Education:
42%
Less than a High School Diploma
24%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
This is a sub-career of
Drywall Installer, Ceiling Tile Installer, or Taper
More sub-careers
Select a specialized sub-career for more details.
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Job Outlook:
Little or no change
Education:
None
Salary
High:
$96,160.00
Average:
$57,880.00
Hourly
Average:
$27.83
What they 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.
On the job, you would:
- 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.
Important Qualities
Ability to work at heights. Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers may be required to work on ladders, scaffolding, lifts, or stilts.
Attention to detail. Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers must take precise measurements, follow specific instructions, and be meticulous in their work.
Balance. Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers often wear stilts. They must be able to move around and use tools overhead without falling.
Dexterity. Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers work with hand tools on every job.
Math skills. Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers must be able to estimate the quantity of materials needed when cutting panels.
Physical stamina. Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers routinely lift and move heavy materials into place, so workers should be physically fit.
Physical strength. Drywall and ceiling tile installers must often lift heavy panels over their heads to secure onto the ceiling and must carry heavy materials to work areas.
Personality
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Characteristics of this Career |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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77% | Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. | |
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74% | Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. | |
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73% | Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. | |
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72% | Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical. | |
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69% | Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. | |
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67% | Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. | |
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66% | Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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100% | Realistic - Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services. | |
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72% | Conventional - Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources. |
Aptitude
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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66% | Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position. | |
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66% | Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. | |
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66% | Trunk Strength - The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing. | |
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66% | Extent Flexibility - The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs. | |
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66% | Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
Job Details
Responsibilities
Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
Mark reference points on construction materials.
Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
Install building fixtures.
Mark reference points on construction materials.
Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
Cut openings in existing structures.
Install building fixtures.
Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
Install trim or paneling.
Coordinate construction project activities.
Trim excess material from installations.
Install metal structural components.
Cut metal components for installation.
Verify alignment of structures or equipment.
Install masonry materials.
Cut tile, stone, or other masonry materials.
Cut metal components for installation.
Cut wood components for installation.
Install metal structural components.
Install wooden structural components.
Cut tile, stone, or other masonry materials.
Install metal structural components.
Install building fixtures.
Apply material to fill gaps in surfaces.
Install masonry materials.
Install insulation in equipment or structures.
Install metal structural components.
Install masonry materials.
Apply mortar.
Install masonry materials.
Clean surfaces in preparation for work activities.
Install trim or paneling.
Remove worn, damaged or outdated materials from work areas.
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
97% | Spend Time Standing - How much does this job require standing? | |
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94% | Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls - How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? | |
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88% | Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? | |
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86% | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? | |
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77% | Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets - How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets? | |
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77% | Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions - How much does this job require making repetitive motions? | |
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77% | Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable - How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable? | |
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77% | Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? | |
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75% | Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? | |
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74% | Spend Time Walking and Running - How much does this job require walking and running? | |
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74% | Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? | |
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73% | Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? | |
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68% | Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? | |
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67% | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? | |
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67% | Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? | |
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67% | Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? | |
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66% | Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body - How much does this job require bending or twisting your body? |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Tasks & Values |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
68% | Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. | |
|
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67% | Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. | |
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65% | Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
What Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers Do
Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers work with many different types of tools.
Drywall installers and ceiling tile installers hang wallboard and install ceiling tile inside buildings. Tapers prepare the wallboard for painting, using tape and other materials. Many workers both install and tape wallboard.
Duties
Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers typically do the following:
- Measure, mark, and cut drywall panels according to design plans
- Fasten panels and tiles to support structures
- Patch, trim, and smooth rough spots and edges
- Apply tape and sealing compound to cover joints between wallboards
- Add coats of sealing compound to create an even surface
- Sand all joints and holes for a smooth, seamless finish
Drywall and ceiling tile installers place panels over the walls and ceilings of interior rooms in buildings. The panels cover insulation, electrical wires, and pipes; dampen sound; and provide fire resistance. Tapers prepare the drywall for finishing.
Workers may use mechanical lifts or stand on stilts, ladders, or scaffolds to hang and prepare ceilings. After hanging wallboards, workers use trowels to spread coats of sealing compound over cracks, indentations, and other imperfections. Some workers use a mechanical applicator, a tool that spreads sealing compound on the wall joint while dispensing and setting tape at the same time.
Drywall installers are also called drywallers or hangers. They cut and hang the panels of wallboard. The tools they use include tape measures, straightedges, utility knives, and power saws.
Ceiling tile installers hang ceiling tiles and create suspended ceilings. Tiles may be applied directly to the ceiling, attached to furring strips, or suspended on runners that are connected by wire to the ceiling. Workers are sometimes called acoustical carpenters, because they also install tiles that block sound.
Tapers, also called finishers, prepare the drywall for covering by paint and wallpaper. Tapers apply paper or fiberglass mesh tape to cover drywall seams. They also smooth the tape after affixing it and apply a finishing compound to the tape.
In addition to performing new installations, many installers and tapers make repairs such as fixing damaged drywall and replacing ceiling tiles. The wall coverings applied to the finished drywall are installed by painters, plasterers, and paperhangers.
Work Environment
Drywall and ceiling tile installers held about 116,400 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of drywall and ceiling tile installers were as follows:
| Drywall and insulation contractors | 60% |
| Self-employed workers | 22 |
| Nonresidential building construction | 5 |
Tapers held about 18,100 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of tapers were as follows:
| Drywall and insulation contractors | 66% |
| Self-employed workers | 22 |
| Nonresidential building construction | 5 |
| Painting and wall covering contractors | 4 |
Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers work indoors. The work is physically demanding. Workers spend most of the day standing, bending, or reaching, and they must often lift and maneuver heavy wallboard.
Work Schedules
Most drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers work full time.
Getting Started
How to Become a Drywall Installer, Ceiling Tile Installer, or Taper
New drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers typically learn their job by working with more experienced workers.
Most drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers learn their trade on the job. A formal educational credential is typically not required to enter the occupation.
Education
There are no educational credential requirements for becoming a drywall installer, ceiling tile installer, or taper, although some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a high school diploma or equivalent.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for workers starting an apprenticeship.
Training
Most drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers learn their trade on the job by helping experienced workers and gradually taking on more duties. They start by carrying materials and cleaning up and then learn to use the tools of the trade. They learn to measure, cut, and install or apply materials. They may start out working on less visible areas, such as closets. Their on-the-job training typically lasts up to 12 months.
A few groups, including the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, and contractor associations, sponsor apprenticeship programs for drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with technical instruction and typically last 2 to 4 years.
During their apprenticeship training, drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers learn a number of safety rules, many of which are standardized through the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).
Advancement
Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers may advance to become supervisors, general superintendents, project managers, or estimators. Workers may also choose to start their own business after gaining experience in the occupation.
Workers who join a union may also find career advancement opportunities within their union, such as becoming the business manager for a local chapter or becoming an instructor for the apprenticeship program.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032.
Despite limited employment growth, about 9,000 openings for drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment
Projected employment of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers varies by occupation (see table).
Demand for drywall and ceiling tile installers, especially for work on construction of new buildings, is expected to continue. Home-remodeling projects also are expected to be a source of job growth. The continued use of new tools that allow workers to do more in less time will limit employment growth of tapers.
Contacts for More Information
For details about apprenticeships or other work opportunities in this trade, contact the offices of the state employment service; the state apprenticeship agency; local contractors or firms that employ drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers; or local union–management finishing trade apprenticeship committees. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship program online or by phone at 877-872-5627. Visit Apprenticeship.gov to search for apprenticeship opportunities.
For more information about drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers, visit
Associated Builders and Contractors
Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry
Similar Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers.
| Occupation | Job Duties | Entry-Level Education | Median Annual Pay, May 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Masonry Workers |
Masonry workers use bricks, concrete and concrete blocks, and natural and manmade stones to build structures. |
See How to Become One | $49,490 |
|
Carpenters |
Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $51,390 |
|
Construction Laborers and Helpers |
Construction laborers and helpers perform many tasks that require physical labor on construction sites. |
See How to Become One | $39,520 |
|
Painters, Construction and Maintenance |
Painters apply paint, stain, and coatings to walls and ceilings, buildings, large machinery and equipment, and bridges and other structures. |
No formal educational credential | $46,090 |
|
Flooring Installers and Tile and Stone Setters |
Flooring installers and tile and stone setters lay and finish carpet, wood, vinyl, tile, and other materials. |
No formal educational credential | $47,890 |
|
Insulation Workers |
Insulation workers install and replace the materials used to insulate buildings or mechanical systems. |
See How to Become One | $47,980 |
|
Roofers |
Roofers replace, repair, and install the roofs of buildings. |
No formal educational credential | $47,920 |