### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            									
							
				                                                
                                            




            			drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers imageDrywall and ceiling tile installers hang wallboard and install ceiling tile inside buildings.							
						Quick Facts:     Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers2023     Median Pay
            						$57,010     per year
										$27.41     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    No formal educational credentialWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    Moderate-term on-the-job trainingNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    134,500Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    1% (Little or no change)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    1,400What Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers 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 $55,700 in May 2023.									                                														The median annual wage for tapers was $63,350 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers is projected to show little or no change							 from 2022 to 2032.
						Despite  limited  employment growth, about 9,000 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 Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers Do 
            

			Drywall and ceiling tile installers, and tapersDrywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers work with many different types of tools.			
Drywall installers and ceiling tile installers hang wallboard and install ceiling tile inside buildings. Tapers prepare the wallboard for painting, using tape and other materials. Many workers both install and tape wallboard.
Duties
Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers typically do the following:
Measure, mark, and cut drywall panels according to design plans
Fasten panels and tiles to support structures
Patch, trim, and smooth rough spots and edges
Apply tape and sealing compound to cover joints between wallboards
Add coats of sealing compound to create an even surface
Sand all joints and holes for a smooth, seamless finishDrywall and ceiling tile installers place panels over the walls and ceilings of interior rooms in buildings. The panels cover insulation, electrical wires, and pipes; dampen sound; and provide fire resistance. Tapers prepare the drywall for finishing.
Workers may use mechanical lifts or stand on stilts, ladders, or scaffolds to hang and prepare ceilings. After hanging wallboards, workers use trowels to spread coats of sealing compound over cracks, indentations, and other imperfections. Some workers use a mechanical applicator, a tool that spreads sealing compound on the wall joint while dispensing and setting tape at the same time.
***Drywall installers*** are also called *drywallers* or *hangers*. They cut and hang the panels of wallboard. The tools they use include tape measures, straightedges, utility knives, and power saws.
***Ceiling tile installers*** hang ceiling tiles and create suspended ceilings. Tiles may be applied directly to the ceiling, attached to furring strips, or suspended on runners that are connected by wire to the ceiling. Workers are sometimes called *acoustical carpenters*, because they also install tiles that block sound.
***Tapers***, also called *finishers*, prepare the drywall for covering by paint and wallpaper. Tapers apply paper or fiberglass mesh tape to cover drywall seams. They also smooth the tape after affixing it and apply a finishing compound to the tape.
In addition to performing new installations, many installers and tapers make repairs such as fixing damaged drywall and replacing ceiling tiles. The wall coverings applied to the finished drywall are installed by  painters, plasterers, and paperhangers.
 Work Environment
			Drywall and ceiling tile installers, and tapersTapers cover the seams where drywall edges meet.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Drywall and ceiling tile installers held about 116,400 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of drywall and ceiling tile installers were as follows:
        Drywall and insulation contractors
                60%Self-employed workers
                22Nonresidential building construction
                5Tapers held about 18,100 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of tapers were as follows:
        Drywall and insulation contractors
                66%Self-employed workers
                22Nonresidential building construction
                5Painting and wall covering contractors
                4Drywall 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.
 How to Become a Drywall Installer, Ceiling Tile Installer, or Taper

			Drywall and ceiling tile installers, and tapersNew drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers typically learn their job by working with more experienced workers.			
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.
Important Qualities
***Ability to work at heights.***  Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers may be required to work on ladders, scaffolding, lifts, or stilts.
***Attention to detail.*****Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers must take precise measurements, follow specific instructions, and be meticulous in their work.
***Balance.*** Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers often wear stilts. They must be able to move around and use tools overhead without falling.
***Dexterity.*** Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers work with hand tools on every job.
***Math skills.*** Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers must be able to estimate the quantity of materials needed when cutting panels.
***Physical stamina.*** Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers routinely lift and move heavy materials into place, so workers should be physically fit.
***Physical strength.*** Drywall and ceiling tile installers must often lift heavy panels over their heads to secure onto the ceiling and must carry heavy materials to work areas.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                        Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and TapersMedian annual wages, May 2023Tapers$63,350  Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers$57,010  Drywall and ceiling tile installers$55,700  Construction trades workers$52,000  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for drywall and ceiling tile installers was $55,700 in May 2023. 


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 $36,730, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $103,310.The median annual wage for tapers was $63,350 in May 2023. 


The lowest 10 percent earned less than $43,870, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $103,130.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for drywall and ceiling tile installers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Nonresidential building construction
                $61,750Drywall and insulation contractors
                57,230In May 2023, the median annual wages for tapers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Nonresidential building construction
                $71,500Drywall and insulation contractors
                69,140Painting and wall covering contractors
                50,470Most drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers work full time.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                       Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and TapersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Construction trades workers3%  Total, all occupations3%  Drywall and ceiling tile installers2%  Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers1%  Tapers-2%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers is projected to show little or no change				 from 2022 to 2032.
			
			Despite  limited  employment growth, about 9,000 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.
			

                        Employment projections data for     drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers**
			47-2080
			134,500
			135,900
			1
			1,400
			Get data**Drywall and ceiling tile installers**
			47-2081
			116,400
			118,200
			2
			1,900
			Get data**Tapers**
			47-2082
			18,100
			17,700
			-2
			-400
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Drywall and ceiling tile installers
					Tapers **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Masonry Workers**
            Masonry workers use bricks, concrete and concrete blocks, and natural and manmade stones to build structures.
            See How to Become One
            $53,010**Carpenters**
            Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $56,350**Construction Laborers and Helpers**
            Construction laborers and helpers perform tasks, such as using, supplying, or holding materials or tools and cleaning work areas and equipment, on construction sites.
            See How to Become One
            $44,310**Painters, Construction and Maintenance**
            Painters apply paint, stain, and coatings to walls and ceilings, buildings, large machinery and equipment, and bridges and other structures.
            No formal educational credential
            $47,700**Flooring Installers and Tile and Stone Setters**
            Flooring installers and tile and stone setters lay and finish carpet, wood, vinyl, tile, and other materials.
            No formal educational credential
            $48,690**Insulation Workers**
            Insulation workers install and replace the materials used to insulate buildings or mechanical systems.
            See How to Become One
            $49,350**Roofers**
            Roofers replace, repair, and install the roofs of buildings.
            No formal educational credential
            $50,030
 Contacts for More Information
								
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
Finishing Trades Institute
National Association of Home Builders
NCCER
United Brotherhood of Carpenters


                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Drywall and Ceiling Tile InstallersTapers
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/drywall-and-ceiling-tile-installers-and-tapers.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


**U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics**
Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections 
PSB Suite 2135 
2 Massachusetts Avenue NE  
Washington, DC 20212-0001 Telephone:1-202-691-5700 

www.bls.gov/ooh
Contact OOH