Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers Salary in California
The median pay for a drywall and ceiling tile installers in California is $65,880/year ($31.67/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $46K at the entry level to $122K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $66K get you in California?
About drywall and ceiling tile installers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level drywall and ceiling tile installers (10th percentile) start around $46K. Mid-career wages sit at $66K.Top earners bring in $122K or more - a $76K spread from bottom to top.
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $105K | +80% | 820 |
| Connecticut | $80K | +37% | N/A |
| Alaska | $75K | +29% | 120 |
| Washington | $70K | +21% | 3,710 |
| Illinois | $70K | +20% | 750 |
| Massachusetts | $67K | +16% | 890 |
| California | $66K | +13% | 27,350 |
| New Jersey | $65K | +12% | 650 |
| Minnesota | $62K | +7% | 560 |
| New Hampshire | $62K | +6% | 380 |
| Maine | $60K | +3% | 310 |
| New York | $60K | +3% | 2,940 |
| Ohio | $60K | +2% | 1,230 |
| Missouri | $59K | +2% | 480 |
| West Virginia | $59K | +1% | 70 |
Track drywall and ceiling tile installers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do drywall and ceiling tile installers make in California?
The median is $65,880 a year - that works out to about $31.67 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $45,950, and experienced drywall and ceiling tile installers can clear $122,130. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $66K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,364/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 50.4% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a drywall and ceiling tile installers salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median drywall and ceiling tile installers salary is worth about $65,880 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do drywall and ceiling tile installers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.