Shigoto Zukan
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How to become drywall and ceiling tile installerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$58,930
25th–75th pct. $47,440–$74,230
Top pay (est.)
$132,600
Top 10% $102,010
Pay in 5 years
$69,100est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$80,900est.
$69,600–$94,000
Outlook score
56/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
10%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+2.5%
6,600 openings / yr

How to become drywall and ceiling tile installers

Typical education
No formal educational credential
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers

Key skills

Coordination
3.1
Reading Comprehension
2.8
Monitoring
2.6
Critical Thinking
2.6
Time Management
2.6
Judgment and Decision Making
2.5
Complex Problem Solving
2.5
Operation and Control
2.4

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Building and Construction
5.3
Mechanical
3.3
Mathematics
3.1
Design
3.0
Engineering and Technology
2.9
Administration and Management
2.9
Customer and Personal Service
2.9
Public Safety and Security
2.9

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Important abilities

Extent FlexibilityVisualizationNear VisionTrunk StrengthFinger DexterityManual Dexterity

Education of workers

Less than high school
42%
High school diploma
24%
Post-secondary certificate
19%
Some college
10%
Bachelor's degree
5%

Training before entry

2–4 years
32%
1–2 years
17%
3–6 months
13%
6–12 months
11%
4–10 years
10%
None / short demo
9%
1–3 months
7%

Related work experience

1–2 years
42%
4–6 years
16%
None
12%
2–4 years
11%
8–10 years
6%
6–8 years
5%
1–3 months
4%
3–6 months
4%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as drywall and ceiling tile installers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.