Drywall Jobs abroad in Germany for English Speakers and Foreigners
Drywall Jobs
Germany’s building industry is large and continually expanding, so there are steady opportunities for drywall installers. Skilled drywall workers can find jobs in both new construction and renovation projects across Germany. This guide explains key facts about drywall jobs, typical roles, working conditions, and how to navigate the job market as a foreigner or English speaker.
Quick Facts
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High Demand: Germany's booming construction sector is constantly hiring drywall installers due to urban development and renovation projects.
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Top Companies: Companies in interior construction and drywall systems like Knauf, Saint-Gobain (Rigips) and Heinrich Schmid
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Essential Qualifications: Apprenticeship or experience in drywall, plastering, or carpentry; skilled with tools; fit for physical work; basic German or English helpful.
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Average Salary: 34.000 € (2.833 €/Month)
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Minimum Wage: 31.800 € (2.650 €/Month)
Top Drywall Jobs in Germany
No Data
Trockenbauer in Festanstellung (Bayern) - Hiring now (m/w/d)
Nein
Basis (A2)
Dingolfing
Construction
Accommodation
Required Visa
Accommodation
Required Visa
Required Visa
Required Visa
Mit Unterstützung
drywall builder
Knaufer u Njemačkoj (Bavarska) - Prijavi se sada (m/ž/d)
ne
osnovno (A2)
Schrobenhausen
Construction
Accommodation
Required Visa
Accommodation
Required Visa
Required Visa
Required Visa
s podrškom
drywall builder
Drywall builder in Germany (Bavaria) - Hiring now (m/f/d)
no
basic (A2)
Schrobenhausen
Construction
Accommodation
Required Visa
Accommodation
Required Visa
Required Visa
Required Visa
with support
drywall builder
Drywall builder in Germany (Bavaria) - Hiring now (m/f/d)
no
basic (A2)
Rosenheim
Construction
Accommodation
Required Visa
Accommodation
Required Visa
Required Visa
Required Visa
with support
drywall builder
Plaquiste en CDI (Waiblingen) – Postule dès maintenant ! (h/f/d)
non
Fortgeschritten (B2)
Waiblingen
Construction
Accommodation
Required Visa
Accommodation
Required Visa
Required Visa
Required Visa
avec soutien
drywall builder
Trockenbauer in Festanstellung (München) - Hiring now (m/w/d)
Nein
Fortgeschritten (B2)
Munich
Construction
Accommodation
Required Visa
Accommodation
Required Visa
Required Visa
Required Visa
Mit Unterstützung
drywall builder
Trockenbauer in Festanstellung (Waiblingen) - Bewirb dich jetzt! (m/w/d)
Nein
Fortgeschritten (B2)
Waiblingen
Construction
Accommodation
Required Visa
Accommodation
Required Visa
Required Visa
Required Visa
Mit Unterstützung
drywall builder
Trockenbauer in Festanstellung (Burghausen) - Hiring now (m/w/d)
Nein
Fortgeschritten (B2)
Burghausen
Construction
Accommodation
Required Visa
Accommodation
Required Visa
Required Visa
Required Visa
Mit Unterstützung
drywall builder
Knaufer u Njemačkoj (Burghausenu, Bavarska) - Prijavi se sada (m/ž/d)
ne
napredno (B2)
Burghausen
Construction
Accommodation
Required Visa
Accommodation
Required Visa
Required Visa
Required Visa
s podrškom
drywall builder
Knaufer u Njemačkoj (Waiblingen) - Prijavi se sada (m/ž/d)
ne
napredno (B2)
Waiblingen
Construction
Accommodation
Required Visa
Accommodation
Required Visa
Required Visa
Required Visa
s podrškom
drywall builder
Drywall builder in Germany (Munich, Bavaria) - Hiring now (m/f/d)
no
intermediate (B2)
Munich
Construction
Accommodation
Required Visa
Accommodation
Required Visa
Required Visa
Required Visa
with support
drywall builder
Drywall builder in Germany (Waiblingen) - Hiring now (m/f/d)
no
intermediate (B2)
Waiblingen
Construction
Accommodation
Required Visa
Accommodation
Required Visa
Required Visa
Required Visa
with support
drywall builder
The drywall industry in Germany offers a variety of job roles for skilled workers from abroad. If you’re exploring drywall jobs hiring near you or want to compare options in different cities, there’s a role that fits your expertise.
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Residential Drywall Installer: Works on homes and apartments to frame and finish interior walls and ceilings with gypsum boards.
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Commercial Drywall Technician: Handles larger projects (office buildings, retail stores, hotels) where technical specifications (fire ratings, acoustics) are important.
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Suspended Ceiling Installer: Specializes in installing drop ceilings or acoustic ceiling systems, often in offices or public buildings.
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Drywall Finisher (Taper/Plasterer): Focuses on applying joint tape and compound, sanding and smoothing seams to create a seamless wall surface before painting.
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Drywall Foreman / Site Supervisor: Leads a drywall crew, plans daily tasks, coordinates with other trades (electrical, plumbing), and ensures work meets building plans and quality standards.
Each of these roles is essential to the building process and may be advertised as Trockenbaumonteur, Gipser/Trockenbauer, or similar titles in German listings.
Drywall jobs in Germany for English speakers and Foreigners
Many English-speaking professionals come to Germany, looking for drywall jobs in Germany, attracted by the booming construction industry. Finding drywall work as an English speaker is quite feasible, especially with large international firms or projects that use English on-site. Many big contractors have multi-lingual teams and some construction companies in Germany explicitly seek foreign workers to fill skill gaps. Major cities (Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt) or industrial regions often have more English-friendly environments. Basic German is very helpful for everyday communication and safety reasons, but some employers will hire skilled installers if you have minimal German and strong technical skills.
If you're seeking drywall jobs in Germany or want to find drywall jobs hiring near you, hello jobs helps you connect directly with local employers – even without fluent German skills.
Here’s what you can expect from drywall jobs in Germany
Drywall jobs in Germany cover a wide range of work environments and tasks. You might be employed by a large construction company working on commercial buildings, office spaces, or public infrastructure. Others work for smaller firms that focus on residential housing, apartment renovations, or even luxury interiors.
Some drywallers specialize in standard wall and ceiling installations on new construction sites. Others focus more on renovation projects, soundproofing, fire protection, or decorative ceiling systems in hotels or event spaces. Depending on your skills and interests, you could work in rough framing, fine finishing, or even supervision roles.
Whether you're on large-scale projects or small private sites – there's a wide variety of opportunities in Germany’s construction sector for experienced drywall professionals!
Expand your knowledge about drywall jobs in Germany for foreigners and English speakers
The drywall sector already has a high share of foreign-born workers – one report found that 67% of finishing-trade employees (including drywall) in 2023 had a migration background – English speakers and qualified drywall installers are urgently needed across Germany.
Many companies are open to hiring international talent. Unlike general job boards, hello jobs offer tailored support for foreigners and English speakers, helping you find drywall roles that match your skills, language level and expectations. Using a specialist platform like hello jobs can save time: We connect you directly to contractors that hire foreigners and clarify things like salary norms and contract terms.
Are drywall jobs in demand in Germany?
Yes - Drywall trades are widely considered in high demand. Germany’s construction sector employs nearly one million people (destatis.de) and companies often struggle to fill technical roles. Surveys of the building industry report that over 50% of firms regularly face shortages in trades like drywall, electrical, and plumbing. This reflects a structural skills gap in construction. While new permit numbers dipped in 2023 (a short-term effect of material costs and interest rates), the backlog of renovation projects and public infrastructure plans keeps demand strong.
How much do drywall workers earn in Germany?
Drywall jobs in Germany offer solid earning potential, especially for skilled and experienced workers. Salaries vary depending on experience, region, and company size. On average, drywall installers (Trockenbaumonteure) earn between 2.800 € and 3.000 € gross per month, which adds up to around 34.000 € annually (source: meingehalt.net) Of course, pay varies by years of experience. A rough breakdown by experience might be:
Experience Level | Years of Experience | Average Annual Salary (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
Late Career | 20+ Years | 48.000 - 52.000 |
Experienced | 10+ Years | 39.000 |
Mid Career | 3-5 Years | 34.000 |
Early Career | 1 - 3 Years | 32.000 |
Entry Level | Less than 1 Year | 30.000 |
Source: Trockenbauer/in Gehalt
What qualifications are needed for drywall worker jobs in Germany as a foreigner?
Foreign applicants should aim to match the skills German employers look for.
Hard Skills (Professional and legal qualifications)
Ideally you have a completed vocational qualification (Ausbildung) as a drywall installer, carpenter, plasterer or related trade. Equivalent hands-on experience is also valued. You should know how to read basic plans, calculate measurements, and use industry tools (drills, saws, levels, trowels).
Soft Skills
Being reliable, punctual, and able to work in a team are crucial. Employers expect you to follow instructions accurately and maintain quality and safety on the job. Good physical stamina is needed (lifting heavy boards, climbing ladders). Language-wise, German at A2–B1 level is recommended so you understand safety briefings and co-workers; however, many crews use English informally. Be prepared to learn German on the job if possible!
Important: As a foreigner, you will also need the right paperwork. EU citizens can work freely. Non-EU citizens typically need a work visa or EU Blue Card. For skilled trades like drywall, Germany’s Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz allows workers with recognized vocational training and a job offer to apply for a visa. (Note: the Blue Card requires a university degree and higher salary, so drywallers usually use the general skilled worker visa or a visa for vocational workers.) If your qualification is from abroad, check the German Anerkennung recognition process . Many drywall companies will sponsor a visa if you fill an urgent need, but it helps to show certificates and prove your experience!
Employment contracts and worker rights for drywall workers
Drywall workers in Germany are typically covered by collective agreements (Tarifverträge Baugewerbe) negotiated by unions like IG BAU and employers' associations in the construction industry. These agreements define industry-wide standards for wages, working hours, holidays, and more – and they often go beyond the statutory minimum.
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Work hours: The standard schedule is about 40 hours per week (five 8-hour days).This is usually Monday–Friday with weekends off. A 30-minute break is mandatory after 6 hours of work. Overtime is possible for tight deadlines, and it should be compensated
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Pay and contracts: Wages are typically paid monthly (by the 15th of the following month) Many drywall workers are on permanent contracts, though temporary/project contracts also exist. Contracts should clearly list your salary, working hours, and notice period.
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Social benefits: Full-time employees must be in the German social security system. This means mandatory health insurance (~14–15% of your gross salary, split with the employer), pension insurance, unemployment insurance, and accident insurance
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Vacation and leave: By law you’re entitled to at least 20 paid days off per year (for a 5-day week); however, collective agreements typically grant 25–30 days. It’s common for drywall workers to have around 28–30 calendar days of holiday. Public holidays are also paid.
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Worker protections: German construction workers are covered by strong safety regulations. You have the right to refuse unsafe work, to regular breaks, and to appropriate safety gear provided by the employer.
Day in a life as a drywall worker
Your day as a drywall worker usually starts around 7 AM on a construction site. After unloading materials and getting instructions, you measure, cut, and mount drywall panels – often working in pairs. You’ll use tools like drills and cutters, climb ladders, and move boards into place on walls or ceilings. Breaks and lunch are short, and the afternoon often involves plastering seams, sanding, and prepping for the next steps.
Drywall work is physically demanding: you’ll carry heavy boards, kneel or bend for long periods, and work around dust and noise. But if you like hands-on work and enjoy seeing a space take shape day by day, it can be a satisfying job. Just be prepared – drywall isn’t for everyone. It's a tough job when you're not used to manual labor, long hours, or working in all weather conditions.
How to apply for drywall jobs on hello jobs
What if there was a simple way to connect with companies offering drywall jobs hiring near you – jobs that match your experience and location? At hello jobs, we make it easy for you to find suitable job opportunities in Germany’s construction industry – especially in drywall installation. Use the following steps which bring you closer to your favorite job by using this convenient appointment/application procedure:
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Step 1 - Send application: Applying is straightforward, with a user-friendly interface on our website. You can select the job that interests you, click the "Apply" button on the job listing to start your application process.
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Step 2 - Introduction call: Schedule an introduction call, where we discuss your preferences and ensure that the job aligns with your career goals.
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Step 3 - Interview process: Successful candidates receive support for the interview process, including interview preparation and guidance on insurance and tax matters.
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Step 4 - Job placement: Once interviews are successful, you receive recommendations for housing search and connections to our community.
The first contact usually occurs within five days of submitting your application, with the duration from initial contact to job placement typically ranging between 2 to 6 weeks.
Our team at hello jobs will be happy to navigate your job search with ease and confidence, setting the stage for a successful journey into the German job market.
FAQs
How much do drywall workers get paid in Germany?
Pay varies by years of experience, but on average drywall installers earn around 31.800 € to 34.000 € per year.
Is Germany in need of drywall workers?
Yes. The construction industry consistently reports a shortage of skilled tradespeople, including drywall installers. Many companies struggle to fill drywall builder positions, especially as existing workers retire.
Is drywall a heavy job?
It can be quite physical. Drywall panels weigh around 20–40 kg each, so lifting and carrying them is a big part of the work.
How to get into drywall work?
The usual route is a vocational apprenticeship (Ausbildung) as a Trockenbaumonteur (or related trade like carpenter/plasterer) in Germany or a certified training abroad. For foreigners, having any construction training or experience is a big help.
Where can I find drywall jobs near me in Germany?
With hello jobs, English speakers and foreigners can find drywall jobs, whether you're searching from abroad or already living in Germany.
Summary
Drywall construction is a promising field for foreigners and English speakers in Germany. With construction in high demand and many firms ready to hire skilled foreign workers, it’s a good time to consider drywall work in Germany.
With the right skills and paperwork, you can tap into a market that values trained drywall builders. The work is hands-on and physically demanding, but it comes with solid wages and legal protections. Germany’s strong social system (healthcare, insurance, leave) means employees are well taken care of. For English speakers, focusing on companies and regions that use English or have international crews can ease the transition. hello jobs can be a great resource in your job search! We provide personal support – from helping you apply, to preparing for interviews, to understanding German contracts. Check our hello job listings to see new vacancies.