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Drywall Installer

Drywall installation is a skilled interior trade: accurate layout, clean board hanging, and finish quality that determines how a space looks after paint and lighting. Employers prioritize productivity, safety, and consistent workmanship. CV is required for review.

CV is mandatory: candidates without a CV are not reviewed.
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Sector: Construction & Trades Typical route: EB-3 (skilled)* Work type: Permanent Last updated: January 1, 2026
Quality signal: Straight lines, clean corners, correct fastener pattern, and predictable finish levels are what separate “helpers” from true installers.

What drywall installers actually do (jobsite reality)

Many job titles exist (hanger, boardman, mechanic), but the core workflow is consistent:

  • Layout and measure: read room lines, check framing alignment, plan board placement to reduce joints.
  • Hang drywall: cut panels accurately, lift/set sheets, fasten to wood/metal framing, maintain edge support.
  • Detail work: corner beads, control joints, openings (doors/windows), soffits, and ceiling edges.
  • Finish-ready preparation (role-dependent): joint tape, compound, sanding, and surface correction.
  • Maintain a clean, safe work zone: debris control, tool organization, and protection of finished surfaces.
Productivity is measured, but finish quality is what prevents rework after lighting and paint.

A short “drywall day” story

A typical day starts with layout and material staging, then fast, accurate hanging with clean cuts around openings. The second half is detail: corners, joints, surface corrections—work that becomes visible under strong lights. The best installers keep pace without sacrificing straight lines and clean edges.

Gypsum board hanging Finish quality Corners & openings Jobsite safety

Gross pay (brutto) — realistic benchmarks

Drywall pay varies significantly by state/city, union vs non-union market, commercial vs residential, and whether the role includes finishing. Benchmarks below are national references (gross).

Benchmark (USA) Gross pay Notes
Hourly benchmark (national) $18.18–$48.74/hr
Median reference: ~$27.95/hr 		Skilled installers and high-cost labor markets often sit above the median.
Annual benchmark (national) $37,810–$101,380/year
Median reference: ~$58,140/year 		Annual totals depend on hours, seasonality, and steady project flow.
Overtime (where non-exempt) 1.5× regular rate after 40 hrs/week Confirm classification, timekeeping rules, and project schedule.

Confirm before you accept

  • Gross hourly wage and whether the role includes hanging only or hanging + finishing.
  • Weekly hours and typical overtime availability during peak phases.
  • Tool policy: employer-provided vs bring-your-own (varies by employer).
  • Work scope: metal studs/ceilings, fire-rated assemblies, high-finish interiors.
  • Travel: whether jobsites change frequently and if per diem is applicable (employer-specific).
This page provides general benchmarks and job overview. Final compensation and conditions depend on the employer, location, and official offer documents.

Detailed requirements (what employers look for)

  1. English CV with accurate contact details (mandatory for review).
  2. Trade competency: layout, cutting, fastening patterns, corner treatment, clean openings.
  3. Finish awareness: understand that imperfections show under lighting; avoid waviness and blown corners.
  4. Jobsite readiness: ladders, lifts, and overhead work (role-dependent); consistent attendance.
  5. Safety discipline: PPE compliance, dust control habits, tool safety, and clean walkways.
  6. Measurement accuracy: read basic drawings/measurements and execute tight fits.
  7. Team productivity: keep pace, coordinate material flow, and protect finished areas.
  8. Role-dependent checks: employer onboarding steps and site-specific requirements.
Fast but clean: speed matters only if boards sit flat, lines stay straight, and rework stays low.

Tools and work methods (typical)

  • Measuring/layout tools (tape, square, chalk line) and accurate cutting techniques.
  • Fastening and hanging workflow (screwgun/fasteners; lifts where used).
  • Edge/corner detailing: beads, trims, and clean opening cuts.
  • Finish workflow (role-dependent): tape, compound, sanding control, surface correction.

Candidate portrait (short profile)

You are a fit if you can repeat high-quality work every day: accurate cuts, straight lines, and corners that stay clean after finishing and paint.

  • Mindset: workmanship-first; you do it right the first time.
  • Hands-on skill: confident measuring, cutting, and board placement.
  • Consistency: stable output over long shifts and changing jobsite conditions.
  • Discipline: safety habits, clean work zone, and respect for site rules.

Next steps

  1. Create/upload your CV and keep contact details up to date.
  2. After CV review, we confirm role fit and available projects.
  3. If shortlisted, you proceed to employer interview and documentation steps.
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Work conditions in the USA (current, practical)

Jobsite environment

  • Interior construction sites with changing phases: framing alignment, hanging, then finishing and punch-list.
  • Overhead work and repetitive motions are common; ceilings and high walls can be physically demanding.
  • Dust and debris control matters; good crews protect finished surfaces and keep walk paths clear.

Schedule and pay structure

  • Hours depend on project phase and deadlines; overtime may apply depending on classification and employer policy.
  • Some employers distinguish “hanging” from “finishing” scopes; finishing skills can increase value.
  • Quality expectations increase in commercial interiors (strong lighting reveals defects).
This page is informational and not legal advice. Final conditions depend on the employer, location, and official offer documents.
Visa & authorization disclaimer: Any U.S. work authorization path (e.g., EB-3) depends on the hiring employer, eligibility, and official procedures. This page is informational and not legal advice.

FAQ (role-specific, anti-template)

Is drywall installation considered skilled work?

Yes. Employers differentiate between basic labor and installers who can layout correctly, hang cleanly, and maintain consistent finish readiness that reduces rework.

Do I need finishing skills (taping/mudding)?

It depends on the employer. Some roles focus on hanging only, while others combine hanging and finishing. Listing both on your CV can increase flexibility.

What is the typical gross hourly pay?

Pay varies by state and project type. National benchmarks commonly range from the high teens to the high 40s per hour gross, with a median around the high 20s.

What causes most quality rework?

Poor layout, uneven edges, weak corner detailing, incorrect fastening patterns, and rushed corrections that show under lighting after paint.

What should I include in my CV?

List years of experience, scope (hanging/finishing/ceilings/metal studs), tools you can use, types of projects (commercial/residential), and measurable quality habits.

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Use these internal links to compare similar roles before applying.

CV requirement: candidates without a CV are not reviewed.