Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
Drywall and ceiling tile installers apply wallboard, acoustical tiles, and other materials to interior walls and ceilings of buildings. They work on new construction and renovation projects, measuring spaces, cutting materials, and securing them in place using various fastening methods. The work takes place primarily indoors on job sites.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against drywall and ceiling tile installers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves measuring and marking wall and ceiling areas, cutting plasterboard or tiles to size, and installing them using nails, screws, or adhesive. Installers may work at heights on scaffolding or ladders, coordinate with other trades, and inspect their work for proper fit and finish. Projects vary from residential homes to commercial buildings, with work progressing through different phases of construction.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCA. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy hands-on work with concrete, measurable results and prefer following established procedures and building codes. You're detail-oriented with good spatial reasoning, reliable, and comfortable working steadily through defined tasks on construction sites.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $73,550 | $104,830 | $115,380 | 800 |
| New Jersey | $53,680 | $75,080 | $115,270 | 1,340 |
| Alaska | $60,800 | $73,690 | $75,850 | 100 |
| Oregon | $50,670 | $73,530 | $105,950 | 1,680 |
| Washington | $62,720 | $73,130 | $100,780 | 2,670 |
| Massachusetts | $61,390 | $69,500 | $80,280 | 590 |
| California | $55,810 | $65,880 | $85,180 | 27,280 |
| Illinois | $51,540 | $63,180 | $102,480 | 740 |
| Missouri | $52,760 | $62,580 | $80,570 | 550 |
| New Hampshire | $55,690 | $61,960 | $74,880 | 370 |
| Colorado | $48,730 | $61,780 | $70,250 | 1,560 |
| Ohio | $49,190 | $61,420 | $70,940 | 1,680 |
All 49 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Drywall Mechanic — National Center for Construction Education and Research
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against drywall and ceiling tile installers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-2081.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.