Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
The short answer
This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to hold steady over the next decade, with about 277 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
This job is in the least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.
AI can help with or automate about 8% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Read blueprints or other specifications to determine methods of installation, work procedures, or material or tool requirements.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Measure and mark surfaces to lay out work, according to blueprints or drawings, using tape measures, straightedges or squares, and marking devices.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Fit and fasten wallboard or drywall into position on wood or metal frameworks, using glue, nails, or screws.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Measure and cut openings in panels or tiles for electrical outlets, windows, vents, plumbing, or other fixtures, using keyhole saws or other cutting tools.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Assemble or install metal framing or decorative trim for windows, doorways, or vents.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Cut metal or wood framing and trim to size, using cutting tools.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Inspect furrings, mechanical mountings, or masonry surfaces for plumbness and level, using spirit or water levels.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Brickmasons and Blockmasons
Very similar work+38% pay245 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 38% more—$86,702 vs your $62,936 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Building and Construction
- Extent Flexibility
- Trunk Strength
- Near Vision
- Manual Dexterity
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Very similar work+51% pay240 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 51% more—$95,116 vs your $62,936 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Building and Construction
- Extent Flexibility
- Trunk Strength
- Manual Dexterity
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Static Strength
- Auditory Attention
- Response Orientation
- Multilimb Coordination
- Rate Control
Tile and Stone Setters
Very similar workslightly less pay267 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$62,915 vs your $62,936 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Building and Construction
- Extent Flexibility
- Near Vision
- Trunk Strength
- Visualization
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Insulation Workers, Mechanical
Very similar workslightly less pay110 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$60,716 vs your $62,936 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Building and Construction
- Trunk Strength
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
- Extent Flexibility
New skills to build
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- Personnel and Human Resources
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
Very similar work+60% pay101 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 60% more—$100,692 vs your $62,936 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Building and Construction
- Extent Flexibility
- Manual Dexterity
- Trunk Strength
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
New skills to build
- Static Strength
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
Very similar work+5% pay608 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 5% more—$65,776 vs your $62,936 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Building and Construction
- Extent Flexibility
- Trunk Strength
- Near Vision
- Manual Dexterity
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles
Similar workabout the same pay95 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about the same—$63,024 vs your $62,936 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Building and Construction
- Extent Flexibility
- Near Vision
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
New skills to build
- Customer and Personal Service
- Production and Processing
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall
Similar workslightly less pay153 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$60,702 vs your $62,936 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Extent Flexibility
- Building and Construction
- Trunk Strength
- Manual Dexterity
- Gross Body Equilibrium
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters
Similar work+1% pay74 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 1% more—$63,700 vs your $62,936 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Building and Construction
- Extent Flexibility
- Trunk Strength
- Mechanical
- Static Strength
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Sheet Metal Workers
Similar work+20% pay471 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 20% more—$75,758 vs your $62,936 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Building and Construction
- Near Vision
- Visualization
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
New skills to build
- Computers and Electronics
- Repairing
- Equipment Maintenance
Construction Laborers
Similar workslightly less pay6,031 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$57,446 vs your $62,936 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Building and Construction
- Manual Dexterity
- Trunk Strength
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Plasterers and Stucco Masons
Somewhat similar work+96% pay80 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 96% more—$123,437 vs your $62,936 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Building and Construction
- Extent Flexibility
- Trunk Strength
- Near Vision
- Manual Dexterity
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Roofers
Somewhat similar work+8% pay424 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 8% more—$67,802 vs your $62,936 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Building and Construction
- Extent Flexibility
- Trunk Strength
- Near Vision
- Gross Body Equilibrium
New skills to build
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Coordination