Drywall Installers Salary in Vermont

Drywall installers in Vermont earn a median salary of $48,480 annually or $23.31 per hour. Entry-level workers (10th percentile) start around $38,040, while experienced installers (90th percentile) can earn up to $72,800. The middle 50% earn between $46,800 and $52,190. Pay varies based on experience level, with union membership, specialty work like acoustical installations, and working in Vermont's larger metro areas typically commanding higher wages. The 25th to 75th percentile range is relatively tight at about $5,400, suggesting consistent pay scales across the state. Vermont's cost of living is slightly above national average (1.033), making the cost-adjusted salary $46,931. While Vermont's median is below the national average of $58,140, the lower cost of living in rural areas helps offset this difference. The construction industry in Vermont shows steady demand, particularly in residential remodeling and commercial projects. Job security is generally good, as drywall work is essential in virtually all construction projects, from new builds to renovations.

Vermont doesn't require licensing for drywall installers, making entry straightforward. Most workers enter through on-the-job training or formal apprenticeships lasting 2-3 years. The Vermont Department of Labor partners with construction companies and unions to offer apprenticeship programs. These programs combine classroom instruction (typically 144 hours annually) with hands-on training under experienced installers. Apprentices start earning 40-60% of journeyman wages ($19,400-$29,100 annually), with regular pay increases as skills develop. Vermont's Community College System offers construction trades programs that include drywall installation basics. The Associated General Contractors of Vermont and local IBEW chapters occasionally sponsor training programs. Key skills include reading blueprints, measuring accurately, and understanding building codes. Vermont's construction season peaks during warmer months, though interior work continues year-round. Many successful installers start with residential framing crews or general contractors who provide cross-training. The state's focus on energy-efficient construction creates opportunities for installers skilled in insulation integration and vapor barriers. Union membership through the United Brotherhood of Carpenters provides access to better wages, benefits, and training opportunities, though non-union work is common in Vermont's smaller markets.

The gap between Vermont's lowest and highest-paid drywall installers is significant—$34,760 separates the 10th percentile ($38,040) from the 90th percentile ($72,800). Experience is the primary driver, with entry-level workers earning around $38,040 while seasoned professionals command $72,800. Union membership substantially impacts earnings, with union installers typically falling in the upper percentiles. Specialty work like acoustical tile installation, metal framing, and commercial projects pays premium rates. Geographic location within Vermont matters—installers in Burlington and surrounding Chittenden County generally earn more than those in rural areas. The 50th percentile ($48,480) sits close to the 25th percentile ($46,800), suggesting many workers cluster in this range initially. The jump to the 75th percentile ($52,190) and especially the 90th percentile ($72,800) typically requires specialized skills, supervisory roles, or consistent commercial work. Self-employed contractors who handle multiple trades or run crews often reach the highest earning brackets.