Someone who installs drywall is professionally known as a drywall installer, drywaller, or drywall mechanic.
Drywall installers are also called drywallers or hangers. They cut and hang the panels of wallboard. The tools they use include tape measures, straightedges, utility knives, and power saws. Ceiling tile installers hang ceiling tiles and create suspended ceilings.
If you're considering a drywall finisher career, you're looking at a skilled trade that transforms raw construction into smooth, paint-ready walls and ceilings. It's hands-on work that rewards precision.
This process requires a steady hand and strong attention to detail. You must also be able to deliver perfect results on tight deadlines. Your job as a drywall finisher is important. You could be working on a new high-rise building or you might be doing a home renovation.
Drywall pricing is typically calculated per square foot. This is a simple way to estimate how much money you will need for your project, based on the size of your walls and ceilings. The cost of drywall including materials and labor is between $1.50 and $3.50 per sq. ft.
Common mistakes, such as improper screw spacing, overdriving screws, or neglecting to stagger joints can result in weak walls, screw pops, or visible seams. This guide aims to help both DIYers and professionals avoid pitfalls, ensuring a smooth, long-lasting finish for any drywall project.
Drywall is available in 4-foot x 8, 10, or 12-foot-long sheets. A 4×8 sheet occupies 32ft of space. One sheet costs between $10 and $20, depending on the kind and thickness. The total costs can range between $750 and $5000, depending on the size of the wall or ceiling area (500-1500 square feet) used in a home project.
If you think an apprenticeship may be the right path for you, consider exploring this list of some of the highest-paid apprenticeships:
If you earn $40,000 a year, your hourly rate is roughly $19.23 before taxes. That's based on working 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year—a total of 2,080 hours annually.
If you're thinking about drywalling a 10x10 room, it's important to understand the costs involved. This process typically includes materials, labor, and any additional supplies you might need. The average cost to drywall a room of this size can range from $300 to $800, depending on various factors.
Probably Electrical is the hardest to learn since there are so many codes to follow, painting might be the hardest to do well though.
Some people add a small amount of dish soap to drywall mud to reduce surface tension, which helps release air bubbles and create a smoother, more even finish, especially when applying the final "skim coat"; however, this practice is not recommended by professionals as it can potentially weaken the adhesion of the mud ...
Applying for the C9 Drywall Contractors License in CA
Obtaining the C9 Drywall California contractor's license requires applying for the license and successfully passing two state exams: the Law & Business exam, as well as the C9 Trade exam.
Plasterers – whitewashers and ceiling artists
Plasterers earned some of the most unusual nicknames, thanks to the visibility of their work. “Whitewashers” was one of the oldest and simplest, describing the lime-based finish that covered countless walls.
How much does someone charge to finish drywall? Contractors typically charge $45–$90 per hour or price the job per square foot. Skilled tapers and higher finish levels fall on the higher end of the range.
If you make $70,000 a year, your hourly salary would be $33.65.
Hourly to Salary Examples
$40 an hour is $83,200 per year.
If your hourly income is $2, your monthly income will total at about $346.67. This calculation assumes a standard 30-31 day month.
High-Paying Trades In 2026
Key Apprenticeship Program Apprentice Incentive
KAP Apprentice Incentive provides financial support to eligible apprentices of up to $10,000 for full-time apprentices and up to $5,000 for part-time apprentices and paid in instalments below: $2,000 at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months and on completion for full-time apprentices.
Provide extra protection
PURPLE® XP® is a specially treated, mold- and fire-resistant paper-faced gypsum board that provides Xtra Protection (XP) against mold and mildew compared to standard gypsum board.
Drywall cost
The labor cost to hang and finish drywall is $1.00 to $2.70 per square foot. The cost to drywall a 12' x 12' room is $580 to $1,800. The cost to drywall a 2,000 square foot house is $8,000 to $30,000. Most homeowners spend $1,000 to $3,000 on their drywall project.
Common Signs of a Bad Drywall Job