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What is a tile setter and how to become one
Tile setters are skilled tradespersons who install tiles on interior or exterior surfaces. They cut them to size, adjust them according to patterns, and place them precisely next to one another, attaching them to the walls or floors of various spaces using mortar.
You will remove damaged covers from surfaces, clean and level them before applying fresh tiles. You will take measurements and use various tools, such as saws and tile cutters to cut the tiles into precise shapes and sizes. Following straight lines and creating clean edges will be important.
No specialized education will be necessary to take on this role. You can get hired with a GED and some experience on the job. Doing an apprenticeship or attending vocational school to learn the nuts and bolts of the trade might be useful. Attention to detail and physical stamina will be a must, as the job entails lifting heavy objects and standing or kneeling for long stretches of time. You can earn around $18.91 an hour doing this job.
Avg. Salary $40,363
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 4%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%
Asian 1.70%
Black or African American 6.99%
Hispanic or Latino 30.76%
Unknown 4.55%
White 55.59%
Genderfemale 6.66%
male 93.34%
Age - 40American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 40Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Tile Setter career paths
Key steps to become a tile setter
Explore tile setter education requirements
Start to develop specific tile setter skills
Skills 
Percentages Floor Designs 30.36% Kitchen Floors 11.62% Demo 6.48% Power Grinders 6.13% Polishers 5.56% Complete relevant tile setter training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 2-4 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New tile setters learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a tile setter based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real tile setter resumes.Research tile setter duties and responsibilities
- Work on several high-end tiling jobs with various patterns and mosaics using ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone.
- Tile installation, design, layout, demo, remodel.
- Mix thin set clean wet saws work with other contractors to complete job including GC.
- Tile cut, grouting, wall bond and floating demolition housekeeper and everything Im aloud to learn
Prepare your tile setter resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your tile setter resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a tile setter resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Tile Setter Resume templates
Build a professional Tile Setter resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Tile Setter resume.
Apply for tile setter jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a tile setter job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Tile Setter Job
Are you a Tile Setter?
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Average tile setter salary
The average Tile Setter salary in the United States is $40,363 per year or $19 per hour. Tile setter salaries range between $25,000 and $65,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do tile setters rate their job?
Tile Setter reviews
No one trying to micro manage
Pay not fully compensated for the skill set required to compete jobs w higher difficulty.
I like the techniques, the tools are flexible to handle and the practicality of the work generally.
measurement might be confusing sometimes.
Like to see the happy look on custumers face when I am done.
The fact that people don't think that it's an art and that to do it right it takes time.
Updated January 8, 2025
