How Much Does a Drywall Contractor Charge Per Hour in the USA
Drywall contractors in the USA typically price by the square foot or by the board rather than hourly – but hourly equivalents range from $45-$95/hr for experienced finishers working at efficient pace.
Drywall Rates by Work Type (2026)
| Service | National average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Drywall hanging (per SF) | $0.50/SF | $0.35-$0.75/SF |
| Taping and Level 3 finish (per SF) | $0.55/SF | $0.40-$0.80/SF |
| Level 5 finish (per SF) | $0.85/SF | $0.65-$1.20/SF |
| Complete (hang + tape + finish) | $1.20/SF | $0.90-$1.75/SF |
| Drywall repair (patch work) | $250-$650/job | Depending on extent |
Regional Variation
| Region | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| New York City, San Francisco, Boston | +40-60% |
| Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago | +20-35% |
| Dallas, Phoenix, Atlanta | National average |
| Rural Midwest, Southeast | −10-20% |
Hourly vs Per-SF Pricing
Most drywall contractors prefer per-SF pricing for new construction (predictable, efficient) and hourly ($55-$90/hr) for repairs, patches, and custom work where scope is unpredictable.
FAQs
Why do drywall contractors charge differently for Level 3 vs Level 5 finish?
Level 5 requires an additional skim coat over the entire surface, significantly increasing labor time. In markets with high-gloss or critical lighting, Level 5 is standard – in standard residential, Level 3-4 is the norm.
What is the going rate for a drywall subcontractor in the USA?
Drywall subcontracting rates in competitive markets run $0.40-$0.60/SF all-in for a standard residential hang and finish. Experienced specialty crews (Level 5, curved walls, commercial) command premium rates.
CoreQuote is a quoting and invoicing app for US tradespeople. Download free on Android — get CoreQuote free.
Related reading:
