Tapers

Spread sealing compound between boards or panels or over cracks, holes, nail heads, or screw heads, using trowels, broadknives, or spatulas.
Press paper tape over joints to embed tape into sealing compound and to seal joints.
Apply additional coats to fill in holes and make surfaces smooth.

Important Qualities

Ability to work at heights. Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers may be required to work on ladders, scaffolding, lifts, or stilts.

Attention to detail. Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers must take precise measurements, follow specific instructions, and be meticulous in their work.

Balance. Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers often wear stilts. They must be able to move around and use tools overhead without falling.

Dexterity. Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers work with hand tools on every job.

Math skills. Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers must be able to estimate the quantity of materials needed when cutting panels.

Physical stamina. Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers routinely lift and move heavy materials into place, so workers should be physically fit.

Physical strength. Drywall and ceiling tile installers must often lift heavy panels over their heads to secure onto the ceiling and must carry heavy materials to work areas.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		71%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		67%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		67%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
		65%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
		64%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		63%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		62%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		54%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
		51%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		100%	Realistic - Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		60%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		53%	Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
		53%	Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
		53%	Multilimb Coordination - The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
		53%	Trunk Strength - The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
		53%	Extent Flexibility - The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Remove excess materials from finished construction projects.

Apply sealants or other protective coatings.

Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities.

Apply adhesives to construction materials.

Apply material to fill gaps in surfaces.

Smooth surfaces with abrasive materials or tools.

Apply adhesives to construction materials.

Apply material to fill gaps in surfaces.

Install metal structural components.

Smooth surfaces with abrasive materials or tools.

Drill holes in construction materials.

Select construction materials.

Prepare surfaces for finishing.

Evaluate quality of materials or products.

Climb equipment or structures to access work areas.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		95%	Spend Time Standing - How much does this job require standing?
		93%	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls - How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
		89%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		81%	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions - How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
		78%	Exposed to Contaminants - How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
		77%	Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets - How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
		75%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		73%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		73%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
		70%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
		69%	Spend Time Walking and Running - How much does this job require walking and running?
		68%	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety - How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
		68%	Exposed to High Places - How often does this job require exposure to high places?
		68%	Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable - How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
		68%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		67%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		66%	Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?
		66%	Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body - How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
		66%	Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
		60%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		59%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		58%	Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions - How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?
		57%	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results - How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
		56%	Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting - How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?
		56%	Level of Competition - To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
		56%	Very Hot or Cold Temperatures - How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
		55%	Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles - How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, or poles?
		55%	Physical Proximity - To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
		53%	Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		67%	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
		65%	Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
		57%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		56%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		54%	Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
		52%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		51%	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

What Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers Do

Drywall and ceiling tile installers, and tapers

Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers work with many different types of tools.

Drywall installers and ceiling tile installers hang wallboard and install ceiling tile inside buildings. Tapers prepare the wallboard for painting, using tape and other materials. Many workers both install and tape wallboard.

Duties

Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers typically do the following:

Measure, mark, and cut drywall panels according to design plans
Fasten panels and tiles to support structures
Patch, trim, and smooth rough spots and edges
Apply tape and sealing compound to cover joints between wallboards
Add coats of sealing compound to create an even surface
Sand all joints and holes for a smooth, seamless finish

Drywall and ceiling tile installers place panels over the walls and ceilings of interior rooms in buildings. The panels cover insulation, electrical wires, and pipes; dampen sound; and provide fire resistance. Tapers prepare the drywall for finishing.

Workers may use mechanical lifts or stand on stilts, ladders, or scaffolds to hang and prepare ceilings. After hanging wallboards, workers use trowels to spread coats of sealing compound over cracks, indentations, and other imperfections. Some workers use a mechanical applicator, a tool that spreads sealing compound on the wall joint while dispensing and setting tape at the same time.

Drywall installers are also called drywallers or hangers. They cut and hang the panels of wallboard. The tools they use include tape measures, straightedges, utility knives, and power saws.

Ceiling tile installers hang ceiling tiles and create suspended ceilings. Tiles may be applied directly to the ceiling, attached to furring strips, or suspended on runners that are connected by wire to the ceiling. Workers are sometimes called acoustical carpenters, because they also install tiles that block sound.

Tapers, also called finishers, prepare the drywall for covering by paint and wallpaper. Tapers apply paper or fiberglass mesh tape to cover drywall seams. They also smooth the tape after affixing it and apply a finishing compound to the tape.

In addition to performing new installations, many installers and tapers make repairs such as fixing damaged drywall and replacing ceiling tiles. The wall coverings applied to the finished drywall are installed by painters, plasterers, and paperhangers.

Work Environment

Drywall and ceiling tile installers held about 116,400 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of drywall and ceiling tile installers were as follows:

Drywall and insulation contractors	60%
Self-employed workers	22
Nonresidential building construction	5

Tapers held about 18,100 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of tapers were as follows:

Drywall and insulation contractors	66%
Self-employed workers	22
Nonresidential building construction	5
Painting and wall covering contractors	4

Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers work indoors. The work is physically demanding. Workers spend most of the day standing, bending, or reaching, and they must often lift and maneuver heavy wallboard.

Work Schedules

Most drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers work full time.

Getting Started

Education:

46%

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

29%

Less than a High School Diploma

How to Become a Drywall Installer, Ceiling Tile Installer, or Taper

New drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers typically learn their job by working with more experienced workers.

Most drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers learn their trade on the job. A formal educational credential is typically not required to enter the occupation.

Education

There are no educational credential requirements for becoming a drywall installer, ceiling tile installer, or taper, although some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a high school diploma or equivalent.

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for workers starting an apprenticeship.

Training

Most drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers learn their trade on the job by helping experienced workers and gradually taking on more duties. They start by carrying materials and cleaning up and then learn to use the tools of the trade. They learn to measure, cut, and install or apply materials. They may start out working on less visible areas, such as closets. Their on-the-job training typically lasts up to 12 months.

A few groups, including the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, and contractor associations, sponsor apprenticeship programs for drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with technical instruction and typically last 2 to 4 years.

During their apprenticeship training, drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers learn a number of safety rules, many of which are standardized through the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).

Advancement

Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers may advance to become supervisors, general superintendents, project managers, or estimators. Workers may also choose to start their own business after gaining experience in the occupation.

Workers who join a union may also find career advancement opportunities within their union, such as becoming the business manager for a local chapter or becoming an instructor for the apprenticeship program.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032.

Despite limited employment growth, about 9,000 openings for drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Projected employment of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers varies by occupation (see table).

Demand for drywall and ceiling tile installers, especially for work on construction of new buildings, is expected to continue. Home-remodeling projects also are expected to be a source of job growth. The continued use of new tools that allow workers to do more in less time will limit employment growth of tapers.

Contacts for More Information

For details about apprenticeships or other work opportunities in this trade, contact the offices of the state employment service; the state apprenticeship agency; local contractors or firms that employ drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers; or local union–management finishing trade apprenticeship committees. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship program online or by phone at 877-872-5627. Visit Apprenticeship.gov to search for apprenticeship opportunities.

For more information about drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers, visit

Associated Builders and Contractors

Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry

Finishing Trades Institute

National Association of Home Builders

NCCER

United Brotherhood of Carpenters

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Masonry Workers	Masonry workers use bricks, concrete and concrete blocks, and natural and manmade stones to build structures.	See How to Become One	$49,490
Carpenters	Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials.	High school diploma or equivalent	$51,390
Construction Laborers and Helpers	Construction laborers and helpers perform many tasks that require physical labor on construction sites.	See How to Become One	$39,520
Painters, Construction and Maintenance	Painters apply paint, stain, and coatings to walls and ceilings, buildings, large machinery and equipment, and bridges and other structures.	No formal educational credential	$46,090
Flooring Installers and Tile and Stone Setters	Flooring installers and tile and stone setters lay and finish carpet, wood, vinyl, tile, and other materials.	No formal educational credential	$47,890
Insulation Workers	Insulation workers install and replace the materials used to insulate buildings or mechanical systems.	See How to Become One	$47,980
Roofers	Roofers replace, repair, and install the roofs of buildings.	No formal educational credential	$47,920

Tapers

Drywall Installer, Ceiling Tile Installer, or Taper

What they do:

On the job, you would: