Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers

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, fire-proofing, or acoustical material.

Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

1. Measure and mark surfaces to lay out work according to blueprints and drawings, using tape measures, straightedges or squares, and marking devices.

2. Read blueprints and other specifications to determine methods of installation, work procedures, and material and tool requirements.

3. Fit and fasten wallboard or drywall into position on wood or metal frameworks, using glue, nails, or screws.

4. Hang dry lines (stretched string) to wall moldings in order to guide positioning of main runners.

5. Measure and cut openings in panels or tiles for electrical outlets, windows, vents, and plumbing and other fixtures, using keyhole saws or other cutting tools.

6. Hang drywall panels on metal frameworks of walls and ceilings in offices, schools, and other large buildings, using lifts or hoists to adjust panel heights when necessary.

7. Assemble and install metal framing and decorative trim for windows, doorways, and vents.

8. Coordinate work with drywall finishers who cover the seams between drywall panels.

9. Trim rough edges from wallboard to maintain even joints, using knives.

10. Cut and screw together metal channels to make floor and ceiling frames, according to plans for the location of rooms and hallways.

11. Inspect furrings, mechanical mountings, and masonry surface for plumbness and level, using spirit or water levels.

Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.

Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$31,440 for entry level workers, and $64,700 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 6,230 Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 7,120  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 90 job(s) each year, and a total of 90 job openings each year.

Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Construction Specialists - Visit this link for information on this career in the military.

Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Construction Specialists - Visit this link for information on this career in the military.

Construction Carpenters - Construct, erect, install, and repair structures and fixtures of wood, plywood, and wallboard, using carpenter's hand tools and power tools.

Tile and Marble Setters - Apply hard tile, marble, and wood tile to walls, floors, ceilings, and roof decks.

Tapers - Seal joints between plasterboard or other wallboard to prepare wall surface for painting or papering.

Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers - Position and secure steel bars or mesh in concrete forms in order to reinforce concrete. Use a variety of fasteners, rod-bending machines, blowtorches, and hand tools.

Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons - Help painters, paperhangers, plasterers, or stucco masons by performing duties of lesser skill. Duties include using, supplying or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters - Cut, shape, and assemble wooden articles or set up and operate a variety of woodworking machines, such as power saws, jointers, and mortisers to surface, cut, or shape lumber or to fabricate parts for wood products.