Tile Setters

Career summary

#No alt WOIS titles

Tile setters use cement mortar to set tile. They nail a support of metal mesh to the area to be tiled. They use a trowel to apply the first layer, or scratch coat, of mortar onto the metal screen. They scratch the surface with a small rake-like tool, and let it dry. Tile setters apply another coat of mortar to level the surface. They apply mortar to the back of tiles and position tiles on the surface.

Tile setters use a different method to set tiles on floors or other level surfaces. To attach the tiles to the surface, tile setters use mastic, a very sticky paste, or an adhesive called thin set. Tile setters use a tooth-edged trowel to spread mastic on the surface or apply adhesive to the back of the tile. They position the tile in place.

Tile varies in color, shape, and size. Sometimes tile setters lay out tile on a dry floor, according to a specified design. This allows them to examine the pattern and make changes if necessary. They may also measure and mark the surfaces to be tiled. To tile in corners and around pipes and sinks, tile setters must cut tiles with special cutting tools.

When the cement or mastic has set, tile setters fill the joints with grout, or very fine cement. They then scrape the surface with a rubber-edged device called a squeegee. This fills the joints and removes excess grout. Before the grout sets, they wipe the joints with a damp sponge.

Tile setters help customers select tile and grout. They may consult on other items to be installed, such as bathroom accessories, walls, panels, and cabinets. Tile setters prepare cost and labor estimates based on calculations of time and materials needed for the project.

Tile finishers help some tile setters by supplying and mixing materials. Tile finishers also apply grout and clean the installed tile.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Bricklayers and Stonemasons
• Cement Masons
• Construction Helpers
• Drywall Installers
• Floor and Carpet Layers
• Insulation Installers
• Plasterers
• Roofers

Military careers

• Construction Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to tile setters.

• Align tile using levels, squares, and straightedges.
• Determine the best way to create a pattern.
• Cut tiles to fit around corners and pipes, using a machine saw or special cutting tool.
• Finish joints with a damp sponge to create a uniform appearance.
• Apply mortar to back of tiles. Position tile on surface.
• Mix and apply materials before laying tile.
• Prepare cost and labor estimates.
• Measure and mark surfaces to be tiled.
• Level concrete and allow to dry.
• Select and order tile and other items to be installed, such as bathroom accessories.
• Build underbeds and install anchor bolts, wires, and brackets.
• Prepare surfaces for tiling by attaching waterproof paper, or by applying a cement mortar coat onto a metal screen.
• Determine amount of material needed by studying blueprints and examining surface to be covered.
• Mix and apply mortar or cement to edges and ends of drain tiles to seal halves and joints.
• Cut, surface, polish, and install marble and granite.
• Install and secure fixtures, using hand tools.
• Cut tile backing to required size, using shears.
• Remove old tile and adhesives, using chisels and scrapers. Clean surface carefully.
• Lay and set mosaic tiles to create decorative designs.
• Assist customers in selection of tile and grout.

Common work activities

Tile setters perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Handle and move objects
• Get information needed to do the job
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Think creatively
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Evaluate information against standards
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Control machines and processes
• Establish and maintain relationships

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, tile setters:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social interaction. They meet with clients, but usually work alone.
• Are responsible for their work outcomes.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of their client.
• Communicate with clients daily by telephone or in person.
• Write letters and memos on a weekly basis.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Work both indoors and outdoors. Indoor work is usually done in unfinished buildings that do not have heat or air conditioning.
• Always wear protective attire, such as kneepads or safety goggles.
• Are often exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
• Are often exposed to contaminants.
• Are often exposed to hazardous situations and equipment, such as machine saws or cutting tools.
• Are often exposed to cramped work places that require getting into awkward positions.
• Work near other people, but usually have a few feet of space separating them from others.
• Sometimes must work in inadequate or overly bright lighting conditions.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work so that tile patterns match and the job looks professional.
• Often make decisions that strongly impact clients. They consult supervisors for some decisions, but make most without talking to a supervisor.
• Are usually able to set their tasks for the day without consulting with a supervisor.
• Are moderately competitive with other workers.
• Must meet strict deadlines on a daily basis.

Hours/travel

• Generally do not have a set schedule each week. Their schedules depend on the weather, and availability of work.
• Usually work 40 hours a week.

Physical demands

Tile setters frequently:

• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for tile setters to be able to:

• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for tile setters to be able to:

• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.

Skills and abilities

Tile setters need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.

Use math and science

• Use math skills to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Building Construction Technology
• Construction Trades

Other programs of study to consider

• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

Training

To work as a tile setter, you typically need to:

• complete long-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Tile setter jobs tend to be entry-level jobs that require little or no previous work experience. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or equivalent.

On-the-job training

Many tile setters receive informal, on-the-job training from an experienced worker. Trainees usually begin as helpers. They learn to prepare walls, mix grout, and lay tiles. On-the-job training lasts several years.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be construction specialists. Training lasts five to eight weeks, depending on your specialty. Further training occurs on the job.

Washington apprenticeships

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Checked address info & added WA subheading 4/5/07, CJ. Ok 4/25/08 lh , & 4/14/09, 5/5/11, 5/7/13, 4/13/15 & 2/21/17 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Carpentry
• Construction
• Physical Education

Many tile setters are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

When hiring apprentices or helpers, employers often prefer high school graduates. They prefer applicants who have had courses in general math, mechanical drawing, and shop. In addition, employers look for applicants who are in good physical condition. Manual dexterity and a good sense of color harmony are also important assets.

Tips

Exercise and weight-lifting programs to develop back, shoulder, and arm muscles are recommended. Construction jobs are a good way to gain related experience. Attending manufacturer sponsored seminars about new products used in the trade is important.

Costs to workers

Tile setters are expected to buy their own hand tools and keep them in good condition. Many workers belong to the masonry union and must pay initiation fees and monthly dues.

#Deleted estimated cost for hand tools since have no way to verify, 4/14/09, cj

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Tile and Marble Setters 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Journey-level tile setters working on public contracts in the state may make up to $36.87 per hour.

#Updated prevailing wage to highest found in all counties, 5/7/13, 4/13/15 & 2/21/17, 3/12/19 cj.

Wages vary greatly by area of the country and by union membership. Workers who belong to unions usually earn higher wages than non-union members. Wages also vary based on the tile setter's experience. 

Benefits vary by employer. Full-time tile setters may receive typical benefits. These include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Self-employed tile setters must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, outlook depends on the strength of the local economy, level of construction activity, and technological improvements in construction materials and methods. Periods of unemployment are common during economic and seasonal slowdowns. 

#ESDWAGOV occupations in demand website updated 12/12/18 indicates tile and marble setters not in demand, 3/11/19 cj.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 28% of tile setters are self-employed.

Most work in cities where there are high levels of construction activity.

Major employers:

• Tile setting contractors
• Home furnishing stores

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is growing steadily.The demand for tile setters will stem from population and business growth as well as the popularity of tile and marble. Tiles made of many materials are becoming more popular, especially in the growing number of more expensive homes.

Job prospects are best for workers with experience in general construction and a good work history.

Other resources

North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) 
815 16th ST, NW, Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006

Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council 
906 Columbia Street SW, Suite 107
Olympia, WA 98501
360.357.6778

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Tile and Marble Setters (47-2044.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Mosaic Worker (779.381-014) 
• Tile Setter (861.381-054) 
• Tile Setter (861.684-018) 
• Tile Setter Apprentice (861.381-058) 
• Tile-conduit Layer (861.381-062) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Artistic

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled