Drywall Installers vs Painters (Construction & Maintenance)
Side-by-side comparison of salary, job growth, and training requirements based on BLS data.
Overview
Both drywall installation and painting are essential construction trades with solid earning potential and steady demand. Drywall installers earn a higher median salary at $58,140 versus painters' $48,660 - a $9,480 difference. However, painters edge out slightly in job growth projections at 5.5% versus 5.0% over the next decade. Drywall work focuses on hanging and taping panels to create smooth wall surfaces, while painters apply protective and decorative coatings to various structures. Both require 2-4 years of training through apprenticeships or on-the-job learning. Each trade offers paths to specialization and business ownership, making them viable long-term career choices.
Salary Breakdown
Drywall installers command higher median wages at $58,140 annually, reflecting the specialized skill required for precision taping and finishing work. Entry-level drywall workers typically start around $35,000, while experienced professionals can earn $70,000+. Painters earn $48,660 median salary, with entry-level around $30,000 and experienced painters reaching $65,000+. Both trades offer overtime opportunities during busy construction seasons. Specialty work significantly boosts earnings - custom finishes for painters and acoustic ceiling work for drywall installers can command premium rates. Commercial and industrial projects typically pay more than residential work in both fields.
Work Environment
Both trades work primarily indoors on construction sites, though painters also work extensively outdoors on bridges, buildings, and structures. Drywall installation involves heavy lifting, working on ladders, and repetitive overhead motions that can strain shoulders and backs. The work creates significant dust despite safety measures. Painting involves chemical exposure requiring proper ventilation and protective equipment, plus the physical demands of brush and roller work. Both trades experience seasonal fluctuations, with peak activity in spring through fall. Travel between job sites is common, and overtime during project deadlines is expected in both careers.
Career Growth
Drywall installers can advance to crew supervision, estimating, or specialize in complex commercial projects, acoustic ceilings, or high-end residential finishing. Many successful installers start their own drywall companies, with established businesses earning six figures. Painters have broader specialization options including industrial coatings, decorative finishes, restoration work, or lead abatement services. The painting business model often scales more easily, allowing for residential and commercial service companies. Both trades benefit from construction management or contractor licensing. However, painting offers more diverse market segments - from maintenance contracts to specialty artistic work - providing multiple revenue streams for entrepreneurs.
Who should choose Drywall Installers?
Choose drywall installation if you prefer working with your hands on precise, measurable tasks that create the foundation for finished spaces. This career suits detail-oriented individuals who take pride in creating perfectly smooth, level surfaces. You'll thrive if you enjoy problem-solving around building irregularities and don't mind dusty conditions. The higher earning potential appeals to those prioritizing income, while the specialized skill set provides job security. It's ideal for people who prefer working systematically through projects with clear completion milestones rather than ongoing maintenance work.
Typical path: On-the-job training or apprenticeship; no license typically required
Explore Drywall Installers →Who should choose Painters (Construction & Maintenance)?
Choose painting if you enjoy seeing immediate transformation in your work and appreciate variety in projects, from residential homes to industrial structures. This trade suits people who are detail-oriented but also creative, especially those interested in decorative techniques or color coordination. You'll succeed if you're comfortable with chemical safety protocols and enjoy customer interaction in residential settings. The diverse specialization options appeal to those wanting multiple career paths, from maintenance painting to high-end decorative work. It's perfect for individuals who prefer flexibility in work environments and project types over maximum earning potential.
Typical path: Apprenticeship or on-the-job training; EPA lead-safe certification for pre-1978 buildings
Explore Painters (Construction & Maintenance) →The Bottom Line
Both trades offer stable careers with good earning potential. Choose drywall installation for higher immediate income and specialized skills, or painting for greater variety and broader business opportunities. Your preference for precision work versus creative application should guide your decision.