The median annual wage of drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers was $38,290 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
The median annual wage of drywall and ceiling tile installers was $37,320 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,470, and the top 10 percent earned more than $68,660.
The median annual wage of tapers was $45,490 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,480, and the top 10 percent earned more than $77,380.
The starting wage for apprentices is usually between 30 percent and 50 percent of what fully trained drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers make. As they gain more skill, they receive pay increases.
Most drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers work full time.
About 27 percent of drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers were self-employed. Self-employed workers may be able to set their own schedule.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition