Tile and Stone Setter

Your Fit

Income

$52K

Preparation

Some

Growth

6.9%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Tile and Stone Setter?

Tile and Stone Setters apply tile and stone to walls, floors, ceilings, and other surfaces. They work with materials like ceramic, marble, and granite to create durable, aesthetically pleasing finishes in various settings.

Sample job titles:

Tile and Marble Installer, Tile Installer, Tile Mechanic, Tile Setter

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Tile and Stone Setter.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Tile and Stone Setter earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$36K per year	$44K per year	$52K per year	$65K per year	$83K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $2.74K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Tile and Stone Setter do?

Work environment

Tile and Stone Setters typically work in residential and commercial buildings. The job involves indoor and outdoor settings, requiring physical stamina and often necessitating work in kneeling or stooping positions. The environment can be dusty and noisy, demanding the use of protective gear.

Quick task list

Measures and cuts tile and stone to fit designated spaces.
Prepares surfaces for tiling using mortar or adhesive.
Sets tiles or stones and applies grout.
Ensures alignment and patterns are precise.
Cleans and finishes surfaces for a polished look.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Residential Tile Setting: Specializing in tile installation in homes, including bathrooms and kitchens.
Commercial Tile Setting: Working in commercial buildings, focusing on larger scale projects.
Custom Design and Artistry: Creating custom designs and patterns with tile and stone.
Restoration: Specializing in restoring old or damaged tile and stone surfaces.

Description

Tile and Stone Setters play a crucial role in building and renovation projects, bringing aesthetic and functional value to spaces. This trade requires a keen eye for detail, precision, and creativity, as well as the technical skills to handle and install materials correctly. Setters must understand different types of tile and stone, their applications, and the best methods for installation to ensure durability and visual appeal.

Physical stamina is a significant aspect of this job, as it involves lifting heavy materials and long periods of kneeling and bending. The ability to read blueprints and do basic math for layout work is also important. Professionals in this field often collaborate with contractors, homeowners, and interior designers, requiring good communication and customer service skills.

Stays up to date with new materials and installation techniques is important, especially with the growing trend of eco-friendly and innovative materials. Many setters take pride in their craftsmanship, transforming ordinary spaces into works of art.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The artistic aspect of creating visually appealing designs.
Physical aspect of the work, leading to a sense of accomplishment.
Visible results of one's work in enhancing the aesthetic of a space.

You might make a good Tile and Stone Setter if you are...

Skilled with your hands and enjoy detailed, artistic work.
Physically fit and comfortable with kneeling and lifting.
Precise, patient, and take pride in creating quality work.
Interested in construction and the use of various materials.
Good at math and able to follow complex instructions and designs.

Pros:

Creative and satisfying work.
Opportunities for self-employment.
Variety in daily tasks and projects.

Cons:

Physically demanding.
Potential for work in uncomfortable or cramped positions.
Risk of injury.
May involve irregular hours.

How to become a Tile and Stone Setter

Typical education

Most Tile and Stone Setters learn their trade on the job, but formal apprenticeships lasting 2-4 years are also common. Some technical schools offer courses in tile and stone setting. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required to begin training.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop or technical education courses to develop basic construction skills.
Geometry for understanding spatial layouts and tile patterns.
Art classes to develop an eye for design and color matching.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in hands-on DIY projects involving tiling or masonry.
Joining a hobbyist group focused on ceramics or stone crafting.
Volunteering for community projects or local construction builds, especially those involving tiling work.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in a trade school or community college offering courses in tile and stone setting, masonry, or related fields.
Seek apprenticeship or entry-level positions with construction firms, flooring companies, or independent tile setters to gain hands-on experience.
Attend workshops and seminars to stay updated with the latest techniques, materials, and trends in tile and stone setting.

More resources

National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) - Provides education, training, and professional development opportunities for tile and stone setters.
Tile Council of North America (TCNA) - Offers resources, standards, and technical information for the tile industry.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - A tool for career exploration and job analysis, including detailed information on the role of tile and stone setters.
International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (IUBAC) - Offers training and apprenticeship programs for careers in masonry, including tile and stone setting.
Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) - Provides certification and training for professionals in the ceramic tile industry.

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