Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Using physical effort and endurance safely and effectively over time.
Using precise hand and finger movements to control tools, equipment, or materials.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
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. PayThe median annual wage for drywall and ceiling tile installers was $58,930 in May 2025.The median annual wage for tapers was $68,270 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 7,600 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for drywall and ceiling tile installers was $58,930 in May 2025.The median annual wage for tapers was $68,270 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 7,600 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 7,600 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Drywall and ceiling tile installers hang wallboard and install ceiling tile inside buildings. Tapers prepare the wallboard for painting.
Work Environment
Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers work indoors. Workers spend most of the day standing, bending, or reaching, and they often must lift and maneuver heavy wallboard.
How to Become a Drywall Installer, Ceiling Tile Installer, or Taper
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.
Pay
The median annual wage for drywall and ceiling tile installers was $58,930 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for tapers was $68,270 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 7,600 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers work indoors. Workers spend most of the day standing, bending, or reaching, and they often must lift and maneuver heavy wallboard.
How to Become a Drywall Installer, Ceiling Tile Installer, or Taper
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.
Pay
The median annual wage for drywall and ceiling tile installers was $58,930 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for tapers was $68,270 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 7,600 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Explore Training Options
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.