Drywall Installers
Description OES Code: 87108
Drywall Installers and tapers are construction workers who install and tape drywall panels to the framework inside houses and other buildings. After the drywall panels are placed, the Tapers prepare the panels with tape by applying the tape to surfaces of walls and ceilings for painting.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $13.18
25th Percentile $15.49
50th Percentile $19.99
75th Percentile $25.21

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $16.41
25th Percentile $18.66
50th Percentile $20.67
75th Percentile $22.79

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Drywall Installers and Tapers are sometimes paid on a piece work basis, depending on how high they need to climb to do the job and how difficult the job is.

If benefits are available, they generally include vacations and holiday pay, health insurance and a retirement pension.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 12,000
Projected Employment 2008 14,700
Percent Change 1998-2008 22.5%
Separations 1998-2008 1,800

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 250
Projected Employment 2006 360
Percent Change 1999-2006 44%
Separations 1999-2006 30

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Drywall Installers and Tapers work in buildings that are under construction, so they are subject to dust, dirt, loud noises, and bad weather. They may work on ladders and platforms and may lift big, heavy sections of drywall.

Advancement
Skilled Drywall Installers and Tapers may become supervisors, or they may start their own business. In order to be a business owner, a license is required. The license, from the State Contractor's Board, requires four years of journey-level experience and the knowledge to pass the written trade and business test. A large number of Drywall workers are self-employed, especially in small towns and rural areas.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Journey-level Drywall Installers and Tapers can apply directly to contractors or the appropriate union in their area. They can also search the newspaper classified ads. They may also contact the California Employment Development Department Job Service. Applicants for helper positions should contact the union or call drywall contractors in the local area to learn the trade.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Apprenticeship training is available for Drywall Installers and Tapers. The training takes between three and four years to complete. The training requires that classes be taken and actual on-the-job training be included as part of the program. It is helpful if courses in math, wood shop, blueprint reading, and mechanical drawing were taken.

To apply for the training, applicants should contact their local Joint Apprenticeship Committee or the local carpenters union for Installers and the painters union for Tapers. In areas where there is no union
apprenticeship program, many Drywall Installers and Tapers get the experience and skills by working as helpers to experienced workers.

Skills & Other Requirements
Applicants for the apprenticeship training must be at least 17 years old, be physically strong and active, able to do precision work and maneuver heavy panels, have the flexibility to tolerate a lot of bending and kneeling, and capable of using sanding tools and filler compounds for smoothing over bumps and cracks.

References
California Occupational Guide #524

Related Occupations: Painters and Paperhangers, Carpenters

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)