Drywall Installers

Career summary

#split from 4244; use 47-2081 SOC check 3/14/19

Drywall installers read blueprints to gather information about the requirements of the job and plan a method for installing the drywall. They also determine which tools they will need.

Drywall installers measure and cut drywall panels to fit the walls and ceilings they are covering. They use tape measures to measure room sizes, and mark cutting points on the drywall panels. In addition to cutting panels to fit around doors and windows, installers cut holes for items such as light switches, electrical outlets, and plumbing.

Once panels are the right size, installers trim the edges so they are smooth. They attach the panels to walls and ceilings. Panels are heavy, so installers may have assistants help lift and move them. When installing panels on ceilings, installers often use lifts to raise the panels to the correct height. Installers nail, screw, or glue the panels to the wall framework. Installers also work with drywall finishers who cover the seams between the drywall panels.

On some jobs, drywall installers remove existing drywall, paneling, or plaster before adding drywall. They use crowbars and hammers to remove these wall coverings. If they damage the underlying insulation, they add new insulation and add moisture barriers. Sometimes drywall installers add new walls as part of a job.

Related careers

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

Related careers include:

• Bricklayers and Stonemasons
• Building Maintenance Workers
• Carpenters
• Cement Masons
• Drywall Finishers
• Insulation Installers
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Structural Metal Workers
• Tile Setters
• Weatherization Installers and Technicians

Military careers

• Construction Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to drywall installers.

• Read blueprints. Plan method of installation and determine which tools to use.
• Remove existing plaster, drywall, or paneling, using a crowbar and hammer.
• Install insulation and moisture barriers.
• Erect framing for new interior walls. Use power tools to cut wood.
• Install metal or wooden studs for new interior walls.
• Measure and mark reference lines and cutting points on drywall.
• Cut holes in drywall for electrical outlets, windows, and other items.
• Trim edges of drywall so they are smooth.
• Fasten drywall using nails, screws, or glue.
• Coordinate work with drywall finishers.

Common work activities

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

• Handle and move objects
• Get information needed to do the job
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Make decisions and solve problems

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, drywall installers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact. Installers talk to supervisors and coworkers throughout the day, but may also work alone.
• When they do communicate with others, they usually do so by telephone or face-to-face discussions.
• Usually work as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Are responsible for the work done by other installers and finishers.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors, although work sites may not have air conditioning or heating.
• Sometimes are exposed to contaminants, such as fumes from glues.
• Sometimes are required to get into awkward positions to work in cramped work places such as closets.
• Sometimes are exposed to hazardous situations and equpiment that may produce cuts.
• May work physically near other workers.
• May work at job sites that don't yet have heating or air conditioning.
• May have to reach high places to complete work.

Work performance

• Must fully complete and be exact in their work. Errors could slow down projects if they have to redo their work.
• May repeat the same physical activities.
• Make minor decisions throughout their workday. The results of their decisions impact their reputation as craftspeople.
• 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 jobs slow down.

Physical demands

Drywall installers 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.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.

It is important for drywall installers to be able to:

• 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.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.

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

• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.

Skills and abilities

Drywall installers need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.

Reason and problem solve

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

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 installer, you typically need to:

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

Education after high school

Drywall installer 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 installers receive informal on-the-job training from an experienced worker. During training, you learn to:

• lift and place panels;
• nail drywall into wall; and
• measure and cut panels.

Training may last 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

#Checked apprenticeship info 3/24/05 lh, 3/25/08 & 3/22/10 & 3/27/12, 3/4/14, 4/5/16, 3/26/18 cj.

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 installers 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.

• Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers 

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

Wages

Some drywall installers are paid by the number of panels they install each day. Other installers 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 premium pay for overtime. Because drywall installers can lose time due to downturns in construction activity, their overall earnings may be lower than these wages suggest.

Many drywall installers are self-employed. These workers must provide their own health insurance and retirement plan. 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 installers are self-employed.

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

Major employers:

• Drywall installation contractors

National outlook

Demand is expected to grow slower than average for drywall installers.

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 experience and a good work history.

Other resources

Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry 

Finishing Trades Institute Northwest 

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

• Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers (47-2081.00) 

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 occupations

• Dry-wall Applicator (842.361-030) 
• Dry-wall Applicator (842.684-014) 
• Sheetrock Applicator (869.684-050) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled