Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Tile Setter
What tile setters actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a tile setter?
Check the substrate. From there, the day usually includes prep surfaces, waterproof showers, and lay out patterns. Full time, often as contractors.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a tile setter working full time.
- Check the substrate.
- Install a shower membrane.
- Snap layout lines.
- Set floor tile.
- Cut tile around a toilet.
- Set a backsplash.
- Clean thinset joints.
Where tile setters work
Tile setters work in homes, offices, hotels and hospitals.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often as contractors.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Prep surfaces
- Waterproof showers
- Lay out patterns
- Cut tile
- Set tile
- Grout
- Seal stone
Tools you’ll use every day
- Wet saws
- Trowels
- Levels and lasers
- Leveling systems
- Grout floats
- Mixers
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Faster-than-average growth
- Artistic work
- Can be self-employed
- No degree needed
What’s hard
- Knee and back strain
- Heavy materials
- Dust from cutting
- Mistakes are costly
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like precise work
- I have an eye for design
- I’m patient
- I don’t mind kneeling
- I want growing work
- I might work for myself
Not sure? Take the free Tile Setter fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use wet saws to control dust
- Wear knee pads
- Lift heavy tile with help
- Protect hands from mortar