The median annual wage for drywall and ceiling tile installers was $39,220 in May 2015.
The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,250, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $78,030.
The median annual wage for tapers was $47,970 in May 2015.
The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,140, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $88,720.
The starting wage for apprentices is usually between 40 percent and 50 percent of what fully trained drywall and ceiling tile installers and tapers make. As apprentices learn to do more, they receive pay increases.
Most drywall and ceiling tile installers, and tapers, work full time.
About 1 in 5 were self-employed in 2014. Self-employed installers and tapers may be able to set their own schedule.
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers
Median annual wages, May 2015
Tapers
$47,970
Construction trades workers
$41,020
Drywall and ceiling tile installers, and tapers
$40,470
Drywall and ceiling tile installers
$39,220
Total, all occupations
$36,200
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics