Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer

Your Fit

Income

$64K

Preparation

Some

Growth

1.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer?

A Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer is a professional responsible for installing wallboard and ceiling tiles in buildings. Their work involves measuring, cutting, and fitting these materials to create smooth surfaces for painting and finishing.

Sample job titles:

Drywall Finisher, Drywall Hanger, Drywall Installer, Metal Framer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$46K per year	$52K per year	$64K per year	$83K per year	$88K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $520 below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer do?

Work environment

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers typically work indoors on construction sites. The job can involve working in new buildings under construction or existing structures undergoing renovation. It requires physical stamina for lifting and positioning drywall panels, and may involve working at heights on scaffolds or ladders.

Quick task list

Measures, marks, and cuts drywall panels to fit specific dimensions.
Fastens drywall panels to the interior framework of buildings.
Installs ceiling tile frameworks and places tiles in them.
Tapes and finishes joints and imperfections to create a smooth, seamless appearance.
Complies with safety standards and building codes.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Residential Installation: Specializing in drywall and ceiling tile installation in homes and apartments.
Commercial Installation: Focusing on larger-scale installations in commercial and public buildings.
Acoustic Tile Installation: Installing ceiling tiles designed for soundproofing and acoustics.
Decorative Drywall Finishing: Specializing in textured finishes and decorative wall features.
Fireproofing: Applying fire-resistant materials and techniques in drywall installation.

Description

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers play a critical role in the building and renovation of modern structures. Their work is crucial for providing the final aesthetic look of walls and ceilings in both residential and commercial properties. Installers need a good understanding of construction principles to align and secure drywall panels properly, ensuring that they fit neatly around windows and doors and that electrical outlets and plumbing fixtures are accessible.

The job requires technical skills, such as reading blueprints and precise measuring and cutting, to ensure materials fit correctly and are installed efficiently. Installers must be adept with tools like trowels, saws, and sanders. Finishing the drywall is an important part of the job, involving taping, sanding, and applying compound to joints and nail indentations to create a smooth surface for painting or wallpapering.

Safety is an essential consideration, as installers often work at heights and handle heavy materials. Physical fitness is important, as the job involves bending, lifting, and standing for long periods. For those who enjoy practical, hands-on work and take pride in a well-finished product, a career as a Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer can be very satisfying.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Seeing the transformation of spaces with the work done.
The physical and skilled nature of the work.
Variety in projects, from small residential to large commercial jobs.

You might make a good Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer if you are...

Skilled at precise measuring and using hand tools.
Physically fit and comfortable working at heights.
Detail-oriented, ensuring high-quality finishes.
Able to read blueprints and follow technical instructions.
Enjoy working indoors and transforming interior spaces.

Pros:

Constant demand for installation and renovation projects.
Opportunity to work on a variety of construction projects.
Satisfaction from creating smooth and finished surfaces.

Cons:

Physically demanding job with a risk of injury.
Exposure to dust and other materials that may require protective equipment.
May involve irregular hours or overtime to meet project deadlines.

How to become a Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is usually sufficient. Most skills are acquired through on-the-job training. Some may opt for formal apprenticeships or vocational training programs, which can last 2-4 years.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop or vocational classes to learn basic construction skills.
Mathematics for accurate measuring and calculations.
Art or design classes to develop an eye for aesthetics and finishes.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in construction or woodworking clubs.
Engaging in sports or physical fitness activities.
Volunteering for community service projects that involve building or renovation.

Preparation after high school

Attend a vocational or technical school for formal training in drywall installation.
Seek apprenticeships with construction companies or experienced installers.
Gain certifications in areas like safety, specialized equipment use, or specific installation techniques.

More resources

Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI) - Offers resources, education, and certifications for wall and ceiling professionals.
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) - Provides educational resources and updates on the residential construction industry.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Guidelines and training for workplace safety in construction.
Gypsum Association - Offers resources and guidelines on the use of gypsum board in construction.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.