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Entry Level Drywall Jobs in California (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 ...

Southern CA - Taper

La Puente, CA · On-site

$47.43/hr

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 ...

Southern CA - Taper

La Puente, CA · On-site

$47.43/hr

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 ...

Northern Ca. - Taper

Hayward, CA · On-site

$57.16/hr

Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw ... In the San Francisco Bay area wages range from $20.01 per hour for entry level apprentices to $57 ...

Remodel Associate

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Looking for motivated, dependable, entry level individuals to join our hard-working team! We will ... Help with drywall, tiling, carpentry, painting, plumbing and more * Maintain cleanliness at job ...

Looking for motivated, dependable, entry level individuals to join our hard-working team! We will ... Help with drywall, tiling, carpentry, painting, plumbing and more * Maintain cleanliness at job ...

Remodel Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Looking for motivated, dependable, entry level individuals to join our hard-working team! We will ... Help with drywall, tiling, carpentry, painting, plumbing and more * Maintain cleanliness at job ...

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Entry Level Drywall information

See California salary details

$12

$22

$31

How much do entry level drywall jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level drywall in California is $22.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $24.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level drywall?

An Entry Level Drywall job involves assisting in the installation, repair, and finishing of drywall in residential or commercial buildings. Responsibilities typically include measuring and cutting drywall, securing it to walls or ceilings, applying joint compound, sanding, and preparing surfaces for painting. No prior experience is usually required, but basic construction knowledge and physical stamina are helpful. Many workers learn on the job or through apprenticeships. It's a great starting point for a career in construction and drywall finishing.

What does an entry level drywall do?

As an Entry Level Drywall worker, your day usually starts with a briefing from a supervisor or experienced crew member, followed by tasks such as measuring, cutting, and installing drywall panels, as well as preparing materials and cleaning up job sites. You may also assist with finishing tasks like taping seams and applying joint compound under supervision. You'll work closely with more experienced drywall installers and other construction professionals, gaining practical skills and knowledge as you go. The work is physically demanding but offers excellent opportunities for hands-on learning and advancement in the construction field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an entry level drywall position?

To succeed as an Entry Level Drywall worker, you should have basic construction knowledge, strong manual dexterity, and physical stamina, with a high school diploma or equivalent often preferred. Familiarity with hand and power tools such as screw guns, utility knives, and tape measures is helpful, while on-the-job training is commonly provided. Dependability, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn help candidates excel in this position. These skills are essential for completing quality work efficiently, maintaining safety, and contributing positively to construction teams.

Is entry level drywall a good trade to get into?

Entry level drywall work involves installing and finishing drywall panels, which requires physical strength, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of tools like taping knives and drills. It is a trade with steady demand, opportunities for advancement, and potential for earning certifications such as OSHA safety training. Many workers start with apprenticeships or on-the-job training to develop skills and gain experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drywall jobs in California?

The most popular types of Drywall jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Drywall jobs in California?

For Entry Level Drywall jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Drywall jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Drywall jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Drywall jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Drywall job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Drywall job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $46,689 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

$47.43/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 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.