Construction
Tile Setter

Tile and Marble Setter

Install tile, marble, and stone on floors, walls, and countertops. Measure and cut materials, apply adhesive, and grout joints for finished surfaces.

Salary Range

$35,000 $60,000

per year (10th–90th percentile)

Median Salary

$44,220

per year

Growth Outlook

Average Growth

2024–2034 projected

Tasks & Responsibilities

  • Cut and shape tile to fit around obstacles and into odd spaces and corners, using hand and power cutting tools.
  • Lay and set mosaic tiles to create decorative wall, mural, and floor designs.
  • Align and straighten tile using levels, squares, and straightedges.
  • Determine and implement the best layout to achieve a desired pattern.
  • Measure and mark surfaces to be tiled, following blueprints.
  • Finish and dress the joints and wipe excess grout from between tiles, using damp sponge.
  • Cut, surface, polish, and install marble and granite or install pre-cast terrazzo, granite or marble units.
  • Mix, apply, and spread plaster, concrete, mortar, cement, mastic, glue or other adhesives to form a bed for the tiles, using brush, trowel and screed.
  • Apply mortar to tile back, position the tile, and press or tap with trowel handle to affix tile to base.
  • Level concrete and allow to dry.
  • Prepare surfaces for tiling by attaching lath or waterproof paper, or by applying a cement mortar coat to a metal screen.
  • Mix and apply mortar or cement to edges and ends of drain tiles to seal halves and joints.
  • Remove and replace cracked or damaged tile.
  • Apply a sealer to make grout stain- and water-resistant.
  • Remove any old tile, grout and adhesive using chisels and scrapers and clean the surface carefully.
  • Prepare cost and labor estimates, based on calculations of time and materials needed for project.
  • Study blueprints and examine surface to be covered to determine amount of material needed.
  • Spread mastic or other adhesive base on roof deck to form base for promenade tile, using serrated spreader.
  • Cut tile backing to required size, using shears.
  • Install and anchor fixtures in designated positions, using hand tools.
  • Assist customers in selection of tile and grout.
  • Select and order tile and other items to be installed, such as bathroom accessories, walls, panels, and cabinets, according to specifications.
  • Measure and cut metal lath to size for walls and ceilings, using tin snips.
  • Build underbeds and install anchor bolts, wires, and brackets.

Work Profile

Physicality
6/10
Training
3/10
Structure
3/10

Start your Tile Setter career today

Classet connects skilled trades workers with employers hiring now. Apply and interview 24/7 with our AI-powered platform.