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.
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
SOC: 47-2081 O*NET: 47-2081.00
Median Salary
$58,140
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.2%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
7.7
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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.
What does a Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$37,810
10th percentile
Early Career
$46,880
25th percentile
Median
$58,140
50th percentile
Experienced
$72,660
75th percentile
Top Earners
$101,380
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$37,810
25th
$46,880
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$58,140
Mean: $62,810
75th
$72,660
90th
$101,380
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $63,570 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $46,880 and $72,660
- •Salary spread is 44.3% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 82,900 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:103,100
Top Industries
Construction97.5%
Specialty Trade Contractors85.5%
Building Finishing Contractors81.9%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.2%
Annual Openings:7,700
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)103,100
Current
2034 (Projected)107,400
+4.2%
+4,300
Employment Change
+4.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 48 locations
California
27,350 jobs$65,8802.82x
Texas
6,300 jobs$50,1200.85x
Florida
4,970 jobs$46,9300.94x
Washington
3,710 jobs$70,3101.95x
Arizona
3,420 jobs$48,1301.99x
New York
2,940 jobs$59,9600.57x
Nevada
2,930 jobs$51,2903.57x
North Carolina
1,860 jobs$48,4600.71x
Utah
1,830 jobs$50,8601.99x
Virginia
1,800 jobs$51,7600.83x
Maryland
1,740 jobs$51,5401.18x
Oregon
1,700 jobs$58,4601.61x
Colorado
1,610 jobs$58,6401.03x
Pennsylvania
1,610 jobs$58,2700.50x
Wisconsin
1,440 jobs$57,9900.92x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers50%
1 shared skills
Dancers33%
1 shared skills
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers33%
1 shared skills
Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing33%
1 shared skills
Painters, Construction and Maintenance33%
1 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Critical Thinking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
MIXED
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mixed environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (17)Communication & Coordination (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Planning & Development (1)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Measure and mark surfaces to lay out work, according to blueprints or drawings, using tape measures, straightedges or squares, and marking devices.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Read blueprints or other specifications to determine methods of installation, work procedures, or material or tool requirements.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Fit and fasten wallboard or drywall into position on wood or metal frameworks, using glue, nails, or screws.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Hang dry lines to wall moldings to guide positioning of main runners.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Measure and cut openings in panels or tiles for electrical outlets, windows, vents, plumbing, or other fixtures, using keyhole saws or other cutting tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Hang drywall panels on metal frameworks of walls and ceilings in offices, schools, or other large buildings, using lifts or hoists to adjust panel heights, when necessary.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Assemble or install metal framing or decorative trim for windows, doorways, or vents.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Coordinate work with drywall finishers who cover the seams between drywall panels.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination79% perform86%
9
Trim rough edges from wallboard to maintain even joints, using knives.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping76% perform84%
10
Cut and screw together metal channels to make floor or ceiling frames, according to plans for the location of rooms or hallways.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers professionals typically have a RCA Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
AArtistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.10
Dependability
ImportantDependability
Importance Level3.97
Cooperation
ImportantCooperation
Importance Level3.91
Integrity
ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level3.88
Achievement/Effort
ImportantAchievement/Effort
Importance Level3.74
Self-Control
ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level3.69
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.1
Dependability
4.0
Cooperation
3.9
Integrity
3.9
Achievement/Effort
3.7
Self-Control
3.7
Stress Tolerance
3.6
Concern for Others
3.6
Initiative
3.5
Independence
3.5
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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