Metal framing labor typically costs $2.50-$8 per linear foot for a straight, accessible interior wall, with a common estimate near $4.25 per linear foot. Wall height, stud spacing, openings, local labor rates, and whether the quote includes track installation or layout can move the price substantially; materials are usually extra.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor per linear foot | $2.50 | $4.25 | $8.00 | Standard interior wall, roughly 8 feet tall |
| Labor for 100 linear feet | $250 | $425 | $800 | Before materials, taxes, or unusual site work |
| Installer labor rate | $45/hour | $65/hour | $85/hour | Approximate U.S. contractor billing rate |
What standard metal stud walls cost to frame
For straight, non-load-bearing interior partitions with standard 3 5/8-inch studs, 16-inch spacing, and normal access, labor commonly falls between $2.50 and $8 per linear foot. A 100-foot wall therefore costs about $250-$800 in framing labor, excluding metal studs, track, fasteners, drywall, insulation, and finish work.
A practical midpoint is about $4.25 per linear foot for an uncomplicated 8-foot wall. The estimate assumes layout, cutting, fastening studs and track, and ordinary cleanup. A contractor may quote by square foot instead; for an 8-foot wall, $0.30-$1 per square foot of wall face roughly converts to $2.40-$8 per linear foot.
Assumptions: U.S. national planning ranges, interior non-load-bearing partition, standard materials, clear access, no finish work.
Which framing tasks appear in the labor quote
Labor-only quotes should specify which activities are included. Some prices cover assembly only, while others include layout, openings, backing, and job cleanup. The table shows common labor allowances; the figures are not additive in every bid because contractors may bundle tasks.
| Labor task | Typical rate | Scope note |
|---|---|---|
| Layout and track installation | $0.50-$1.50 per linear foot | Marking lines and fastening floor and ceiling track |
| Stud installation | $1.50-$4.50 per linear foot | Standard spacing and straight wall runs |
| Door or window openings | $40-$150 each | Extra framing, headers, and jamb adjustments |
| Backing and blocking | $1-$4 per linear foot | Added support for cabinets, rails, or mounted equipment |
| Material handling or cleanup | $50-$200 per project | May be separate on small jobs |
Confirm whether the bid includes layout, opening reinforcement, and blocking before comparing per-foot prices. Labor calculation can be checked with ; for example, 8 hours at $65 per hour equals $520 before any separate charges.
How wall height, stud spacing, and gauge change the rate
Height is a major driver because taller walls need longer studs, more handling, and sometimes lifts or bracing. An 8-foot wall is generally near the base range; a 10- to 12-foot partition may add roughly 15%-40% to labor, especially when access is restricted. Walls above 12 feet can require engineered details or specialized crews.
Stud spacing also affects production. A standard 16-inch-on-center layout uses about 0.75 studs per linear foot, while 24-inch spacing uses about 0.5; however, code, finish requirements, and wall loading determine what is allowed. Heavier 20- or 18-gauge studs can take longer to cut and fasten than light 25-gauge members, potentially adding 10%-25% for comparable work.
Opening count and wall geometry matter as much as footage. Each door, corner, intersection, or jog interrupts repetitive installation and can increase labor even when the total wall length is short.
How many hours a metal framing crew may need
A two-person crew may frame roughly 80-160 linear feet of simple 8-foot partition in an 8-hour shift, depending on layout, cutting, and access. That production range implies about 0.10-0.20 labor-hours per linear foot. At billing rates of $45-$85 per hour, the labor calculation spans roughly $4.50-$17 per foot before productivity adjustments, minimum charges, or negotiated project pricing.
Short jobs often cost more per foot because setup and mobilization are spread across fewer feet. A contractor may charge a minimum of $300-$800 for a small visit, even if the measured wall length would produce a lower calculation.
Why regional bids differ across the United States
Urban markets with higher wages and dense commercial construction can price 15%-35% above a national midpoint. Lower-cost rural markets may run 10%-20% below it, although travel distance and limited crew availability can erase that discount. Busy coastal cities, union projects, and schedule-constrained tenant improvements are more likely to land at the high end.
Compare local bids with the same wall height, gauge, spacing, openings, and labor scope. A low per-foot quote may exclude mobilization, lift use, blocking, or difficult access, so the written inclusions matter more than the headline rate.
Extra charges for openings, tall walls, and difficult access
Stairwells, occupied buildings, limited parking, and material carrying distances can add 10%-30% to labor. Lift rental may add about $150-$500 per day, while demolition and disposal of an existing partition can add $1-$4 per linear foot depending on wall layers and debris rules. Permits and inspections are usually separate from the framing crew’s labor charge.
Ask whether the quote treats door frames, ceiling-height changes, and debris removal as allowances or fixed prices. Unspecified conditions can become change orders after work starts.
How to lower metal framing labor per foot
Keep the wall layout straight, finalize door locations before framing, and group separate walls into one mobilization. Clearing the work area and confirming access for material delivery can reduce nonproductive crew time. Where permitted by plans and code, standard stud sizes and spacing are usually faster to install than custom details.
Compare at least three itemized quotes, not just the lowest per-foot figure. Check wall height, stud gauge, spacing, backing, openings, cleanup, equipment, and minimum charges. Avoid paying for heavier framing or upgraded details unless the plans, loads, acoustic requirements, or local code call for them.