FAQ
Tile Setter FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a tile setter.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a tile setter: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about tile setters
Is tile setting growing?
Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.
Do I need certification?
Not required, but CTI helps.
Is it physically hard?
Yes, especially on knees.
How much does a tile setter make?
The median annual wage for tile setters was $55,690 ($26.77 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $37,140 and the highest 10% earned more than $86,110.
How long does it take to become a tile setter?
Most people need about 1–3 years of training of training. No formal educational credential is required; apprenticeships help.
Do you need a degree to be a tile setter?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Is tile setter a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +9.8% from 2025–35 (much faster than average), with about 3,300 openings each year. Upsides include faster-than-average growth; a common challenge is that knee and back strain.
What skills does a tile setter need?
Key technical skills include layout, waterproofing, tile cutting, and setting. Employers also value precision, patience, and eye for design.
What certifications are available for tile setters?
Common credentials include CTI, ACT, Union apprenticeship, and OSHA 10. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Tile Setter fit quiz, compare with Floor Layer, or explore Tile Setter training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 47-2044 (Tile and stone setters).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Tile and stone setters (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.