Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 0 (0%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 2 (8%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 24 (92%)

• Read blueprints or other specifications to determine methods of installation, work procedures, or material or tool requirements.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Measure and mark surfaces to lay out work, according to blueprints or drawings, using tape measures, straightedges or squares, and marking devices.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Fit and fasten wallboard or drywall into position on wood or metal frameworks, using glue, nails, or screws.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Measure and cut openings in panels or tiles for electrical outlets, windows, vents, plumbing, or other fixtures, using keyhole saws or other cutting tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assemble or install metal framing or decorative trim for windows, doorways, or vents.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Cut metal or wood framing and trim to size, using cutting tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Inspect furrings, mechanical mountings, or masonry surfaces for plumbness and level, using spirit or water levels.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Cut fixture or border tiles to size, using keyhole saws, and insert them into surrounding frameworks.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Cut and screw together metal channels to make floor or ceiling frames, according to plans for the location of rooms or hallways.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Hang drywall panels on metal frameworks of walls and ceilings in offices, schools, or other large buildings, using lifts or hoists to adjust panel heights, when necessary.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Trim rough edges from wallboard to maintain even joints, using knives.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Suspend angle iron grids or channel irons from ceilings, using wire.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Coordinate work with drywall finishers who cover the seams between drywall panels.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Install horizontal and vertical metal or wooden studs to frames so that wallboard can be attached to interior walls.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Scribe and cut edges of tile to fit walls where wall molding is not specified.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Hang dry lines to wall moldings to guide positioning of main runners.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Fasten metal or rockboard lath to the structural framework of walls, ceilings, or partitions of buildings, using nails, screws, staples, or wire-ties.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Install blanket insulation between studs and tack plastic moisture barriers over insulation.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Seal joints between ceiling tiles and walls.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Remove existing plaster, drywall, or paneling, using crowbars and hammers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Apply or mount acoustical tile or blocks, strips, or sheets of shock-absorbing materials to ceilings or walls of buildings to reduce reflection of sound or to decorate rooms.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Mount tile, using adhesives, or by nailing, screwing, stapling, or wire-tying lath directly to structural frameworks.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Nail channels or wood furring strips to surfaces to provide mounting for tile.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Install metal lath where plaster applications will be exposed to weather or water, or for curved or irregular surfaces.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Apply cement to backs of tiles and press tiles into place, aligning them with layout marks or joints of previously laid tile.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Wash concrete surfaces before mounting tile to increase adhesive qualities of surfaces, using washing soda and zinc sulfate solution.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about drywall and ceiling tile installers and AI