Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers: Median Salary $59,780 in 2024
Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers earned a median salary of $59,780 per year as of 2024, according to BLS estimates. The typical range spans from $38,820 at the 10th percentile to $103,310 at the 90th percentile. Mean hourly pay works out to about $29.
How much Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers earn
The median annual wage for this occupation is $59,780. The mean wage is $64,820, or roughly $29 per hour. Half of workers earn between $38,820 (10th percentile) and $103,310 (90th percentile). Newer workers or those in lower-cost areas tend to be at the bottom; experienced union workers with specialized skills can reach six figures.
Pay varies by contractor, project type, and union presence. Commercial drywall, ceiling tile installation, and fireproofing often pay more than residential. Overtime and piece-rate work can boost earnings.
Pay by state
BLS does not publish state-level figures for this specific occupation. However, typical wage patterns suggest that states with strong construction unions and high costs of living—such as New York, California, Illinois, and Massachusetts—tend to offer higher wages. Southern states with right-to-work laws and lower living costs, such as Texas, Florida, and the Carolinas, generally pay below the national median. For precise local rates, consult state labor department data or union wage scales.
How to become a Drywall Installer, Ceiling Tile Installer, or Taper
Most workers learn through on-the-job training or a 3–4 year apprenticeship. Employers typically prefer a high school diploma or equivalent. Apprenticeships combine paid work with classroom instruction in blueprint reading, estimation, and safety. Completion of an apprenticeship often leads to journey-level certification.
Voluntary certifications, such as the AWCI's Certified Wall and Ceiling Contractor program, can improve job prospects. Some states require a contractor's license for independent work; check your state's regulations. Physical stamina, math skills, and attention to detail are critical.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Enroll in an apprenticeship program through a union (e.g., IUPAT) or contractor association.
- Complete 3–4 years of paid training, including 144 hours of classroom instruction per year.
- Pass any state-required exams for licensure or certification.
- Consider specialized certifications for fireproofing, metal framing, or acoustic ceiling work.
Job outlook
The BLS does not project growth specifically for drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers through 2034. However, overall employment in construction is expected to grow about 4% over the decade. Demand is tied to new building construction and renovation projects. Workers who can handle green building materials and fire-rated assemblies will have an edge.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest pay for drywall installers and tapers?
The top 10 percent earn over $103,310 per year. Experienced workers in commercial or union jobs often reach this level.
Do drywall installers need a license?
Requirements vary by state and locality. Some states require a contractor's license if you work independently or bid jobs above a certain amount. Check with your local licensing board.
Is drywall installation a good career?
It offers solid pay—median $59,780—and no college degree requirement. The work is physically demanding, but skills are always in demand for construction and remodels.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers data.