Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers fall under the Construction and Extraction category in the U.S. occupational classification. Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers earn a median salary of $58,930 per year, ranking in the top 54% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +2.5% job growth through 2035, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do drywall and ceiling tile installers earn?

The median annual wage for drywall and ceiling tile installers is $58,930. That puts drywall and ceiling tile installers at #444 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is drywall and ceiling tile installers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for drywall and ceiling tile installers is +2.5%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 102K positions in 2024 to 104K in 2034, a net change of 2K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What education does my child need to become drywall and ceiling tile installer?

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
  $58,620 median
• Insulation Workers, Mechanical
  $58,340 median
• Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas
  $58,160 median
• Plasterers and Stucco Masons
  $57,660 median
• Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
  $57,430 median
• Stonemasons
  $57,390 median

Common questions parents ask about drywall and ceiling tile installers