Occupation · SOC 47-2042
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles
Apply blocks, strips, or sheets of shock-absorbing, sound-deadening, or decorative coverings to floors.
Median wage
$54,340
$37,190–$97,180
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
24,850
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
5 mapped
Core skills
SpeakingActive ListeningTime ManagementSocial PerceptivenessMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingCritical ThinkingCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningNegotiationWritingService OrientationReading ComprehensionPersuasionOperation and ControlManagement of Personnel ResourcesInstructingOperations MonitoringMathematicsLearning StrategiesQuality Control AnalysisOperations AnalysisSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisTroubleshootingEquipment SelectionTechnology DesignScienceManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesRepairingProgrammingInstallationEquipment Maintenance
Knowledge areas
Building and ConstructionCustomer and Personal ServiceMathematicsMechanicalProduction and ProcessingDesignEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and SecurityTransportationAdministration and ManagementEngineering and TechnologyChemistryPhysicsSales and MarketingPsychologyLaw and GovernmentEconomics and AccountingPersonnel and Human ResourcesAdministrativeForeign LanguageBiologyComputers and ElectronicsFood ProductionSociology and AnthropologyCommunications and MediaTelecommunicationsMedicine and DentistryHistory and ArcheologyFine ArtsGeographyPhilosophy and TheologyTherapy and Counseling
Technology & tools
Aya Associates Comp-U-FloorCPR Software FloorCOST Estimator for ExcelFacebookFlooring Technologies QFloorsFocus Floor Covering SoftwareMeasure Square FloorEstimate ProMicrosoft Office softwareOn Center On-Screen TakeoffPacific Solutions FloorRightProject visualization softwareRadio frequency identification RFID softwareTextile Management Systems RollMasterWeb browser software
Representative tasks
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesGetting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsScheduling Work and ActivitiesProcessing InformationPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsThinking CreativelyEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationDeveloping and Building TeamsAnalyzing Data or InformationCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsControlling Machines and ProcessesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersTraining and Teaching OthersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentSelling or Influencing OthersCoaching and Developing OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersDocumenting/Recording InformationRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsWorking with Computers
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Base surface inspection — identify firmness and moisture issues under direct supervision before floor covering installation begins.Surface preparation tools — sweep, scrape, and sand dirt and irregularities from subfloor surfaces following a lead installer's instructions.Chalk lines and dividers — mark basic guidelines on floor surfaces under close direction on a residential job site.Plywood and Masonite underlayment — staple panels to subfloor surfaces to create a smooth foundation with guidance from a journeyman.Sheet floor covering — assist in rolling and pressing material into cement base using a hand roller under direct supervision.Excess covering material — trim edges along walls and doorways using a utility knife following demonstrated techniques.Flooring measurement basics — take and record room dimensions using a tape measure with oversight on entry-level installation projects.Crack and pore filling — apply putty, plaster, or grout to minor surface imperfections following step-by-step instruction from a lead layer.Job site safety protocols — recognize and follow hazard-awareness procedures on active construction floors as directed by a supervisor.Hand tools and basic cutting equipment — identify and handle floor-laying tools correctly during orientation and early on-the-job training.
developing
Subfloor surfaces — inspect for firmness, dryness, and levelness without close oversight before beginning routine residential installations.Dirt, irregularities, and imperfections — clean and correct base surfaces independently using scrapers, sanders, and chipping tools on standard projects.Covering materials — cut sheet vinyl and resilient flooring around obstructions and irregular shapes using blueprints and field sketches.Waterproof compound and filler materials — apply and smooth foundation coatings and crack fillers to seal subfloor pores on commercial job sites.Chalk line layouts — measure and mark accurate guidelines and reference points on floors for consistent pattern alignment across a room.Sheet wall and floor covering — roll and press material into cement base with a hand roller to achieve a smooth, bubble-free finish.Covering section joints — trim excess material and join sections to form tight seams, tacking edges securely on mid-size installation projects.Inventory tracking — use inventory management software to verify material quantities and record usage on multi-room flooring projects.Customer communication — explain installation timelines and preparation requirements to homeowners or site contacts using clear, respectful language.Material waste reduction — cut foundation and covering materials efficiently from measured layouts to minimize scrap on routine assignments.
proficient
Complex subfloor conditions — diagnose and correct moisture, deflection, and unevenness issues autonomously before covering installation on large commercial projects.Non-standard obstructions — cut and fit resilient sheet flooring around pipes, columns, and irregular architectural features without assistance.Full installation scope — execute complete floor-laying projects from surface prep through final trim and seam joining across diverse substrate types.Blueprint and sketch interpretation — translate detailed architectural drawings into precise cutting layouts and material placement plans on demanding job sites.Foundation smoothing systems — select and apply the appropriate underlayment method or waterproof compound system for varied subfloor conditions.Pattern alignment and joint quality — achieve tight, visually consistent seams and accurate pattern registration across large open floor areas.Non-routine surface defects — troubleshoot and remediate unexpected subfloor irregularities that would telegraph through finished floor coverings.Project material planning — calculate coverage requirements and prepare material orders using project management or CAD software for multi-phase jobs.Quality control inspection — evaluate finished floor installations against industry standards and client specifications, identifying and correcting deficiencies.Tool and equipment maintenance — service hand rollers, cutters, and surface-preparation equipment to sustain peak performance across ongoing projects.
advanced
Installation standards and best practices — establish worksite quality benchmarks and mentor apprentices in correct surface preparation and covering techniques.Project workflow planning — develop sequenced installation schedules for large commercial or multi-unit projects using project management software and site logistics knowledge.Crew performance and development — coach and evaluate floor-laying teams, identifying skill gaps and assigning progressive tasks to accelerate competency growth.Difficult substrate systems — lead diagnosis and remediation of complex subfloor failures, selecting engineered solutions that protect long-term covering performance.Client and contractor relationships — communicate project scope, material selections, and timeline adjustments to general contractors and facility managers at a professional level.Material specification and procurement — advise on covering and underlayment product selection based on durability, budget, and design requirements for high-value projects.Safety and compliance leadership — implement and enforce job-site hazard controls and regulatory compliance standards across all crew members and subcontractors.Cost estimation and resource control — produce accurate labor and material cost estimates and monitor project budgets to ensure profitable delivery of flooring contracts.Continuous improvement culture — introduce refined cutting layouts, adhesive application methods, and seam techniques that raise installation quality across the organization.Organizational knowledge transfer — document standard operating procedures and training resources that preserve institutional expertise and onboard new floor layers efficiently.
Also known as
43 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Asphalt Tile Floor LayerCommercial InstallerComposition Floor LayerComposition Floor SetterComposition Tile LayerCork Floor InstallerEpoxy InstallerFloor Cover LayerFloor Covering ContractorFloor Covering InstallerFloor Covering LayerFloor Coverings InstallerFloor InstallerFloor LayerFloor Technician (Floor Tech)Flooring ContractorFlooring InstallerFlooring MechanicFlooring ProfessionalFlooring Technician (Flooring Tech)InstallerLaminate Floor InstallerLinoleum Floor InstallerLinoleum InstallerLinoleum LayerLinoleum MechanicLinoleum Tile LayerPlastic Tile SetterResilient Tile InstallerRubber Block LayerRubber Tile Floor LayerShock Absorption Floor LayerShock-Absorption Floor LayerSoft Tile SetterTile ApplicatorTile FitterTile InstallerTile MechanicTile SetterTile Trimmer