All occupationsCompare
Export

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers

Construction, Maintenance & Repairvery lowaugment
BLS 2024-34: +1%
Median Wage: $52,400
Employment: 118K

Overall Exposure

9+4

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

19

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

4

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

7

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 โ†’ 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

9โ†’15
+6

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

19โ†’28
+9

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

4โ†’8
+4

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

7โ†’12
+5

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Detailed Metrics Table

YearOverallTheoreticalObservedRiskData Type
202351424actual
202471635actual
202591947actual
2026112258estimated
20271325610estimated
20281528812estimated

Task Breakdown

Measure, cut, and fasten drywall panels to framing
6%ฮฒ 0
Apply joint compound and tape to seams between panels
5%ฮฒ 0
Read blueprints and plan material layout
24%ฮฒ 0.5
Install acoustical ceiling tiles and suspension systems
7%ฮฒ 0

About This Occupation

If you work as a Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer, AI has very little impact on your profession. With an automation risk of just 7/100 and overall exposure at 9%, this trade remains firmly hands-on. The most AI-influenced task is reading blueprints and planning material layout at 24% automation, while physical installation work stays below 7%. This is classified as an 'augment' role, meaning technology can help with measurement and planning but cannot replace the manual dexterity required. BLS projects +1% growth through 2034, with median annual wage of $52,400. While commercial construction drives steady demand, prefabricated wall systems and modular construction may gradually change the trade. Workers who can read digital blueprints and use laser measurement tools will have a competitive edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 7%, Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers has a low risk of AI replacement. Most tasks in this role require skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as complex decision-making, physical dexterity, or deep interpersonal interaction. AI is more likely to serve as a supportive tool.

The AI automation risk score for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers is 7% (2025 data). Overall AI exposure is 9%, with 19% theoretical exposure and 4% observed exposure. The risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +3 points.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers are: Read blueprints and plan material layout (24%), Install acoustical ceiling tiles and suspension systems (7%), Measure, cut, and fasten drywall panels to framing (6%). These rates reflect how much of each task current AI systems can handle, based on research data from Anthropic and academic sources.

The BLS projects +1% employment change for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers from 2024 to 2034. Combined with an overall AI exposure of 9%, this occupation is experiencing both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.

Recent AI Impact Changes

Mar 2026: Evergreen blog post published analyzing AI impact on drywall installers (7% exposure, 5/100 risk).

[Source: AI Changing Work Blog]