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What's the salary outlook for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer and is it growing?

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ConstructionStable

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer

Operational-level

Also known as: Acoustical Carpenter, Acoustical Ceiling Installer, Acoustical Consultant, Acoustical Installer

ConstructionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

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 InstallationCeiling Tile InstallationAcoustical InstallationInterior FinishingConstructionSkilled TradesBuilding ConstructionTechnicalBuildingSkilled Trade

A Day in the Life

You arrive at 6:30 AM at the new commercial building site in downtown Phoenix. The morning air is still cool as you greet your foreman, Maria, and the rest of the crew. After a quick safety huddle, you begin unloading stacks of heavy drywall sheets and boxes of acoustical ceiling tiles from the flatbed truck. Donning your hard hat and safety glasses, you grab your tool belt, securing your utility knife, tape measure, and a drywall T-square. Today's goal: get the conference rooms ready for taping.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Microsoft Office softwareMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Word

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+2.5%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

6,600

per year (US)

Jobs today

102,200

in 2025 → 104,700 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Moderate
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
Low
Working outdoors
High
Indoor, climate-controlled
Moderate
Dealing with customers
Moderate
Level of competition
High

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This career has a stable outlook, with about 6,600 job openings each year through 2035 and a projected employment growth of 2.5%. The median annual wage is around $58,930. With experience, you can advance to roles like a construction foreman, renovation contractor, or construction estimator, or even start your own business.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Construction Helper
  • Construction Laborer
  • Drywall Apprentice

Where it can lead

  • Construction Foreman
  • Renovation Contractor
  • Construction Estimator

Impact of AI on this Job

AI's impact on drywall and ceiling tile installers in the next 5-10 years will likely be moderate. While autonomous robots might handle repetitive tasks like panel transportation or initial cuts, the intricate fitting, finishing, and problem-solving required for complex installations will still rely heavily on human skill. AI-powered tools could assist with precise measurements and material optimization, enhancing efficiency rather than replacing the core role.

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$58,930

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

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Based on job level & field

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