Occupation · SOC 47-2044
Tile and Stone Setters
Apply hard tile, stone, and comparable materials to walls, floors, ceilings, countertops, and roof decks.
Median wage
$52,240
$36,140–$82,960
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
38,740
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
43 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningComplex Problem SolvingTime ManagementCoordinationSpeakingMathematicsCritical Thinking
Knowledge areas
Building and ConstructionMathematicsCustomer and Personal ServiceDesign
Technology & tools
Data base user interface and query softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareProject management softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite software
Representative tasks
Align and straighten tile using levels, squares, and straightedges.Finish and dress the joints and wipe excess grout from between tiles, using damp sponge.Cut and shape tile to fit around obstacles and into odd spaces and corners, using hand and power cutting tools.Determine and implement the best layout to achieve a desired pattern.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.Study blueprints and examine surface to be covered to determine amount of material needed.Measure and mark surfaces to be tiled, following blueprints.Lay and set mosaic tiles to create decorative wall, mural, and floor designs.Apply mortar to tile back, position the tile, and press or tap with trowel handle to affix tile to base.Mix and apply mortar or cement to edges and ends of drain tiles to seal halves and joints.Apply a sealer to make grout stain- and water-resistant.Level concrete and allow to dry.Measure and cut metal lath to size for walls and ceilings, using tin snips.Install and anchor fixtures in designated positions, using hand tools.Prepare surfaces for tiling by attaching lath or waterproof paper, or by applying a cement mortar coat to a metal screen.Remove and replace cracked or damaged tile.Cut tile backing to required size, using shears.Remove any old tile, grout and adhesive using chisels and scrapers and clean the surface carefully.Cut, surface, polish, and install marble and granite or install pre-cast terrazzo, granite or marble units.Spread mastic or other adhesive base on roof deck to form base for promenade tile, using serrated spreader.Assist customers in selection of tile and grout.Prepare cost and labor estimates, based on calculations of time and materials needed for project.Brush glue onto manila paper on which design has been drawn and position tiles, finished side down, onto paper.Select and order tile and other items to be installed, such as bathroom accessories, walls, panels, and cabinets, according to specifications.Build underbeds and install anchor bolts, wires, and brackets.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Tile alignment tools such as levels, squares, and straightedges — identify and apply under direct supervision on a residential flooring project.Excess grout and joint finishes — wipe and dress using a damp sponge following step-by-step instruction on a supervised installation.Hand cutting tools — use to make basic straight tile cuts when fitting tile to simple corners under journeyman guidance on a job site.Tile layout patterns — recognize and replicate a prescribed design by following marked guidelines on a prepared substrate.Pre-mixed adhesive or mastic — spread onto a prepared surface using a trowel under direct supervision during an entry-level tile installation.Blueprints and surface measurements — read and interpret with assistance to identify the area to be tiled on a residential job site.Measurement and marking tasks — perform using tape measures and chalk lines by following supervisor instructions on a flat floor surface.Standard ceramic wall tiles — assist in setting individual pieces to match a basic grid pattern under close mentorship on an interior wall.Safety protocols and PPE requirements — follow consistently when handling cutting tools and adhesive materials in a construction environment.Material quantities — help calculate the number of tiles and adhesive needed for a small area using basic arithmetic under supervisor guidance.
developing
Levels, squares, and straightedges — use independently to align and plumb tile courses on standard residential floor and wall installations.Grout joints — finish, dress, and clean with a damp sponge to a consistent appearance on completed tile installations with minimal oversight.Power wet saws and angle grinders — operate to cut and shape tile around pipes, outlets, and irregular corners on routine commercial job sites.Layout patterns — plan and mark out a straightforward diagonal or offset pattern on a prepared substrate by interpreting customer specifications.Mortar, cement, and thin-set — mix to correct consistency and apply using brush, trowel, and screed to form an even bed for tile on interior surfaces.Blueprints and surface assessments — review without assistance to estimate material quantities and confirm surface readiness before starting a project.Measurement and layout lines — mark accurately across large floor areas using tape measures, chalk lines, and squares on multi-room residential projects.Mosaic tile sheets — set and align to produce decorative accent borders on residential bathroom walls following a provided design template.Work schedules for individual tile tasks — manage personal time to meet daily production targets on a general contractor-supervised job site.Minor substrate irregularities — identify and address by applying a skim coat or leveling compound before tile installation on a residential floor.
proficient
Tile alignment across large or complex surfaces — achieve precise results autonomously using levels, laser levels, and straightedges on commercial and high-end residential projects.Grout selection, mixing, and joint finishing — perform to specification across multiple grout types and joint widths on varied interior and exterior installations.Complex cuts and custom shapes — execute using power saws, angle grinders, and specialty bits to fit tile around intricate architectural features on demanding job sites.Custom tile layout patterns — design and implement independently, optimizing visual balance and material efficiency based on client blueprints and site conditions.Mortar beds, thick-set applications, and specialty adhesives — select and apply correctly for diverse substrates including concrete, backer board, and waterproofed assemblies.Blueprint review and material takeoffs — conduct independently for full project scope, identifying potential conflicts and adjusting material orders on commercial renovation sites.Large-format and irregular surface layouts — measure, mark, and execute across non-standard room geometries while maintaining pattern continuity and grout line consistency.Intricate mosaic murals and decorative stone installations — set and grout on walls and floors using precise finger dexterity and visualization skills on specialty design projects.Non-routine installation problems such as substrate failures or pattern discrepancies — diagnose and resolve using critical thinking and construction knowledge on active job sites.Project timelines and material logistics — coordinate across tile, waterproofing, and grouting phases to keep installation sequences on schedule on multi-trade commercial projects.
advanced
Installation standards and best practices — establish and communicate to a crew of tile setters across multiple concurrent residential and commercial job sites.Complex project layouts for large-scale or landmark installations — direct from blueprint review through final inspection, ensuring pattern integrity and structural compliance.Apprentices and developing tile setters — mentor in cutting techniques, layout mathematics, and adhesive application through structured on-the-job coaching programs.Bid estimates and material takeoffs for major contracts — prepare using spreadsheet and project management software to support business development and cost control.Customer and general contractor relationships — manage throughout the full project lifecycle, communicating progress and resolving design or scope concerns professionally.Quality control systems for grout consistency, tile alignment, and joint uniformity — implement and enforce across all crew members on large commercial tile projects.CAD and design software — use to develop tile layout visualizations and present custom pattern options to architects and clients during pre-construction planning meetings.Safety and compliance standards for tile installation — interpret, update, and enforce across the full workforce to ensure OSHA and building code adherence on every site.Specialty and high-value materials including natural stone, marble, and large-format porcelain — oversee the sourcing, handling, and installation of on premium commercial or hospitality projects.Organizational performance metrics such as labor productivity and material waste — analyze using project management and reporting tools to drive continuous improvement across the tile-setting operation.
Also known as
47 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Wood Tile InstallerGranite Countertop InstallerFloor Tile LayerMastic Floor LayerStructural (Air Force 3E3X1)Tile SetterDamage Controlman (Coast Guard DC)Ceramic Tile SetterTile MechanicConstruction Engineering Technician (Army 120A)Tile and Marble SetterTile ErectorMarble WorkerMosaic WorkerBuilder (Navy BU)Acoustical Material WorkerMosaic LayerInstallerStructural Craftsman (Air Force 3E371)Structural Journeyman (Air Force 3E351)Tile FinisherTile MasonBathroom FitterParquetry Floor LayerGranite FabricatorAcoustical CarpenterStructural Apprentice (Air Force 3E331)Tile Setter ApprenticeCeramic Tile InstallerStructural Helper (Air Force 3E311)Marble SetterAcoustical InstallerParquet Floor LayerHard Tile SetterTile and Marble InstallerMaterial Maintenance Specialty (Coast Guard MAT)Tile ManCarpentry and Masonry Specialist (Army 12W)Marble Ceiling InstallerMosaic Floor Layer