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.
Education: No formal educational credential
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Long-term
Projected Growth: 6.9% (far above average)
Annual job openings: 4 200
Direct AI exposure: 0% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 8% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Tilesetters. According to the wage tables, average income is $72K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $50K per year | $55K per year | $72K per year | $87K per year | $92K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $7.3K above the national average. | ||||
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.
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.
Staying 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.
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.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.