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OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
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73102.02 – Drywall installers and finishers

Drywall installers and finishers install and finish drywall sheets and various types of ceiling systems. Apprentices are also included in this occupation.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Drywall applicator
  • Drywall finisher

Core competencies

  • Quality Control Testing to ensure drywall installation is structurally sound and meets or exceeds client expectations
  • Time Management to ensure drywall installation and finishing are completed on schedule, preventing delays that can affect the entire project timeline
  • Body Flexibility to effectively maneuver in tight spaces, reach overhead and perform repetitive bending and stretching movements required for accurately measuring, cutting and installing drywall sheets
  • Trunk Strength to lift, carry and maneuver heavy drywall sheets and materials effectively, to perform tasks such as installation and finishing with precision while maintaining balance and stability in various positions
  • Attention to Detail to accurately measure, cut and install drywall sheets, ensuring precise alignment, seamless joints and a smooth finish
  • Knowledge in Building and Construction to understand building materials, simple construction techniques and fundamental blueprint reading required for installing and finishing drywall in standard construction projects

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Measure, cut and fit drywall sheets for installation on walls and ceilings
  • Position and secure sheets to metal or wooden studs or joists
  • Cut and install metal corner beads to protect exterior corners
  • Fill joints, nail indentations, holes and cracks with joint compound using trowel and broad knife
  • Tape over joints using taping machine and embed tape in compound
  • Smooth out excess compound and allow coat to dry
  • Apply successive coats of compound and sand seams and joints
  • Fabricate and install suspended metal ceiling grids and place in panels to form acoustical and coffered ceilings.

Additional information

  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
  • The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers (72014)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

7 – Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations

TEER

3 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of less than two years; or more than six months of on-the-job training

Major group

73 – General trades

Sub-major group

731 – General construction trades

Minor group

7310 – Concrete finishers, tilesetters and plasterers

Unit group

73102 – Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers

Occupational profile

73102.02 – Drywall installers and finishers

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.