Drywall Technician Salary: State- by-State Guide The drywall technician salary remains one of the most talked-about topics among trade school students, job seekers, and career changers across the U.S. As construction rebounds and skilled trades grow in demand, knowing the drywall installer salary by state helps professionals decide where their work pays off best. This guide explores how pay differs from coast to coast — including hourly rates, union vs. non-union trends, and how experience, certifications, and cost of living shape real earnings. National Overview: Drywall Technician Salary Today, the drywall work continues to offer strong, stable pay for those skilled with precision and speed. The drywall technician salary across the U.S. averages $58,140 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Tapers come in higher, averaging $64,700 annually. Nationwide, the average drywall salary in each state varies, but most installers earn around $53,000 a year or roughly $26 an hour. An entry-level drywall technician's salary typically starts near $18.93 an hour, while experienced installers command $24.27 or more. Depending on union membership, geography, and years on the job, drywallers can see pay spanning $35,000 to over $74,000. For those comparing different trades, a quick trades salary comparison shows drywall careers still rank above many service or entry-level industrial roles in overall take-home pay and long-term growth. Drywall Technician Salary- State by State High Paying States for Drywall Technicians These states offer the best-paying states for drywallers , where high demand, union strength, and construction booms push wages higher. State Average Annual Salary Hourly Rate Pointers You Should Know Hawaii $75,310 $36.21 Highest pay, high cost of living Minnesota $64,840 $31.17 High demand, skilled labor needed Washington $64,150 $30.84 High demand, union strength California $61,020 $29.34 Highest growth, union jobs available Oregon $59,920 $28.81 Green building growth, union jobs Alaska $59,730 $28.72 High demand, remote work possible North Dakota $58,791 $28.26 Highest demand, energy sector jobs Utah $53,094 $25.53 Construction boom Massachusetts $56,220 $27.00 Urban demand New Jersey $54,630 $26.26 Industrial growth District of Columbia $52,410 $25.20 Federal projects Colorado $49,100 $23.61 High cost of living Connecticut $48,640 $23.38 Urban demand Pennsylvania $48,510 $23.32 Industrial markets Maryland $48,270 $23.21 Urban demand These drywall finisher salary tables show how both union coverage and living costs affect paychecks. A drywall installer salary in California , for example, may look high at first glance, but the cost-of-living data evens out actual earnings compared to lower-cost states like Oregon or Utah. Data from Indeed’s 2025 salary reports show that drywall installers in high-cost regions like California and Washington consistently top the pay charts. Middle Paying States for Drywall Technicians State Average Annual Salary Hourly Rate Pointers You Should Know Illinois $36,121 $17.37 Diverse urban centers Indiana $30,121 $14.48 Moderate demand Iowa $30,212 $14.52 Steady rural work Kansas $29,121 $13.99 Small towns Kentucky $28,126 $13.52 Rural demand Louisiana $28,121 $13.52 Storm repair projects Maine $32,121 $15.44 Seasonal Michigan $31,121 $14.96 Industrial M issouri $28,121 $13.52 Varied Montana $30,121 $14.48 Steady Nebraska $29,121 $13.99 Agricultural Nevada $31,121 $14.96 Tourism ties New Hampshire $32,121 $15.44 Seasonal New Mexico $28,121 $13.52 Rural New York $37,402 $17.98 Urban centers North Carolina $33,121 $15.92 Expanding Ohio $30,121 $14.48 Industrial Oklahoma $27,121 $13.04 Rural Pennsylvania $31,121 $14.96 Industrial Rhode Island $37,121 $17.83 Urban South Carolina $28,121 $13.52 Growing sector South Dakota $29,121 $13.99 Steady Tennessee $28,121 $13.52 Varied Vermont $31,121 $14.96 Rural focus Virginia $33,121 $15.92 Urban - rural mix Wisconsin $31,121 $14.96 Industrial Wyoming $30,121 $14.48 Rural demand Low Paying States for Drywall Technicians State Average Annual Salary Hourly Rate Pointers You Should Know Alabama $24,564 $11.81 Rural markets Arkansas $36,770 $17.67 Moderate Mississippi $35,000 $16.83 Rural West Virginia $36,750 $17.67 Rural Texas $27,662 $13.30 Entry - level friendly Florida $28,798 $13.85 High turnover Georgia $27,662 $13.30 Expanding Arizona $31,129 $15.00 Strong construction Delaware $31,929 $15.35 Suburban demand Enroll yourself in a quality drywall tech training program to become a part of the high paying states and easily make a $100k annually. Experience and Pay Differences Experience drives pay across the trades. The experience-based pay scales for drywall installers show clear growth potential. An entry-level drywall technician's salary begins around $17 per hour, rising to $23 for mid-level and up to $28 for senior-level specialists. Unionized professionals stand out even more. In major metros like Los Angeles or New York, union drywall wages by state can reach $39.25 an hour or higher. Independent drywall finishers earn about $24 per hour, depending on contracts and project size. Over time, credentials and certifications boost wages by 10 – 20%, especially in cities with consistent building demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, drywall installers and finishers earn a median annual wage that continues to rise with construction growth across the U.S. Union vs. Non-Union Pay Union drywallers earn significantly more — sometimes 70% higher than non-union peers. Union pay rates average around $39 per hour in many states, supported by overtime, benefits, and job security. Non-union workers set their own rates through experience and demand, but often face less predictable schedules. Those researching union drywall wages by state often find membership worthwhile for career stability and stronger long-term earnings. Drywall Tech Salary Per Hour Hourly pay remains a key metric for most tradespeople. The drywall tech salary per hour averages around $22.74 across the U.S. Entry-level drywall tech salary per hour starts at about $19, while top earners exceed $28 hourly. Experience Level Drywall tech salary per hour Entry - level $19 Mid - l evel $23 Senior - level $28 Top earners $30+ States like Hawaii, Minnesota, and Washington continue to rank among the best paying states for drywallers , offering $28 – $30 per hour for skilled finishers. Specialized roles, such as acoustical ceiling or foreman work, can go higher. The drywall installer salary in California , for instance, remains one of the strongest due to both union coverage and constant project flow. Drywall Tech Salary Per Month Monthly income offers a clearer view for budgeting. On average, drywall tech salary per month averages about $3,942 per month. Entry-level professionals make roughly $3,300, while senior finishers often bring home $4,500 or more. Experience Level Drywall tech sa lary per month Entry-level $3,333 Mid-level $3,942 Senior-level $4,500 Top earners $5,000+ High-cost regions like California or Washington typically show higher monthly averages. Always weigh pay against cost-of-living data , since net income can vary widely even between states with similar hourly wages. Regional Trends and Cost of Living Cities like Sunnyvale, CA; Bellevue, WA; and Cary, NC top the charts in the drywall finisher salary tables , showing annual pay between $44,000 and $55,000. But when you account for rent and expenses, take-home differences narrow. This is where drywall salary benchmarks and cost-of-living data matter most — the highest wages don’t always equal the best quality of life. States like Texas or Florida, while lower paying, attract many workers due to climate, job availability, and cheaper living. For anyone comparing trades, a trades salary comparison again shows drywall as a steady and upward-moving field. Drywall Tech Salary Calculator For anyone planning ahead, the drywall job salary calculator helps estimate pay by state and experience level: Hourly Rate × 40 Hours × 52 Weeks = Annual Salary Example: A drywall installer salary in California averaging $29.34/hour equals roughly $61,020 per year. Add overtime or union bonuses, and that figure rises by 10 – 20%. Using this formula, drywallers can assess potential earnings before relocating or negotiating new contracts. Conclusion Overall, the drywall technician salary remains competitive and full of opportunity. With clear experience-based pay scales , the right certifications for drywall technicians , and awareness of drywall salary benchmarks , skilled workers can position themselves for strong, st able careers. Whether you’re comparing trades, exploring new markets, or running your own contracting business, understanding the drywall installer salary by state gives you the power to plan smarter and earn better in the year ahead. Enroll in PTTI today, to learn skills that pay more than $100k a year. FAQs 1. What is the average drywall technician salary? The average drywall technician salary across the U.S. is about $58,000 per year , or around $26 per hour . However, this number varies depending on state, experience, and union status. For example, a drywall installer salary in California can exceed $60,000 annually, while workers in lower-cost states may earn closer to $40,000. 2. Which states offer the best paying jobs for drywallers? The best paying states for drywallers include Hawaii, Minnesota, and Washington. These states show hourly rates above $28, driven by union presence and constant construction demand. California, Oregon, and Alaska also remain strong markets, but the cost-of-living data should always be factored when comparing total earnings. 3. How much does an entry-level drywall technician make? An entry-level drywall technician salary typically starts between $18 and $20 per hour , translating to roughly $38,000 to $41,000 annually. Apprenticeships and safety certifications can push starting pay slightly higher. As workers gain skill and speed, their earnings rise quickly, especially in metro areas with larger projects. 4. What is the drywall finisher hourly wage by state? The drywall finisher hourly wage [state] can range from $14 to $30 , depending on local demand, union membership, and job type. For instance, finishers in states like Minnesota or Hawaii earn close to $30 per hour, while those in southern or rural regions may see closer to $15. 5. Are union drywall wages higher than non-union pay? Yes. Union drywall wages by state can be 70% higher than non-union rates. In cities such as New York or Los Angeles, union finishers often make $39.25 per hour or more, along with overtime and benefits. Non-union drywallers may have more flexible work options, but their pay tends to fluctuate with local demand. 6. How do experience levels affect drywall pay? Experience is a major factor in experience-based pay scales for drywallers. Mid-level workers average about $23 per hour , while seasoned pros or supervisors make up to $28 – $30 . Those who specialize in acoustical ceilings or decorative drywall often earn even more due to their advanced skills. 7. What certi fications can increase a drywall technician’s salary? Earning certifications for drywall technicians — such as OSHA safety training, advanced finishing programs, or union apprenticeship completion — can boost wages by 10 – 15% Certifications show employers you can handle complex projects, which translates to higher pay and steadier work. 8. How can I calculate my drywall salary for my state? You can estimate your income using a simple drywall job salary calculator : Hourly Rate × 40 Hours × 52 Weeks = Annual Salary. For instance, if your drywall finisher hourly wage [state] is $27, your yearly salary would be about $56,160. Adjust this number for overtime or union benefits for a more accurate figure.