Career comparison
Terrazzo Worker vs. Tile Setter
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Terrazzo workers earn more at the median ($76,170 vs. $55,690), while tile setters usually get to work faster (1–3 years of training of training). Terrazzo workers pour, grind and polish terrazzo floors in airports, schools and lobbies. Tile setters install tile and stone on floors, walls, showers and backsplashes.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Terrazzo Worker | Tile Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $76,170 ($36.62/hr) | $55,690 ($26.77/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $46,090 – $126,130 | $37,140 – $86,110 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -13.0% (a projected decline) | +9.8% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 100 | 3,300 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | 3–4 year apprenticeship | 1–3 years of training |
| Key credential | Terrazzo apprenticeship | CTI |
| Work setting | Terrazzo workers work in large public and commercial buildings.. | Tile setters work in homes, offices, hotels and hospitals.. |
What each job does
Terrazzo Worker
- Install divider strips
- Mix terrazzo
- Pour and trowel
- Grind surfaces
- Grout
Tile Setter
- Prep surfaces
- Waterproof showers
- Lay out patterns
- Cut tile
- Set tile
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, creative work, and physical work. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose terrazzo worker if…
- I like artistic floors
- I’m patient
- I can run heavy grinders
Choose tile setter if…
- I like precise work
- I have an eye for design
- I’m patient
Still torn? Take the Terrazzo Worker fit quiz and the Tile Setter fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, terrazzo worker or tile setter?
Terrazzo Workers earn more at the median: $76,170 versus $55,690 for tile setters, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Tile Setters typically train faster (1–3 years of training) than terrazzo workers (3–4 year apprenticeship).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects tile setters to grow +9.8% from 2025–35, compared with -13.0% for terrazzo workers.