Quick Answer: Drywall installation costs $1.50–$3.50 per square foot installed. Standard 1/2" drywall material runs $0.35–$0.70/sq ft. Tape, mud, and supplies add $0.25–$0.60/sq ft. Labor costs $0.75–$1.50/sq ft based on drywall installer rates of $21.78–$30.58/hr nationally. A 500 sq ft room costs $750–$1,750. Whole-house jobs (3,000–5,000 sq ft) run $8,000–$25,000. Enter your ZIP for local pricing.
Calculate drywall installation costs by type, area, finish level, and ZIP code. Get a location-specific estimate with a full breakdown of materials, supplies, labor, and overhead costs.
Drywall Installation Cost by Type
| Type | Material/Sq Ft | Installed/Sq Ft | Best For | Code Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $0.35–$0.70 | $1.50–$2.50 | Most walls, ceilings | No |
| Moisture-Resistant | $0.45–$0.90 | $1.75–$3.00 | Bathrooms, kitchens | Recommended |
| Fire-Rated (Type X) | $0.40–$0.85 | $1.75–$2.75 | Garages, furnace rooms | Yes |
| Soundproof | $0.80–$1.75 | $2.50–$4.50 | Theaters, bedrooms | No |
How Drywall Installation Cost Is Calculated
- Drywall sheets: Area × $0.35–$1.75/sq ft depending on type and finish level.
- Tape, mud & supplies: Area × $0.25–$0.60/sq ft for joint compound, tape, screws, corner bead, and primer.
- Labor: Area × hours/sq ft × hourly rate × 1.5 burden. Standard is 0.05 hr/sq ft; soundproof is 0.06 hr/sq ft.
- Fixed costs: Delivery ($75–$125), cleanup ($50–$100), sanding dust protection ($25–$75), and disposal ($50–$100).
- Contractor markup: 20% for overhead, profit, and warranty.
Drywall Cost by Room
| Room | Wall Area | Cost (Standard) | Cost (Premium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Bedroom | 300 sq ft | $450–$750 | $750–$1,200 |
| Average Room | 500 sq ft | $750–$1,250 | $1,250–$1,750 |
| Large Living Room | 800 sq ft | $1,200–$2,000 | $2,000–$2,800 |
| Whole House | 3,000–5,000 sq ft | $4,500–$12,500 | $12,500–$25,000 |
Formula Summary
Drywall Installation Cost Formula: Total = (A × M + A × S + A × H × R × 1.5 + F) × 1.20
where A = area (sq ft), M = material/sq ft, S = supplies/sq ft, H = labor hours/sq ft, R = hourly rate, 1.5 = burden, F = fixed costs, 1.20 = markup.
Material Rates: Standard $0.35–$0.70/sq ft, moisture-resistant $0.45–$0.90, fire-rated $0.40–$0.85, soundproof $0.80–$1.75.
Supplies: Basic $0.25/sq ft, mid-range $0.40, premium $0.60 (joint compound, tape, screws, corner bead, primer).
Constants: Labor burden 1.5×. Markup 20%. Trade: drywall installers (SOC 47-2081). BLS OEWS May 2024, 393 metros. National rates: $21.78 (P25), $26.82 (mean), $30.58 (P75).
Drywall Installers Hourly Rates by Metro (BLS OEWS May 2024)
| Metro | 25th %ile | Mean | 75th %ile |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $27.36 | $33.35 | $38.20 |
| Los Angeles | $25.72 | $35.45 | $41.07 |
| Chicago | $25.58 | $36.38 | $51.74 |
| Dallas | $21.54 | $24.70 | $27.89 |
| Houston | $22.38 | $25.24 | $28.59 |
| Washington | $23.94 | $27.77 | $29.47 |
| Philadelphia | $23.61 | $29.12 | $31.22 |
| Miami | $21.47 | $23.48 | $25.74 |
| Atlanta | $18.62 | $26.34 | $28.23 |
| Phoenix | $18.11 | $24.78 | $28.87 |
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Estimates are for planning purposes only. Consult a qualified contractor for critical projects. Actual material requirements may vary based on site conditions, waste, and installation methods.
Pricing last verified: February 2026. Material prices vary by region, season, and supplier. Prices shown are national averages for planning purposes.