What Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers this way: "Apply plasterboard or other wallboard to ceilings or interior walls of buildings. Apply or mount acoustical tiles or blocks, strips, or sheets of shock-absorbing materials to ceilings and walls of buildings to reduce or reflect sound. Materials may be of decorative quality. Includes lathers who fasten wooden, metal, or rockboard lath to walls, ceilings, or partitions of buildings to provide support base for plaster, fireproofing, or acoustical material."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Measure and mark surfaces to lay out work, according to blueprints or drawings, using tape measures, straightedges or squares, and marking devices"; "Read blueprints or other specifications to determine methods of installation, work procedures, or material or tool requirements"; "Fit and fasten wallboard or drywall into position on wood or metal frameworks, using glue, nails, or screws"; "Hang dry lines to wall moldings to guide positioning of main runners"; "Measure and cut openings in panels or tiles for electrical outlets, windows, vents, plumbing, or other fixtures, using keyhole saws or other cutting tools".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is no formal educational credential. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 102,200 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 104,700 in 2035, an increase of 2,500 jobs (+2.5%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 6,600 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 6.5% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 19.4% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $58,930, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers earn the most
Published data currently covers California, where the employment-weighted average of local median wages is $68,313. More states are added as pages are published.
Occupations related to Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (47-2000) include Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, Electricians, Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators and Carpenters.
Frequently asked questions about Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
What is the national median wage for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $58,930.
What is the job outlook for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 2.5% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 6,600 openings a year.
What education do Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers need?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.