Drywall and ceiling tile installers
SOC Code: 47-2081Also known as:
Acoustical Carpenter, Acoustical Ceiling Installer, Acoustical Consultant, Acoustical Installer, Acoustical Specialist
Median Annual Salary
$58,140
+4.2% growth (2024-2034)
8K
Openings/Year
103K
Current Jobs
What Drywall and ceiling tile installers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$58,140
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.2%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
8K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
103,100
Projected Employment (2034)
107,400
Related Careers
Carpenters
$59,310 •
+4.5% growth
Insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall
$48,680 •
+3.8% growth
Plasterers and stucco masons
$56,020 •
+4.1% growth
Sheet metal workers
$60,850 •
+2.4% growth
Top Skills Required
Critical Thinking
Speaking
Monitoring
Coordination
Judgment and Decision Making
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Read blueprints or other specifications to determine methods of installation, work procedures, or material or tool requirements.
- Measure and mark surfaces to lay out work, according to blueprints or drawings, using tape measures, straightedges or squares, and marking devices.
- Fit and fasten wallboard or drywall into position on wood or metal frameworks, using glue, nails, or screws.
- Measure and cut openings in panels or tiles for electrical outlets, windows, vents, plumbing, or other fixtures, using keyhole saws or other cutting tools.
- Assemble or install metal framing or decorative trim for windows, doorways, or vents.
- Cut metal or wood framing and trim to size, using cutting tools.
- Inspect furrings, mechanical mountings, or masonry surfaces for plumbness and level, using spirit or water levels.
- Cut fixture or border tiles to size, using keyhole saws, and insert them into surrounding frameworks.
- Cut and screw together metal channels to make floor or ceiling frames, according to plans for the location of rooms or hallways.
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Drywall and ceiling tile installers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a drywall and ceiling tile installers:
Drywall Installation/Drywaller
254 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Drywall and ceiling tile installers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become drywall and ceiling tile installers.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renton Technical College | Renton, WA | 36 | C+ |
| 2 | Centralia College | Centralia, WA | 22 | C+ |
| 3 | Cuyahoga Community College District | Cleveland, OH | 2 | C+ |
| 4 | American River College | Sacramento, CA | 177 | C |
| 5 | Santiago Canyon College | Orange, CA | 17 | C |
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do drywall and ceiling tile installers make?
The median annual salary for drywall and ceiling tile installers is $58,140.
What education do drywall and ceiling tile installers need?
Most drywall and ceiling tile installers positions require a no formal educational credential.
Common degree programs include Drywall Installation/Drywaller.
Is becoming drywall and ceiling tile installers a good career choice?
Drywall and ceiling tile installers is projected to see +4.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 7,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for drywall and ceiling tile installers?
Top colleges for aspiring drywall and ceiling tile installers include
Renton Technical College, Centralia College, Cuyahoga Community College District, American River College, Santiago Canyon College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to drywall and ceiling tile installers?
Drywall and ceiling tile installers may also be known as: Acoustical Carpenter, Acoustical Ceiling Installer, Acoustical Consultant, Acoustical Installer, Acoustical Specialist, Ceiling Installer, Dry Wall Installer, Drywall Application Specialist, Drywall Applicator, Drywall Boardhanger, Drywall Carrier, Drywall Contractor, Drywall Finisher, Drywall Hanger, Drywall Installer, Drywall Mechanic, Drywall Metal Stud Worker, Drywall Professional, Drywall Sander, Drywall Stripper.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.