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Construction & Trades · California

How to Become a Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers in California

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers in California earn a median salary of $65,880/year, which is 13% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~3.6%. After taxes and rent, a drywall and ceiling tile installers takes home approximately $2,952/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$66K
Median salary in California
+13%
vs. national average
3.6%
State income tax
27,350
Employed in California

What a drywall and ceiling tile installers can afford in California

Gross annual salary$65,880
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 3.6% state tax)$4,364/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home32.4% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$65,880/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,952/mo

Becoming a drywall and ceiling tile installers in California

1

Meet education requirements

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many drywall and ceiling tile installers positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain California licensure or certification

California may require specific licensing or professional certification for drywall and ceiling tile installerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 27,350 drywall and ceiling tile installers. The highest concentrations are in Santa Rosa-Petaluma and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara.

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Santa Rosa-Petaluma$83K$39.87/hr740
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$82K$39.62/hr2,070
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$81K$38.7/hr2,920
Napa$78K$37.45/hr70
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles$76K$36.71/hr140
Santa Cruz-Watsonville$73K$35.27/hr120
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$70K$33.62/hr3,100
Salinas$66K$31.51/hr150
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$65K$31.45/hr2,570
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$64K$30.85/hr7,690
Modesto$64K$30.84/hr320
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara$64K$30.77/hr480
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura$64K$30.69/hr530
Vallejo$64K$30.6/hr170
Stockton-Lodi$63K$30.31/hr390

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$46K
25th percentile
$58K
Median (50th)
$66K
75th percentile
$94K
90th percentile (senior)
$122K
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Full drywall and ceiling tile installers salary breakdown in California
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Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a drywall and ceiling tile installers make in California?

The median drywall and ceiling tile installers salary in California is $65,880 per year ($31.67/hr). This is 13% above the national median of $58,140. Salaries range from $45,950 to $122,130.

What are the requirements to become a drywall and ceiling tile installers in California?

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a drywall and ceiling tile installers afford to live in California?

At the median salary of $65,880, a drywall and ceiling tile installers in California would take home approximately $4,364/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 32.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for drywall and ceiling tile installers in California?

The highest paying metro areas for drywall and ceiling tile installers in California are Santa Rosa-Petaluma ($82,920), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($82,410), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($80,500). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does California have state income tax for drywall and ceiling tile installers?

Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.6%. On a $65,880 salary, this means roughly $2,369/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.