Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers Salary in Tennessee (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers in Tennessee, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Tennessee Median
$47,510
per year
Hourly Rate
$22.84
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-19% vs US median
US median $58,930
State Rank
#38 of 49
1,150 employed here

How much do Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers make in Tennessee?

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers in Tennessee take home a median of $47,510 annually — roughly $22.84 an hour — which runs 19% below the national median of $58,930.

Within Tennessee, entry-level pay starts around $37,220 while the top 10% make $65,650 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $39,470 and $56,540 a year.

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers salary range in Tennessee

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$37,220$17.89
25th percentile (early career)$39,470$18.98
50th percentile (median)$47,510$22.84
75th percentile (experienced)$56,540$27.18
90th percentile (top earners)$65,650$31.56

How Tennessee compares

Tennessee ranks 38th out of 49 states and territories for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Hawaii$104,830
2New Jersey$75,080
3Alaska$73,690
4Oregon$73,530
5Washington$73,130

Working as Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers in Tennessee

Nationally, about 83,000 people work as Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Tennessee pay ($47,510) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers make in Tennessee?
The median Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers salary in Tennessee is $47,510 per year, or about $22.84 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $37,220 at the entry level to $65,650 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the national average?
Tennessee pays Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers about 19% less than the national median of $58,930. Tennessee ranks 38th out of 49 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Tennessee a good state for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $47,510 a year. About 1,150 Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers are employed in Tennessee. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Tennessee?
The highest-paying occupations in Tennessee include Cardiologist ($610,080), Dermatologist ($433,630), Surgeon, All Other ($373,510), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.