Across U.S. metros, plasterers typically earn $4,960 more a year than drywall installers (9%). In the 58 metros where BLS publishes both, drywall installers earn more in 35 and plasterers in 23.
| Drywall Installer | Plasterer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $53,860 | $58,820 |
| Lowest metro median | $28,420 | $37,130 |
| Highest metro median | $105,910 | $120,180 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +2.5% | +2.8% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 6,600 | 1,500 |
| Self-employed | 19% | 17% |
| Typical education | No formal educational credential | No formal educational credential |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 187 | 157 |
| Metros with pay data | 169 | 58 |
On safety, drywall installers report more injuries that cause missed work (187 vs. 157 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where drywall installers out-earn plasterers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where plasterers out-earn drywall installers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
What each trade does
Drywall Installer
Apply plasterboard or other wallboard to ceilings or interior walls of buildings. Apply or mount acoustical tiles or blocks, strips, or sheets of shock-absorbing materials to ceilings and walls of buildings to reduce or reflect sound. Materials may be of decorative quality. Includes lathers who fasten wooden, metal, or rockboard lath to walls, ceilings, or partitions of buildings to provide support base for plaster, fireproofing, or acoustical material.
Plasterer
Apply interior or exterior plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials. May also set ornamental plaster.
Compare one trade across two cities →