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Skilled 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.

Median salary (BLS)

$58,930

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$38k – $102k

Job outlook

+4% (faster than average)

AI exposure

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Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$100–$2,600

Time to qualify

3.1 yr

Renewal

$50/yr

  1. 1

    Registered apprenticeship (paid)

    Experience

    Earn-while-you-learn training — apprentices are paid during the program; fees are tools/books, not tuition.

    $0–$2,000 · 36 months · varies by state source

  2. 2

    Journeyman exam & state/local license

    License

    Most states and municipalities test and license journeyman-level trades workers.

    $100–$600 · 1 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers

    Entry / Junior

    $38,460

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers

    Established

    $58,930

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers

    Senior

    $80,470

Key skills

A typical day

  • •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.

Fields of study

Any field

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.