trowels, mixing paddles, lifts (when available).

Work experience / training

  • Apprenticeship in drywalling/plastering or equivalent experience is commonly expected for skilled roles.
  • Some provinces regulate trade scopes; certification can be compulsory or voluntary depending on location and job title.

Safety, fitness, and reliability

  • Daily PPE: safety boots, hard hat, eye protection, gloves; respirator where required.
  • Physical capacity: lifting/carrying materials, overhead work, ladder/scaffold tasks.
  • Site discipline: punctuality, teamwork, housekeeping, and respectful conduct.

Language & communication

  • English level sufficient for safety instructions and supervisor coordination (A2+ is a practical baseline).
  • Ability to report issues early (layout conflicts, missing framing, damaged board, moisture).

Vacancy story (anti-template module)

Unique narrative block to reduce “template footprint”

Working legally in Canada (documents & permits)

Practical checklist (no external links)

What most candidates must have

  • ✓
    Valid passport
    Your work permission cannot exceed passport validity.
  • ✓
    Employment contract / job offer
    Role, location, pay terms, and conditions must be clear.
  • ✓
    Work permit basis
    Either an LMIA-backed offer or an LMIA-exempt offer-of-employment number (depends on program).
  • ✓
    Biometrics & photo
    Often required for temporary resident applications.

Sometimes required (case-dependent)

  • ?
    Medical exam
    Depending on travel history, job factors, and instructions from authorities.
  • ?
    Police certificates
    May be requested during processing.
  • ?
    Quebec-specific authorization (CAQ)
    In Quebec, some temporary work streams require a CAQ; LMIA-exempt cases may be exempt.
  • ?
    Proof of experience
    Reference letters, apprenticeship record, photos of completed work.

Compliance note: This section is informational and does not replace official instructions or legal advice. Requirements depend on your nationality, program, and employer pathway.

Gross pay table (CAD/hour)

Reference ranges by province (low / median / high)

Province Low Median High Interpretation
Quebec $25.00 $38.00 $43.34 Finishing quality and pace matter; Montreal-area projects often emphasize inspection-ready results.
Ontario $24.00 $35.48 $48.73 Large market with wide spread; commercial fit-outs can pay more for proven finishers.
New Brunswick $21.00 $28.00 $34.28 Rates depend heavily on project pipeline and travel distance between sites.
Nova Scotia $18.88 $28.00 $35.13 Renovations and residential builds are common; reliability and clean finishing help you move up the scale.

All figures are gross (before deductions). Ranges are reference data for the occupation group (NOC 73102). Actual offers vary by employer, experience, overtime, and local market.

How to apply

Designed for fast screening

  1. Create or upload your CV here: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
  2. In your CV, include: drywall scope (hanging/finishing), tools you use, finish level, and project types (residential/commercial).
  3. Add locations you accept (Quebec / Ontario / New Brunswick / Nova Scotia) and your availability date.
  4. Submit your application — we contact shortlisted candidates.
Tip: Add 3–5 bullet examples of “measurable quality” (e.g., Level 4 finish, fire-rated assemblies, acoustic ceilings).

FAQ

Is a CV required?

Yes. Candidates without a CV are not considered. Use mavial.pl/en/cv.html.

Is the pay on this page net or gross?

Gross only. All figures are brutto (before deductions). Net pay depends on deductions and your situation.

What affects my hourly rate the most?

Finish level, speed without defects, province, project type (commercial vs residential), overtime, and whether you bring your own tools.

Do I need a work permit to work in Canada?

Most foreign nationals need a work permit. The exact path depends on your employer and program (LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt pathways exist).

Is trade certification required?

It depends on province and job title. Some trade scopes are regulated and may require certification or apprentice registration; other cases are voluntary.