Drywall Finishers

Career summary

#3/18/19 lh

Drywall finishers are sometimes called tapers. They tape joints to give drywall a final, finished look.

Drywall finishers' work begins after the drywall is installed. They make sure the screws and nails used to apply the drywall are below the surface of the panels. Finishers use joint compound to cover nail and screw heads, cracks, and other imperfections in the drywall. They fill the joints between panels with the compound. Finishers use a special trowel and brush-like strokes to apply the joint compound. Some finishers apply texture to walls and ceilings with rollers, brushes, or spray guns.

Drywall finishers may use metal molding at the corners of walls instead of applying tape. Finishers may use automatic taping tools that apply the joint compound and tape in one step. The use of these automatic taping tools is usually limited to larger projects.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Cement Masons
• Construction Helpers
• Drywall Installers
• General Construction Workers
• Glaziers
• Metal and Plastic Processing Workers
• Painters
• Plasterers
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Wallpaper Hangers

Military careers

• Construction Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to drywall finishers.

• Countersink (put below the surface) nails and screws.
• Mix joint compound by hand or with portable mixers.
• Use trowels or specialized tools to spread joint compound between drywall panels.
• Fill or patch cracks or holes in the drywall with joint compound.
• Spread and smooth cementing material over taped joints.
• Press paper tape over joints.
• Install metal molding at corners of walls instead of using tape.
• Sand rough spots after cementing material dries. Apply second coat as needed.
• May tape joints using mechanical applicators instead of doing the work by hand.
• May apply textured surface and primer to walls and ceilings to prepare them for painting. Use brushes, rollers, or spray guns.

Common work activities

Drywall finishers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Get information needed to do the job
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, drywall finishers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a low to medium level of social contact. Finishers may talk to installers in person or on the telephone for brief periods, but work alone most of the time.
• Sometimes work as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for work done by other finishers.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others, especially during installation.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors, but may work outdoors on occasion. Indoor work sites may not have heating or air conditioning.
• Often are exposed to contaminants, such as dust or fumes from joint compounds.
• Regularly wear goggles or other safety devices.
• Sometimes are exposed to hazardous situations and conditions. May experience minor cuts or scratches.
• Sometimes are exposed to loud noises while construction proceeds around them.
• May get into awkward positions to reach cramped work spaces.
• Must sometimes work while on ladders or scaffolds.
• May work physically near other finishers.
• Usually travel to and from work sites in a truck or van.

Work performance

• Must fully complete and be exact in their work. Errors or omissions could slow progress on the project.
• Repeat the same physical tasks.
• Make minor decisions throughout their workday. They often act without consulting another first.
• Determine most of the daily tasks and goals independently.
• Must meet daily and weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work 40 hours per week.
• May work less in the winter when construction slows down.

Physical demands

Drywall finishers frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Climb ladders, scaffolds, or poles.

It is important for drywall finishers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for drywall finishers to be able to:

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.

Skills and abilities

Drywall finishers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Building Construction Technology
• Construction Trades

Other programs of study to consider

• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

Training

To work as a drywall finisher, you typically need to:

• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Drywall finisher jobs tend to be entry-level jobs that require little or no previous work experience. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or equivalent.

On-the-job training

Most drywall finishers receive informal on-the-job training from an experienced worker. During training you begin by moving materials and cleaning up debris. You also learn how to patch nail holes and tape joints. When you are fully trained you can make estimates and bid jobs. Training generally takes up to one year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be construction specialists. Training lasts five to eight weeks, depending on your specialty. Further training occurs on the job.

Washington apprenticeships

In Washington, drywall apprenticeship applicants must:

• be at least 18 years old;
• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• be physically able to do the work; and
• pass basic math and reading tests.

Applicants must have a current driver's license, a social security card, and their own transportation to get to job sites.

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Verified apprenticeship information above 3/26/18 cj. 3/18/19 lh

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Carpentry
• Construction
• Industrial Arts
• Physical Education

Many drywall finishers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Some employers require drywall finishers to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers are willing to hire helpers and train them to become finishers.

Employers look for applicants who are in good shape. They also look for applicants who have good math skills and can work without much supervision.

Costs to workers

Workers may need to pay for their own tools. Those who belong to a union must pay dues and an initiation fee.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Tapers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Some drywall finishers are paid by the number of panels they finish each day. Other finishers are paid by the hour. A 40-hour week is standard, but sometimes the work week may be longer. Those who are paid hourly rates receive additional pay for working overtime. Because drywall finishers can lose time due to downturns in construction activity, their overall earnings may be lower than these wages suggest.

Benefits vary by employer. Drywall finishers who work full time may receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Drywall finishers who are self-employed must provide their own insurance. Those who work for small companies may also need to provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 14% of drywall finishers are self-employed.

Almost all drywall finishers work for drywall installation contractors. Most finishers work in cities. In other areas, where there may not be enough work to keep drywall finishers busy, this work is done by carpenters and painters.

Major employers:

• Drywall installation contractors

National outlook

Demand is expected to show little to no change for drywall finishers.

This occupation is sensitive to the economy and layoffs will happen when construction of homes drops. Job openings will also occur as people leave the occupation. Job prospects are best for people with good work records.

Other resources

Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry 

Finishing Trades Institute Northwest 

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades 
7234 Parkway Drive
Hanover, MD 21076
410.564.5900

North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) 
815 16th ST, NW, Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006

Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council 
906 Columbia Street SW, Suite 107
Olympia, WA 98501
360.357.6778

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Tapers (47-2082.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupation

• Taper (842.664-010) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising
• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled