Drywall Installers and Finishers

Employers

Approximately 136,600 drywall and ceiling tile installers are employed in the United States and nearly 22 percent are self-employed. Most drywall installers and finishers work primarily for drywall contractors associated with the construction industry. Typically installers and finishers find work in more heavily populated areas, such as cities, where there is enough work for full-time employment in their specialty.

Starting Out

If you want to work in this field, you can start out as an on-the-job trainee or as an apprentice. Those who plan to learn the trade as they work may apply directly to contracting companies for entry-level jobs as helpers. Good places to look for job openings include the offices of the state employment service, the classified ads section in local newspapers, and the local offices of the major unions in the field. Information about apprenticeship programs may be obtained from local contractors or local unions.