🛡️ Technical Review: Arthur M. Vance, PE, CBO (Lic #PE-88412)
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BLS OEWS 2026 Synchronized
Wallboard & Surface Prep
SOC 47-2081
50 States Covered
Drywall & Plaster Finisher Hourly Rates & 50-State Salary Index (2026)
Comprehensive 2026 wage analytics derived from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS OEWS) filings. Select your state below for local contractor hourly rates, master tiers, and state licensing authority details.
📌 2026 National Benchmark Summary: Drywall & Plaster Finisher
BLS OEWS Verified
National Median Wage
$27.40 / hr
Contractor Billable Range
$50–$95 / hr
Master Specialist Tier
$45.90 / hr
Emergency Surcharge
1.4x Base
BLS 10th Percentile
$17.80
Entry-level mechanics
National Median Wage
$27.40
Mid-career certified
BLS 90th Percentile
$45.90
Master & Specialist tier
Contractor Billable Range
$50–$95/hr
Includes overhead & insurance
📍 Select Your State for Local Drywall & Plaster Finisher Hourly Rates
Alabama
AL • Multiplier: 0.86x
$23.56/hr
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Alaska
AK • Multiplier: 1.28x
$35.07/hr
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Arizona
AZ • Multiplier: 0.98x
$26.85/hr
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Arkansas
AR • Multiplier: 0.84x
$23.02/hr
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California
CA • Multiplier: 1.34x
$36.72/hr
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Colorado
CO • Multiplier: 1.12x
$30.69/hr
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Connecticut
CT • Multiplier: 1.18x
$32.33/hr
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Delaware
DE • Multiplier: 1.05x
$28.77/hr
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Florida
FL • Multiplier: 0.96x
$26.30/hr
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Georgia
GA • Multiplier: 0.92x
$25.21/hr
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Hawaii
HI • Multiplier: 1.42x
$38.91/hr
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Idaho
ID • Multiplier: 0.97x
$26.58/hr
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Illinois
IL • Multiplier: 1.22x
$33.43/hr
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Indiana
IN • Multiplier: 0.94x
$25.76/hr
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Iowa
IA • Multiplier: 0.93x
$25.48/hr
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Kansas
KS • Multiplier: 0.91x
$24.93/hr
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Kentucky
KY • Multiplier: 0.89x
$24.39/hr
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Louisiana
LA • Multiplier: 0.9x
$24.66/hr
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Maine
ME • Multiplier: 1.02x
$27.95/hr
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Maryland
MD • Multiplier: 1.14x
$31.24/hr
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Massachusetts
MA • Multiplier: 1.3x
$35.62/hr
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Michigan
MI • Multiplier: 1.04x
$28.50/hr
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Minnesota
MN • Multiplier: 1.15x
$31.51/hr
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Mississippi
MS • Multiplier: 0.82x
$22.47/hr
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Missouri
MO • Multiplier: 0.96x
$26.30/hr
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Montana
MT • Multiplier: 0.99x
$27.13/hr
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Nebraska
NE • Multiplier: 0.92x
$25.21/hr
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Nevada
NV • Multiplier: 1.08x
$29.59/hr
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New Hampshire
NH • Multiplier: 1.09x
$29.87/hr
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New Jersey
NJ • Multiplier: 1.26x
$34.52/hr
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New Mexico
NM • Multiplier: 0.92x
$25.21/hr
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New York
NY • Multiplier: 1.35x
$36.99/hr
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North Carolina
NC • Multiplier: 0.93x
$25.48/hr
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North Dakota
ND • Multiplier: 0.98x
$26.85/hr
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Ohio
OH • Multiplier: 0.97x
$26.58/hr
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Oklahoma
OK • Multiplier: 0.88x
$24.11/hr
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Oregon
OR • Multiplier: 1.2x
$32.88/hr
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Pennsylvania
PA • Multiplier: 1.07x
$29.32/hr
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Rhode Island
RI • Multiplier: 1.16x
$31.78/hr
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South Carolina
SC • Multiplier: 0.89x
$24.39/hr
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South Dakota
SD • Multiplier: 0.9x
$24.66/hr
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Tennessee
TN • Multiplier: 0.91x
$24.93/hr
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Texas
TX • Multiplier: 0.95x
$26.03/hr
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Utah
UT • Multiplier: 1.03x
$28.22/hr
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Vermont
VT • Multiplier: 1.06x
$29.04/hr
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Virginia
VA • Multiplier: 1.08x
$29.59/hr
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Washington
WA • Multiplier: 1.27x
$34.80/hr
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West Virginia
WV • Multiplier: 0.85x
$23.29/hr
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Wisconsin
WI • Multiplier: 1.03x
$28.22/hr
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Wyoming
WY • Multiplier: 0.99x
$27.13/hr
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👨🔧 Skill Level & Experience Multipliers
Apprentice (Years 1–3):
$19.50/hr (Billable: $42.00/hr)
Journeyman (Licensed):
$29.00/hr (Billable: $70.00/hr)
Master / Specialist:
$40.50/hr (Billable: $100.00/hr)
📋 Typical Scope of Work & Projects
- ✓ Whole-House 1/2-Inch Drywall Hanging & Level 4 Finish
- ✓ Moisture-Resistant Greenboard & Cement Backerboard Installation
- ✓ Acoustic Popcorn Ceiling Removal & Smooth Skim Coating
- ✓ Water Damage Drywall Patching & Texture Matching