Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer Salary in 2026
How Much Do Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers Make?
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers earn a median annual salary of $58,140 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $37,810 at the 10th percentile to $101,380 at the 90th percentile — a range of $63,570. The highest-paying state is Hawaii at $104,670.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,810 |
| 25th percentile | $46,880 |
| Median (50th) | $58,140 |
| 75th percentile | $72,660 |
| 90th percentile | $101,380 |
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaiitop | $104,670 |
| Connecticut | $79,510 |
| Alaska | $75,150 |
| Washington | $70,310 |
| Illinois | $69,810 |
| Massachusetts | $67,390 |
| California | $65,880 |
| New Jersey | $64,940 |
| Minnesota | $62,390 |
| New Hampshire | $61,810 |
| Maine | $60,060 |
| New York | $59,960 |
| Ohio | $59,560 |
| Missouri | $59,050 |
| West Virginia | $58,750 |
| Colorado | $58,640 |
| Oregon | $58,460 |
| Pennsylvania | $58,270 |
| Wisconsin | $57,990 |
| Georgia | $53,590 |
| Delaware | $53,300 |
| Michigan | $53,170 |
| New Mexico | $52,470 |
| Indiana | $52,370 |
| Virginia | $51,760 |
| Maryland | $51,540 |
| Nevada | $51,290 |
| Utah | $50,860 |
| Texas | $50,120 |
| Iowa | $49,940 |
| Vermont | $48,480 |
| Nebraska | $48,470 |
| North Carolina | $48,460 |
| Wyoming | $48,380 |
| South Dakota | $48,280 |
| Arizona | $48,130 |
| Kansas | $48,090 |
| Oklahoma | $47,490 |
| Kentucky | $46,950 |
| Florida | $46,930 |
| Alabama | $46,880 |
| Montana | $46,030 |
| Tennessee | $45,990 |
| Idaho | $45,830 |
| South Carolina | $44,670 |
| Mississippi | $43,470 |
| Arkansas | $43,470 |
| Louisiana | $36,780 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$37,810 – $46,880 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$58,140 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$72,660 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $101,380+ |
How to Earn More as a Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers in Urban Honolulu, HI earn $108,210 — $50,070 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($72,660) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installerthis career | $58,140 |
| Brickmasons and Blockmason | $60,800 |
| Carpenter | $59,310 |
| Carpet Installer | $49,850 |
| Floor Layer | $54,340 |
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SOC: 47-2081.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.