Dry-Wall Applicators (usually called Installers) attach dry-wall panels to the inside framework of houses and other buildings. Dry-wall consists of a thin wall of plaster sandwiched between two pieces of heavy paper and is applied to the ceilings and interior walls of a building by the Installer.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Dry-Wall Applicators may:

Cut and fit wallboard to studding and joists

Mark measurements on wallboard

Cut out openings in the wall panels for electric outlets, plumbing

connections, and air-conditioning units

Fit and attach wallboard to supports

Trim rough edges of wallboard to obtain an even joint

Install metal corners and stop beads

Tapers may:

Mix sealing compound and spread it over joints between boards

Press paper tape over the joint to imbed it in the compound and seal the joint

Apply fiberglass tape to the joint

Spread and smooth cementing material over the tape to blend the joint with the wall surface

Fill nicks and cracks in walls and ceilings

Sand rough spots after cement has dried

Tapers may specialize in sanding taped joints, bumps, and other rough areas and be known as dry-wall sanders; when sealing joints between wallboard using a machine, they are called machine wallboard Tapers.

The tools, equipment, and materials used by Dry-Wall Installers may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Dry-wall Installers may specialize in several areas such as hanging dry-wall panels on metal framework in offices, schools, and other large buildings. This sometimes requires making floor-to-ceiling frames and erecting suspended ceilings. They may also specialize in these areas:

842.361-030 DRYWALL APPLICATORS and

842.684-014 DRY-WALL APPLICATORS (usually called Installers) attach dry-wall panels to the inside framework of houses and other buildings. Dry wall consists of a thin wall of plaster sandwiched between two pieces of heavy paper and is applied to the ceilings and interior walls of a building by the Installer.

842.664-010 TAPERS (usually called Dry-Wall Finishers) seal the joints between plasterboard or other wallboards to prepare wall surfaces for painting or other treatment.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Dry-Wall Applicators (Installers) are usually assisted by a helper because dry-wall panels are too heavy and cumbersome for one person to handle. They perform as a team when installing a ceiling. Tapers (Finishers) may work with a crew.

They work indoors, sometimes in cramped or uncomfortable areas. They may encounter such hazards as falls from ladders or scaffolding, muscle strains from lifting, and injury from handling materials or tools. Tapers are also exposed to wetness from water used to mix sealing compound, while Dry-Wall sanders come into contact with fumes and dust from sealing and cementing material.

They usually work 40 hours per week, but sometimes work longer. Because they work indoors, they do not lose time and pay when the weather is bad unlike many construction workers. They may be required to travel to different construction sites and furnish their own transportation.

Dry-Wall Applicators and Tapers are usually required to buy their own tools.

Dry-Wall Applicators and Tapers may be asked to join a union. Some Applicators belong to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. Some Tapers belong to the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades. Individuals who are members of a union must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities involving processes or techniques

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities which produce observable results

You Should Be Able To:

• Direct or plan an activity

• Attain set limits or standards

• See differences in form and surfaces (if a Taper)

• Do simple arithmetic accurately

• Make decisions based on measurable standards

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If a room is 10 feet by 10 feet and the ceiling is 8 feet high, how many square feet of dry-wall will it take to complete the walls?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

A consumer is anyone who buys goods or services for personal use. At one time or another, everyone is a consumer.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a letter of apology to any customer that you may have angered while on the job.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the most efficient way to dry-wall a house so you don't waste any time.

Some employers require a driver's license.  

The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click herefor "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Residential Maintenance and Alteration Contractor for specific licensing information.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer and a High School Diploma or Equivalent may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY , 3400 WOODS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although this occupation has apprenticeship programs available in Michigan, they are limited in number. See the Sources Of More Information below for name, address and phone number of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.

You will also find a more extensive list of information sources in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Items.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

You may gain experience through part-time work as an Installer's helper, laborer, or taper (dry-wall finisher).

            School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Dry-Wall Installer employer

internships

volunteer work with a Dry-Wall Installer employer

community service work with an agency

Most Dry-Wall Installers find jobs by applying directly to employers such as dry-wall contractors and general contractors. Assistance in locating a job may be obtained from local unions such as the Carpenters' District Council or the Painters' District Council, local offices of Michigan Works!, and newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank ( http://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage)

America's Job Bank ( http://www.ajb.dni.us )

ConstructionGigs.com ( http://www.constructiongigs.com )

Building Industry Association of Southeastern Michigan ( http://www.builders.org/ )

            You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Dry-Wall Applicators' and Tapers' earnings depend on union affiliation, economic factors affecting construction, and whether they are self-employed. Earnings of self-employed Installers and of Installers who are paid on a piecework basis also vary with individual skill and productivity.

Nationally, in early 2002, basic hourly wage rates for Dry-Wall Installers and Tapers working in residential construction averaged $19.63. Some experienced, unionized workers were paid over $20.00 an hour. Some contractors pay Installers and Tapers by the amount of work they complete. Median weekly earnings were $517 in 2001. The median weekly earnings of  "all" workers in the U.S. were $597 in 2001.

Most nonunion Dry-Wall workers are paid on a piecework basis, or subcontract their labor skills. Those who are paid hourly rates may receive premium pay for overtime.

Union apprentices generally start at 55% of the journeyperson rate and receive 5% increases every 4 months while they are in training.

Hourly rates, including fringe benefits, for unionized commercial Dry-Wall Finishers in several Michigan areas were (early 2002):

Benefits depend upon the employer and union affiliation. They may include health and life insurance, paid vacations and holidays, and pension plans. Employees and employers may jointly contribute to a union trust fund used to pay for certain benefits.

Advancement from Dry-Wall Applicator or Taper to supervisor or dry-wall contractor may require leadership ability as well as additional education and training.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

There were about 114,200 Dry-Wall Installers and Tapers employed nationally in 2000. Employment for this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2010. Additionally, about 20.4% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Dry-Wall Installers and Tapers looked like this:

The number of new workers needed each year may vary, however, because construction activity fluctuates. Opportunities may be more favorable in commercial construction, which is usually less sensitive to changes in interest rates than residential construction. Opportunities will be best with large construction companies in metropolitan areas. Smaller construction companies may not have enough work to hire full-time dry-wall installers.

About 3,350 Dry-Wall Installers were employed in Michigan. About 57.6% of them worked in urban areas. Most Dry-Wall Installers worked in the construction industry, primarily for contractors that specialize in dry-wall construction. Others worked for contractors that do other specialized types of construction or all kinds of construction. In late 2001, there were about 68 apprentices in training for this occupation, and 1 completed the apprentice program during the prior 12 months.  

The number of Dry-Wall Installers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2008. An average of 80 annual openings is expected with 30 due to growth and 50 due to replacement of those who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

Because employment in this occupation depends on the economy, the number of openings may vary by the season and by the year. Recently, residential construction has increased as a result of lower mortgage and interest rates. Non-residential construction has also increased as small and large firms expand or renovate existing facilities. There are positive prospects in the areas of environmental and public works construction.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2008

MSA designates a Metropolitan Statistical Area.

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Dry-Wall Installer can be summarized by the following:

Copyright © 2003 Michigan Department of Career Development