Tile Setters apply ceramic, plastic, or metal tiles to walls, ceilings, and floors, following design specifications. 

JOB DUTIES

Tile Setters may: 

Examine blueprints 

Measure and mark surfaces to be covered 

Lay out work 

Spread concrete on sub-floors 

Spread mortar, mastic, or other adhesives to form a bed for the tiles 

Cut and shape tiles to fit into spaces and corners 

Position tiles sometimes using spacers 

Tap the tiles into place to affix them to the adhesive 

Fill the joints with grout 

Clean the tile surfaces 

Prepare cost and labor estimates based on calculations of time and materials needed for projects

Level concrete for drying

Build underbed and install anchor bolts, wires and brackets

Finish and dress the joints and wip excess grout from between tiles, using damp sponge

Click here to see a video of tile and marble setters at work.

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include: 

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Some Tile Setters may specialize according to the type of tile with which they work or the type of job they perform. 

861.381-054   TILE SETTERS apply ceramic, plastic, or metal tiles to walls, ceilings, and floors, following design specifications.

779.381-014   MOSAIC WORKERS cut, shape, and set blocks of colored glass, enamel, marble, or ceramic tile for installation on walls or ceilings for decorative purposes.

861.381-034   SOFT-TILE SETTERS apply decorative steel, aluminum, and plastic tile to walls and cabinets of bathrooms and kitchens.

763.684-074   TABLE-TOP TILE SETTERS cover table tops with mosaic tile squares to form decorative designs.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following CAREER EXPLORATION SCRIPTS: 

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WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS    

Tile Setters may work alone or with others under the direction of a more skilled worker. They usually work indoors with working conditions depending on the state of completion of the building, the weather, and the type of work being performed. Hazards may include inhaling fumes from adhesives, cuts from sharp tools, falls from scaffolds or ladders, skin burns from lime, and other hazards present at construction sites. Setters working on remodeling jobs work in clean, well lighted areas. 

Tile Setters generally work a 5-day, 40-hour week, but may have to work overtime. Most must furnish their tools which may cost from $375 for a minimum set to $500 for a complete set. Some Tile Setters must pay the cost of transportation to and from the job site. 

Most Tile Setters join a union, such as the  International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers . Tile Setters may also become a member of The National Tile Contractors Association. Members must periodically pay dues.

You Should Prefer: 

• Working with things and objects 

• Doing routine and organized work 

• Performing work which involves using special tools/processes/methods 

You Should Be Able To: 

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy 

• Rate information using standards that can be checked 

• Visualize how flat drawings/pictures would look as solid objects 

• See detail in objects/drawings and recognize slight differences 

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve: 

You are setting tile for a room that is 10' x 12'. You are using 6" x 6" ceramic tiles, how many tiles would you need for the job? 

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend: 

Must be able to read and understand measurements and how to apply them. 

"The basic formula for a concrete footing is 1 part cement, 3 parts sand, and 4 parts gravel. The maximum aggregate size should be 1 1/2 inch." 

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce: 

A potential client has asked that you tile the four bathrooms in her new home. Write out an estimate for the tiling job. 

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate: 

Be able to make decisions about what kinds of tiles are best in specific areas by analyzing lighting, size, colors, and what the area will be used for. 

All Tile Setters who charge more than $600 for material and labor for repairing, altering, or improving a residential or commercial structure must be licensed by the State of Michigan. Click  here for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Residential Maintenance and Alteration Contractor for specific licensing information.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer; a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education classes or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation. 

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the CAREER EXPLORATION SCRIPT: 

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***    

l0  ART , 0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY , 3400 WOODS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***    

032    CONSTRUCTION/BUILDING MAINTENANCE

Approved vocational education programs in the Construction/Building Maintenance prepare students to erect, maintain, and repair buildings, highways, airports, and other structures using materials such as metal wood, stone, brick, glass concrete, and composition substances. Instruction is given in cost estimating, the use of hand and power tools, and in following technical specifications and blueprints. Instruction may be given in classroom, shop, or laboratory settings or at the actual location of construction projects. 

The following courses may be required for completion of this program: 

CONSTRUCTION - (ON SITE) 

CONSTRUCTION - (IN SCHOOL) 

FLOOR COVERING 

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center. 

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***  

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this CAREER EXPLORATION SCRIPT  

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program     

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***    

047    TILE SETTER

Some people enter occupations within this CAREER EXPLORATION SCRIPT through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job. 

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB 

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM 

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***    

There are no Military Programs related to this CAREER EXPLORATION SCRIPT.    

E-Learning Courses and Programs 

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY   

Individuals may gain experience in this occupation through part-time or summer work at construction sites and through an apprenticeship program. Secondary vocational education programs in construction/building maintenance may also offer a co-op portion which includes practical experience. 

School-to-Work opportunities include: 

informal apprenticeships 

mentorships 

job shadowing experiences 

touring a local Tile Setter employer 

internships 

volunteer work with a Tile Setter employer 

community service work with an agency 

To get a job as a Tile Setter, apply directly to employers. If you plan to enter an apprenticeship program you must first get approval from the local union involved. Assistance in locating jobs or training may be obtained from high school placement offices, union offices, or a local office of the Michigan Works! Newspaper want ads often list job openings for Tile Setters.  In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:  

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT   

Earnings of Tile Setters depend on the kind of work performed, location of the work, union affiliation, worker status (helper, apprentice, or qualified Tile Setter), and employer.  

Nationally, in early 2009, basic hourly wage rates for Tile Setters working in residential construction averaged about $24.87 per hour.  The median weekly earnings for most carpet, floor and tile installers and finishers were $621 or $15.53 per hour in 2008. The median weekly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $722 or $18.05 per hour in 2008.

Unionized Tile Setters working in the construction industry on commercial construction in Michigan had these basic hourly wages, including fringe benefits (early 2009): 

Tile finishers typically earn less than Tile Setters. Marble Masons tend to earn more. An apprentice Tile Setter generally starts at a rate which is 55% to 75% of the qualified Tile Setter's rate. In addition, Tile Setters may receive time and a half or double time for work beyond 40 hours a week or work on Sunday. 

The 2007 graduates of high school vocational education programs in Michigan who are working in jobs related to this occupation earned a beginning average of $10.37 per hour in 2008. 

Depending on the employer, some Tile Setters receive paid vacations, holidays, hospitalization, life insurance, and retirement benefits. Many union members receive these benefits through welfare, pension, and vacation funds established by the union according to the union contracts. 

To become a Tile Setter, individuals may take vocational courses, work as helpers to gain on-the-job training, or join a union apprenticeship program. After gaining additional experience, they may advance to supervisory positions. Some Tile Setters eventually become self-employed and do contracting work. In Michigan, a residential contractor must have a maintenance and alteration contractor's license. 

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK    

About 79,200 Tile and Marble Setters were employed nationally in 2006. Employment of Tile and Marble Setters is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. About 33.3% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Tile Setters looked like this: 

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

There are approximately 1,300 Tile Setters employed in Michigan.   

Employment of Tile and Marble Setters is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. An average of 50 annual openings is expected, with all of the openings due to growth and replacement of those who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.    In late 2008, there were 30 Tile Setter apprentices in training for this occupation and 7 completed the program.

Tile has become increasingly popular in recent years because of its durability, beauty, and ease of maintenance. Remodeling and repair work have increased which will affect the demand for tile setters.   

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2014 

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION    

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Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth