Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
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.
Common Job Titles
- Drywall Finisher
- Drywall Hanger
- Drywall Installer
- Metal Framer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onExecute plasterboard and wallboard installation on interior walls and ceilings using drywall screw guns, lifts, and measuring tools in residential and commercial construction settings.Developing
- Hands-onPerform acoustical tile and shock-absorbing material installation on ceilings and walls to reduce sound reflection, following design specifications.Developing
- KnowledgeCalculate material quantities and cutting dimensions using mathematical formulas and measuring instruments to minimize waste on job sites.Developing
- Hands-onOperate specialized drywall tools and power equipment including routers, saws, sanders, and automatic taping tools while adhering to safety protocols.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret building blueprints and technical specifications to determine layout, materials, and installation methods for wallboard and ceiling systems.Developing
- KnowledgeAssess surface quality and installation defects through visual inspection and quality control procedures to ensure compliance with building standards.Developing
- MindsetEngage in collaborative work coordination with construction teams communicating installation schedules, material needs, and safety concerns on active job sites.Developing
- Hands-onExecute finishing and taping procedures on drywall joints and seams using trowels, joint knives, and compound application techniques to achieve smooth surfaces.Developing
- KnowledgeApply knowledge of building codes and safety regulations when selecting materials, installing fire-rated assemblies, and implementing fall protection measures.Developing
- KnowledgeDemonstrate problem-solving techniques for structural and installation challenges adapting methods for irregular surfaces, load-bearing requirements, and access constraints.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
82,900
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $37,810. 25th percentile: U.S. $46,880. 50th percentile: U.S. $58,140. 75th percentile: U.S. $72,660. 90th percentile: U.S. $101,380. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $37,810 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $101,380 |
| Workers on average earn | $62,810 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Building and Construction4.5/5
- Mathematics3.5/5
- Mechanical3.3/5
- Public Safety and Security3.2/5
- Administration and Management3.1/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Business management software
- Construction Software Center EasyEst
- DevWave Estimate Works
- Job costing software
- Logic Group Scanner Digitizing Software
- On Center Quick Bid
- Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal
- Wilhelm Publishing Threshold
Tools & Equipment
- Adhesive guns
- Air compressors
- Automatic taping tools
- Box beam levels
- Bullnose trowels
- Caulking guns
- Chalk lines
- Chop saws