How much does a Drywall Finisher make?
A Drywall Finisher works to ensure that the walls in buildings look smooth and ready for painting. This skilled profession requires knowledge of different tools and materials. People in this job often find that their salary can grow as they gain more experience.
The average yearly salary for a Drywall Finisher is around $52,343. This means that many finishers earn somewhere near this number each year. However, salaries can vary based on the person’s experience, location, and the company they work for. Some Drywall Finishers may make more, while others may make less. Here are some specific salary ranges:
- The lowest 10% earn about $32,000 per year.
- The middle 50% earn between $45,273 and $65,182 per year.
- The highest 10% earn more than $98,364 per year.
What are the highest paying cities for a Drywall Finisher?

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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $68,863
In San Diego, skilled professionals find ample opportunities with prominent construction firms. The demand for high-quality finishes drives the need for expert drywall finishers. Companies like Swinerton Builders and JMA Construction offer stable employment.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $68,697
Seattle offers a vibrant job market for those in the finishing trades. With a focus on sustainable building, firms like Simpson Strong-Tie and McGivern Inc. seek adept finishers. The city's booming construction sector provides steady work.
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Spokane, WA
Average Salary: $66,659
Spokane presents a strong market for drywall finishers, with local builders valuing their expertise. Firms such as The Hemker Group and Dahl Brothers Construction are known for their quality work. This city offers a mix of residential and commercial projects.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $66,151
Denver's construction industry thrives, creating many openings for drywall finishers. Companies like SmithGroup and Delugan Meissl seek skilled workers. The city's diverse projects offer a dynamic work environment.
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Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $64,164
Charlotte has a growing demand for drywall finishers, with a mix of projects from large corporations. Firms like Bechtel and Skanska USA offer opportunities. The city's expanding urban landscape drives the need for skilled tradespeople.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $62,110
Minneapolis offers diverse job opportunities for drywall finishers, with firms like Ryan Companies and Mortenson Construction leading the way. The city's focus on quality construction creates a stable job market.
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St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $61,964
St. Louis presents a range of projects for drywall finishers, from commercial to residential. Companies like McCarthy Building Companies and Gilbane Building Company provide steady work. The city's commitment to infrastructure development ensures ongoing opportunities.
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Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $61,466
Las Vegas offers a dynamic job market for drywall finishers, with numerous large-scale projects. Companies like Clark Construction Group and AECOM are always in need of skilled workers. The city's rapid growth creates many opportunities.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $60,676
Los Angeles boasts a bustling construction industry, offering many positions for drywall finishers. Firms such as AECOM and Clark Construction Group look for experienced tradespeople. The city's diverse projects provide a dynamic work environment.
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Orlando, FL
Average Salary: $60,620
Orlando offers a vibrant job market for drywall finishers, with a mix of commercial and residential projects. Companies like Swinerton Builders and Balfour Beatty Construction seek skilled workers. The city's focus on tourism infrastructure creates steady demand.
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What are the best companies a Drywall Finisher can work for?

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Blue Chip Maintenance
Average Salary: $60,455
Blue Chip Maintenance offers excellent opportunities for Drywall Finishers. They focus on quality and customer satisfaction. This company operates in major cities across the country, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
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Tradesmen International
Average Salary: $59,579
Tradesmen International provides Drywall Finishers with great pay and benefits. They value teamwork and skill development. This company has locations in cities like Houston, Miami, and Denver.
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Hardhat Workforce Solutions
Average Salary: $56,636
Hardhat Workforce Solutions is known for offering competitive wages to Drywall Finishers. They focus on providing stable employment with room for growth. This company works in cities like Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Atlanta.
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Mr. Handyman
Average Salary: $56,621
Mr. Handyman offers Drywall Finishing jobs with a good salary. They emphasize customer service and professional development. This company operates in various cities, including Boston, Seattle, and Tampa.
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Handyman Connection
Average Salary: $55,308
Handyman Connection provides Drywall Finishers with attractive compensation packages. They focus on creating a supportive work environment. This company has locations in several major cities, including Dallas, Phoenix, and Minneapolis.
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IUPAT DC 53
Average Salary: $53,832
IUPAT DC 53 offers Drywall Finishing jobs with a solid average salary. They prioritize the well-being of their workers and offer various benefits. This union operates in many cities, including San Diego, Portland, and St. Louis.
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Gillmann Services
Average Salary: $51,000
Gillmann Services provides Drywall Finishers with fair compensation. They focus on quality work and customer satisfaction. This company has locations in cities like Charlotte, Columbus, and Salt Lake City.
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Ritsema Associates
Average Salary: $49,745
Ritsema Associates offers Drywall Finishing jobs with a good salary. They value the skills and dedication of their workers. This company operates in cities like Nashville, Wichita, and Sacramento.
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RQ Construction
Average Salary: $48,452
RQ Construction provides Drywall Finishing jobs with a fair salary. They focus on providing a supportive and professional work environment. This company has locations in several cities, including Raleigh, Louisville, and Richmond.
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Acousti Engineering Company
Average Salary: $44,904
Acousti Engineering Company offers Drywall Finishing jobs with a competitive salary. They prioritize quality and innovation. This company operates in cities like Kansas City, Jacksonville, and Milwaukee.
How to earn more as a Drywall Finisher?
A drywall finisher can improve their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Mastery of drywall finishing techniques is fundamental. Skilled finishers can complete tasks faster and with higher quality, leading to increased demand and higher pay. Networking within the construction community can open up opportunities for higher-paying jobs. Referrals from satisfied clients can also lead to better-paying contracts. Another significant factor is obtaining additional certifications. Certifications in areas like tape and texture application can set a finisher apart from the competition and justify higher rates. Lastly, building a strong reputation for reliability and excellence can command premium pricing for services.
Another way to earn more as a drywall finisher involves strategic career moves. Taking on leadership roles within a construction team can increase earning potential. Managing projects or mentoring less experienced finishers provides an avenue for higher compensation. Geographical flexibility can also lead to higher pay. Working in areas with a high demand for skilled drywall finishers often comes with better wages. Specializing in niche areas such as textured finishes or acoustic ceilings can also command higher rates. Each of these strategies provides a pathway to greater financial rewards.
Investing in quality tools and equipment can also enhance a drywall finisher's earning potential. High-quality tools increase efficiency and reduce the risk of rework, which saves time and money. Employers often value workers who come equipped and ready to work, which can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Below are factors to consider for improving earnings:
- Mastery of techniques
- Networking and referrals
- Certifications and training
- Leadership and management roles
- Geographical flexibility and specialization



