Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers salary by state
Typical education: Less than a High School Diploma
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.
Top skills:Critical ThinkingTime ManagementSpeakingMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingCoordination
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers pay by experience level
Entry level$40,000
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$49,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$61,000
Mid-career median pay
Senior$77,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$105,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+4.2%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
7,700
projected openings per year
Growing about as fast as average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers salary by industry
Specialty Trade Contractors
68,820 workers
$65,500
Building Finishing Contractors
65,850 workers
$65,000
Construction of Buildings
11,830 workers
$71,500
Nonresidential Building Construction
7,430 workers
$78,000
Residential Building Construction
4,410 workers
$61,500
Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors
1,920 workers
$61,500
Administrative and Support Services
1,360 workers
$45,500
Employment Services
1,330 workers
$45,500
Building Equipment Contractors
760 workers
$96,000
Wood Product Manufacturing
750 workers
$48,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers pays 2% above the average across 63 roles in the Construction and Extraction job family (family average $65,000).
Similar-paying roles in Construction and Extraction
