Drywall labor hours & cost estimator

Base rates (hrs/sf)

Formulas

• modifier = productivity × (1 + 0.20 × ceiling_pct) × (1 + 0.15 × height_flag)
• hanger_hours = area × 0.010 × modifier
• finisher_hours = area × finish_rate(level) × modifier
• burdened $ = (hanger_hours × rateH + finisher_hours × rateF) × burden
• hanger crew days = hanger_hours / (2 × 8) (two-person crew, 8 hr)
• finisher crew days = finisher_hours / 8 (single-person crew)
• $/sf = burdened $ / area

Sources

• AWCI "Levels of Gypsum Board Finish" labor guidance.
• RSMeans 09 29 00 assemblies averaged across regions.
• Published contractor shop-data collections (Walls & Ceilings magazine benchmarks).

What this does NOT model

• Mobilization, layout, punch-list, or trim-out labor.
• Weekend/OT premiums, davis-bacon / prevailing wage uplift.
• Stockers, forklift operators, cleanup labor.