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Drywall Apprentice Jobs in Rancho Cucamonga, CA (NOW HIRING)

Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw ... NOTE: In the LA area wages range from $20.23 per hour for entry level apprentices to $47.43 per ...

Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw ... NOTE: In the LA area wages range from $20.23 per hour for entry level apprentices to $47.43 per ...

Drywall Apprentice information

See Rancho Cucamonga, CA salary details

$13

$20

$28

How much do drywall apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for drywall apprentice in Rancho Cucamonga, CA is $20.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $23.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drywall apprentice?

A Drywall Apprentice is an entry-level worker who assists experienced drywall installers or finishers in measuring, cutting, installing, and finishing drywall panels in buildings. Apprentices typically learn on the job, gaining hands-on experience with tools, materials, and safety procedures. Their duties often include preparing surfaces, mixing compounds, installing panels, and sanding or taping seams. Over time, apprentices can advance to become skilled drywall installers or finishers as they gain experience and complete any required training or certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drywall apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drywall Apprentice, you need basic construction knowledge, manual dexterity, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand tools, power tools, measuring devices, and often safety certifications like OSHA 10 are typically required. Strong attention to detail, willingness to learn, and effective teamwork set outstanding apprentices apart. These skills and qualities ensure precise installations, safety compliance, and smooth collaboration on job sites.

What are some common challenges faced by drywall apprentices during their first year on the job?

Drywall Apprentices often encounter challenges such as mastering the proper techniques for cutting, hanging, and finishing drywall efficiently while maintaining quality. Adjusting to the physical demands of the role, including working at heights or in tight spaces, is also common. Additionally, apprentices may find it challenging to adapt to fast-paced job sites and learn how to effectively communicate and coordinate with experienced team members. Overcoming these obstacles is an important part of the learning process and helps apprentices build the skills needed for advancement.

What is the difference between Drywall Apprentice vs Drywall Installer?

AspectDrywall ApprenticeDrywall Installer
CredentialsOn-the-job training, minimal certificationsExperience, possibly some certifications or licenses
Work EnvironmentAssisting in installation, learning techniquesLeading drywall installation projects
Job RoleLearning and supporting installation tasksPerforming drywall installation independently

The main difference is that a Drywall Apprentice is in training, gaining skills under supervision, while a Drywall Installer is a trained professional responsible for executing drywall installation tasks independently.

Is drywall a good trade to get into?

Drywall apprenticeship is a viable trade career that involves installing and finishing drywall in construction projects. It requires physical work, attention to detail, and knowledge of tools like taping knives and drywall lifts; certifications or on-the-job training are common. The trade offers steady employment opportunities and potential for advancement in the construction industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drywall jobs in Rancho Cucamonga, CA?

The most popular types of Drywall jobs in Rancho Cucamonga, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Drywall Apprentice jobs in Rancho Cucamonga, CA?

For Drywall Apprentice jobs in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drywall Apprentice jobs in Rancho Cucamonga, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Drywall Apprentice jobs in Rancho Cucamonga, CA are:

What cities near Rancho Cucamonga, CA are hiring for Drywall Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Rancho Cucamonga, CA with the most Drywall Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Drywall Apprentice job openings in Rancho Cucamonga, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,163 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Southern CA - Taper

City Of Industry, CA

$47.43/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Tapers are required to finish walls, ceilings and trim using hand tools and mechanical tools that conform to the required levels of finishing standards.  While maintaining the necessary production and quality required to complete a project and exceeding the customers’ expectations. Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw indentations on the surface of the panels. Tapers work on new walls and ceiling installs and make repairs to existing walls as well. Tapers install and finish metal, plastic, and aluminum trims. 

Apply number of coats of compound per specified level of finish, and sand areas after each coat.

Additional responsibilities include:

  • Reading and interpreting drawings
  • Checking working surfaces – verify panels joints are tight and aligned, fastened to framing members tightly without breaking the paper surface or fracturing the core.
  • Establishing a work schedule and flow of work
  • Organizing and verifying materials
  • Cleaning and repairing tools
  • Mixing Joint compounds
  • Applying fill coats
  • Applying finish coats
  • Finishing inside and outside corners
  • Dry sanding
  • Wet sanding
  • Vacuum sanding
  • Skim coating over gypsum board, concrete, or other related materials
  • Spraying finish compound
  • Know and understand the 5 levels and methods of drywall finishing.

Tapers are typically responsible for the production and quality of the products they install. A Taper will usually report to a foreman or lead man and will be assigned a range of tasks to be completed. Timely production and quality are the main responsibilities of a Taper. In addition, Tapers are responsible for working safely and maintaining a safe work environment. Tapers must work within precise limits and standards of specified finish level. Physically, Tapers must be able to: Climb and maintain balance on scaffolds and ladders; reach for, handle, and manipulate objects and materials; lift and carry objects weighing up to 100 pounds; stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl, and see well (either naturally or with correction).

NOTE: In the LA area wages range from $20.23 per hour for entry level apprentices to $47.43 per hour for Journeyman. Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.

NOTE: In the San Diego area wages range from $19.00 per hour for entry level apprentices to $37.93 per hour for Journeyman. Wages are determined by union scale as determined in the current collective bargaining agreement.

Anning-Johnson Co and Restec Contractors Inc are Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employers. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.