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Permit&Labor
US Construction & Trade Index
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Reviewed by Arthur M. Vance, PE, CBO Verified Professional
Licensed Professional Engineer (Lic #PE-88412) & ICC Certified Building Official. Validated against 2026 BLS OEWS May regional updates and Illinois Department of Labor benchmarks.
Illinois (IL) SOC 47-2081 2020 NEC Active

Drywall & Plaster Finisher Hourly Rates & Contractor Costs in Illinois (2026)

State-specific wage telemetry for Illinois derived from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS OEWS). Regional hourly compensation, billable contractor spreads, and licensing verification for Illinois.

📌 Illinois Drywall & Plaster Finisher Cost Snapshot (2026)

IL Labor Index: 1.22x
Illinois Median Wage
$33.43 / hr
Contractor Billable Range
$61–$116 / hr
Journeyman Billable
$85.40 / hr
Governing Code
2021 IRC (Municipal)
IL 10th Percentile
$21.72
Entry-level wage
IL Median Wage
$33.43
BLS Illinois median
IL 90th Percentile
$56.00
Master mechanic tier
Illinois Billable Spread
$61–$116/hr
Contractor invoice rate
Interactive Calculation Engine

⚡ Quick Illinois Drywall & Plaster Finisher Cost Calculator

Illinois Multiplier: 1.22x
Labor Total: $0.00
Materials & Tax: $0.00
Est. Permit Allocation: $150.00
Total Estimated Outlay: $0.00

👨‍🔧 Illinois Experience Tiers & Billing Rates

Apprentice: $23.79/hr (Billable: $51.24/hr)
Journeyman (IL Licensed): $35.38/hr (Billable: $85.40/hr)
Master / Specialist: $49.41/hr (Billable: $122.00/hr)

🏛️ Illinois Governing Codes & Licensing Authority

State Building Code: 2021 IRC (Municipal)
Electrical / Energy Code: 2020 NEC
Cost of Labor Index: 1.22x national baseline
🔗 Illinois Licensing Board Portal

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Illinois Drywall & Plaster Finisher Rates)

How much does a Drywall & Plaster Finisher charge per hour in Illinois?

In 2026, licensed Drywall & Plaster Finishers in Illinois average a median BLS wage of $33.43/hour. Billable contractor rates range between $61 and $116/hour depending on master tier certification, service complexity, and whether the job is scheduled or emergency after-hours.

What is the difference in billing rates between Journeyman and Master Drywall & Plaster Finishers in Illinois?

In Illinois, Journeyman mechanics bill out at approximately $85.40/hour, while Master contractors and specialized technicians bill between $122.00 and $115.90/hour for complex engineering scopes and service calls.

What technical building and electrical codes apply in Illinois?

All Drywall & Plaster Finisher work in Illinois must comply with 2021 IRC (Municipal) and 2020 NEC. Failing to meet these standards can result in failed municipal rough-in inspections and re-inspection penalties.

How can I verify a Drywall & Plaster Finisher contractor license in Illinois?

Property owners and general contractors can verify active state licensing, general liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage directly through the official Illinois licensing portal at https://idfpr.illinois.gov/.

🛠️ Other Specialized Trade Labor Rates in Illinois

Licensed Electrician $40.48/hr Master & Journeyman Plumber $39.59/hr HVAC / Mechanical Contractor $36.78/hr Roofing Contractor & Installer $32.33/hr Framing & Finish Carpenter $36.36/hr Concrete & Masonry Contractor $37.21/hr Professional Painting Contractor $30.74/hr Structural Engineer & Plan Reviewer $69.30/hr

Need Licensed Drywall & Plaster Finisher Quotes in Illinois?

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