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Construction and Trades

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
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Median pay

$58,140
Median annual pay for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

4.2%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

7,700
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

103,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+4,300
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

No formal educational credential
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Monitoring
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Active Listening
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Mathematics

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Building and Construction
  2. 2Mathematics
  3. 3Mechanical
  4. 4Public Safety and Security
  5. 5Administration and Management
  6. 6Design

Abilities

  1. 1Arm-Hand Steadiness
  2. 2Extent Flexibility
  3. 3Manual Dexterity
  4. 4Near Vision
  5. 5Trunk Strength
  6. 6Gross Body Equilibrium

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Artistic
  4. 4Investigative
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Self-Confidence

Work activities

  1. 1Handling and Moving Objects
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Performing General Physical Activities
  4. 4Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  5. 5Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  6. 6Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Work context

  1. 1Spend Time Standing
  2. 2Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  5. 5Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  6. 6Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyBusiness management softwareConstruction Software Center EasyEstDevWave Estimate WorksJob costing softwareLogic Group Scanner Digitizing SoftwareOn Center Quick BidTurtle Creek Software GoldensealWilhelm Publishing Threshold

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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