Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
SOC Code: 47-2081 Job Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
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.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $62,525 | $79,893 | $97,261 | $114,629 |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $60,362 | $78,416 | $96,450 | $114,504 |
| North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area | $51,168 | $71,053 | $90,958 | $110,843 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $62,254 | $78,354 | $94,474 | $110,573 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $58,490 | $74,693 | $90,896 | $107,099 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $60,050 | $75,109 | $90,189 | $105,248 |
| Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area | $54,496 | $70,346 | $86,195 | $102,045 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $51,293 | $67,870 | $84,448 | $101,026 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $58,427 | $70,200 | $81,994 | $93,766 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | $57,928 | $69,659 | $81,411 | $93,142 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.0 | |
| Time Management | 2.9 | |
| Monitoring | 2.9 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.9 | |
| Coordination | 2.9 | |
| Speaking | 2.9 | |
| Active Listening | 2.8 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 2.8 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 2.6 | |
| Operation and Control | 2.5 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Building and Construction | 4.5 |
| Mathematics | 3.5 |
| Mechanical | 3.2 |
| Public Safety and Security | 3.2 |
| Administration and Management | 3.1 |
| Design | 3.0 |
| English Language | 3.0 |
| Engineering and Technology | 2.7 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| Less than high school | 41.9% |
| High school diploma | 24.4% |
| Some college | 19.3% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 9.7% |
| Bachelor's degree | 4.8% |
Typical Tasks
- Measure and mark surfaces to lay out work, according to blueprints or drawings, using tape measures, straightedges or squares, and marking devices.
- Read blueprints or other specifications to determine methods of installation, work procedures, or material or tool requirements.
- Fit and fasten wallboard or drywall into position on wood or metal frameworks, using glue, nails, or screws.
- Hang dry lines to wall moldings to guide positioning of main runners.
- Measure and cut openings in panels or tiles for electrical outlets, windows, vents, plumbing, or other fixtures, using keyhole saws or other cutting tools.
- 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.
- Assemble or install metal framing or decorative trim for windows, doorways, or vents.
- Coordinate work with drywall finishers who cover the seams between drywall panels.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
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