A drywall and ceiling tile installer finishes interior walls and ceilings in homes, offices, and other buildings. It is hands-on, in demand, and you can start without a four-year degree. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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You install and finish drywall, plasterboard, and ceiling tiles on interior walls and ceilings. The work includes measuring and cutting materials to fit spaces, securing them with fasteners or adhesive, and taping and mudding seams to create smooth surfaces. You inspect materials and structures before installation to catch problems early. You coordinate with supervisors and other trades on the job site, and you plan your work to meet deadlines. Physical demands are real: you handle heavy materials, work at heights, and stay on your feet most of the day.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers earn a median of $58,930 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 7,700 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most drywall and ceiling tile installers start through on-the-job training or apprenticeships. You typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers hire workers with no prior experience and train them as they work. Others prefer candidates who have completed a formal apprenticeship program, which combines classroom instruction in building construction, mathematics, and safety with paid hands-on training. Training usually takes several years. You will learn to use tools safely, read blueprints, and understand building codes and standards.
Entry routes include apprenticeships and direct hire with on-the-job training, so your path depends on what opportunities are available in your area and how quickly you want to start earning. Use Pathly can map the drywall and ceiling tile installer path that fits you to map out your options and talk them through with a counselor.
You do not need a license to work as a drywall and ceiling tile installer, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You like working with your hands, solving practical problems, and seeing tangible results. You are detail-oriented, communicate clearly with your crew, and take safety seriously.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).