Drywall and ceiling tile installers
SOC Code: 47-2081
Drywall and ceiling tile installers carries a 14% AI exposure score (Low automation risk), with a median annual wage of $58,140 and +4.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 103,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 14% AI exposure, Drywall and ceiling tile installers sits 23 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 1% of them. It ranks among the more AI-resilient roles in the dataset.
Where Drywall and ceiling tile installers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Drywall and ceiling tile installers has ai exposure of 14%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Drywall and ceiling tile installers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Drywall and ceiling tile installers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Drywall and ceiling tile installers (SOC 47-2081) carries an AI exposure score of 14%, placing it in the Low automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 103,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.2% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $58,140, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Drywall and ceiling tile installers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Read blueprints or other specifications to determine methods of installation, work procedures, or material or tool requirements.
- 2. Measure and mark surfaces to lay out work, according to blueprints or drawings, using tape measures, straightedges or squares, and marking devices.
- 3. Fit and fasten wallboard or drywall into position on wood or metal frameworks, using glue, nails, or screws.
- 4. Measure and cut openings in panels or tiles for electrical outlets, windows, vents, plumbing, or other fixtures, using keyhole saws or other cutting tools.
- 5. Assemble or install metal framing or decorative trim for windows, doorways, or vents.
- 6. Cut metal or wood framing and trim to size, using cutting tools.
- 7. Inspect furrings, mechanical mountings, or masonry surfaces for plumbness and level, using spirit or water levels.
- 8. Cut fixture or border tiles to size, using keyhole saws, and insert them into surrounding frameworks.
- 9. Cut and screw together metal channels to make floor or ceiling frames, according to plans for the location of rooms or hallways.
- 10. Hang drywall panels on metal frameworks of walls and ceilings in offices, schools, or other large buildings, using lifts or hoists to adjust panel heights, when necessary.
Key Skills Required
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Coordination
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Social Perceptiveness
Knowledge Areas
- Building and Construction
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Design
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Customer and Personal Service
- Production and Processing
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Drywall and ceiling tile installers?
Drywall and ceiling tile installers has an AI exposure score of 14%, indicating a low level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Drywall and ceiling tile installers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Drywall and ceiling tile installers is projected to grow by 4.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 103,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Drywall and ceiling tile installers?
Key skills for Drywall and ceiling tile installers include Critical Thinking, Speaking, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Drywall and ceiling tile installers earn?
The median annual wage for Drywall and ceiling tile installers is $58,140, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Drywall and ceiling tile installers?
The typical entry-level education for Drywall and ceiling tile installers is No formal educational credential. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Drywall and ceiling tile installers?
Drywall and ceiling tile installers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Low automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).