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Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers

Also called: Drywall Finisher, Drywall Hanger, Drywall Installer, Metal Framer

What they do:

Apply plasterboard or other wallboard to ceilings or interior walls of buildings. Apply or mount acoustical tiles or blocks, strips, or sheets of shock-absorbing materials to ceilings and walls of buildings to reduce or reflect sound. Materials may be of decorative quality. Includes lathers who fasten wooden, metal, or rockboard lath to walls, ceilings, or partitions of buildings to provide support base for plaster, fireproofing, or acoustical material.

On the job, you would:
  • Read blueprints or other specifications to determine methods of installation, work procedures, or material or tool requirements.
  • Measure and mark surfaces to lay out work, according to blueprints or drawings, using tape measures, straightedges or squares, and marking devices.
  • Fit and fasten wallboard or drywall into position on wood or metal frameworks, using glue, nails, or screws.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • building and construction
  • mechanical

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

Business

  • management

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Endurance

  • exercise for a long time without getting out of breath

Physical Strength

  • use your lower back and stomach
  • lift, push, pull, or carry

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • Integrity
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Self Control

Word processing software

  • Microsoft Word
  • Wilhelm Publishing Threshold

Project management software

  • DevWave Estimate Works
  • Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal

Accounting software

  • Job costing software

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Average.

New job opportunities are likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $50,440

Education

No high school diploma/GED or high school diploma/GED is usually needed.

Explore More

See other careers in the Construction industry.