Drywall and ceiling tile installers held about 111,600 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of drywall and ceiling tile installers were as follows:
| Drywall and insulation contractors | 69% |
| Self-employed workers | 12 |
| Nonresidential building construction | 6 |
Tapers held about 16,800 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of tapers were as follows:
| Drywall and insulation contractors | 73% |
| Self-employed workers | 12 |
| Nonresidential building construction | 7 |
| Painting and wall covering contractors | 2 |
Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers work indoors. The work is physically demanding. Workers spend most of the day standing, bending, or reaching, and they must often lift and maneuver heavy wallboard.
Work Schedules
Most drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers work full time.
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.
Education
There are no educational credential requirements for becoming a drywall installer, ceiling tile installer, or taper, although some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a high school diploma or equivalent.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for workers starting an apprenticeship.
Training
Most drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers learn their trade on the job by helping experienced workers and gradually taking on more duties. They start by carrying materials and cleaning up and then learn to use the tools of the trade. They learn to measure, cut, and install or apply materials. They may start out working on less visible areas, such as closets. Their on-the-job training typically lasts up to 12 months.
A few groups, including the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, and contractor associations, sponsor apprenticeship programs for drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with technical instruction and typically last 2 to 4 years.
During their apprenticeship training, drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers learn a number of safety rules, many of which are standardized through the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).
Advancement
Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers may advance to become supervisors, general superintendents, project managers, or estimators. Workers may also choose to start their own business after gaining experience in the occupation.
Workers who join a union may also find career advancement opportunities within their union, such as becoming the business manager for a local chapter or becoming an instructor for the apprenticeship program.
Drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers typically have an interest in the Building and Organizing interest areas, according to the Holland Code framework. The Building interest area indicates a focus on working with tools and machines, and making or fixing practical things. The Organizing interest area indicates a focus on working with information and processes to keep things arranged in orderly systems.
If you are not sure whether you have a Building or Organizing interest which might fit with a career as a drywall and ceiling tile installer and taper, you can take a career test to measure your interests.
Drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers should also possess the following specific qualities:
Math skills. Drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers use basic math skills on every job. For example, they must be able to estimate the quantity of materials needed and measure accurately when cutting panels.
Physical stamina. Because installers and tapers constantly lift and move heavy materials into place, workers should be in good physical shape.
Physical strength. Standard drywall sheets can weigh 50 to 100 pounds. Drywall and ceiling tile installers often must lift heavy panels over their heads to secure onto the ceiling.
The median annual wage for drywall and ceiling tile installers was $48,040 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,460, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $95,600.
The median annual wage for tapers was $61,080 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,980, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,160.
In May 2021, the median annual wages for drywall and ceiling tile installers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Nonresidential building construction | $59,180 |
| Drywall and insulation contractors | 48,000 |
In May 2021, the median annual wages for tapers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Nonresidential building construction | $83,610 |
| Drywall and insulation contractors | 60,360 |
| Painting and wall covering contractors | 48,610 |
Most drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers work full time.
Overall employment of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2021 to 2031, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 10,900 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.
Employment
Projected employment of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers varies by occupation (see table).
Demand for drywall and ceiling tile installers, especially for work on construction of new buildings, is expected to continue. Home-remodeling projects also are expected to be a source of job growth. The continued use of new tools that allow workers to do more in less time will limit employment growth of tapers.
For details about apprenticeships or other work opportunities in this trade, contact the offices of the state employment service; the state apprenticeship agency; local contractors or firms that employ drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers; or local union–management finishing trade apprenticeship committees. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship program online or by phone at 877-872-5627. Visit Apprenticeship.gov to search for apprenticeship opportunities.
For more information about drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers, visit
Associated Builders and Contractors
Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry
National Association of Home Builders
United Brotherhood of Carpenters