Construction · SOC 47-2081
Drywall installation involves cutting and fitting in cramped, variable spaces — hands-on work robots still cannot perform reliably.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Prototype drywall robots exist in labs but fail on real-site complexity; meaningful automation of installation work is unlikely before 2035.
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$54,660 median pay
$56,020 median pay
$41,600 median pay
$40,590 median pay
$57,260 median pay
AI job-risk card
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers is 10/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
10 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Measuring and marking from blueprints, Estimating material quantities. Harder to automate: Reading blueprints and adapting to site deviations, Cutting precise openings for electrical and plumbing, Assembling metal framing in non-standard layouts, Physically handling and positioning large panels.
Lean into Blueprint and spec reading, Construction framing principles, Building code compliance, Project estimating basics. Consider roles such as Drywall contractor (business owner) or Interior construction foreman or Building inspector.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.