Tiler (Tile Setter) in the Netherlands
This page describes a typical Tiler / Tile Setter role in the Netherlands (NL). Assignments are project-based: residential refurbishments, bathrooms/kitchens, and commercial washrooms are common. If you can deliver clean lines, consistent levels, and reliable finishing, submit your CV for matching.
Quick facts (NL)
Pay range is shown as gross (brutto). Final rate depends on province, project complexity, experience level, and overtime rules on the assignment.
Hiring story (what drives demand)
Renovation cycles in the Randstad region regularly create demand for tilers who can finish bathrooms and utility areas fast, without sacrificing alignment and waterproofing details.
- Work appears in waves: refurbishments, handovers, and punch-list phases.
- Large-format porcelain and tight grout lines are increasingly common.
- Quality checks often focus on levels, edges, clean cuts, and consistent spacing.
- Project photos (if available)
- Tile formats you handled (e.g., 60×60, 120×60)
- Waterproofing / wet-room experience
Tilework you will meet on NL projects
Residential refurbishments
- Bathrooms and kitchens: wall/floor systems, niches, edge profiles
- Wet areas: slope-to-drain logic and waterproofing attention
- Clean finishing: silicone joints, transitions, thresholds
Commercial / industrial areas
- High-traffic floors: consistent levels and durability focus
- Service areas: fast turnarounds and clear handover standards
- Repairs and replacements: matching tiles and neat cuts
What you will do (day-to-day)
- Prepare substrates: remove weak layers, correct minor deviations, keep surfaces clean and dry.
- Set out lines and levels: use laser/levels, spacers, and (where used) leveling systems.
- Cut and install tiles: accurate cuts around drains, corners, boxes, and profiles.
- Grout and finish: consistent joints, clean surfaces, tidy edges and transitions.
- Protect finished areas and keep your work zone safe and organized.
Depending on project, you may also do small repair works, silicone joints, and punch-list corrections before handover.
Requirements
Must-have
- Hands-on tiling experience (walls/floors) with measurable quality output.
- Confidence with tile cutting tools and clean edge finishing.
- Ability to read basic drawings or follow layout instructions.
- CV in English is required for review and selection.
Nice-to-have
- Wet-room / waterproofing experience (membranes, sealing details).
- Large-format tile handling and leveling systems.
- Own hand tools (project-dependent; clarify in your CV).
Safety & physical readiness
- Comfortable with physical work: kneeling, lifting, repetitive movements.
- Respect for site rules: PPE use, tidy walkways, dust control, safe tool handling.
- Basic English for safety briefings and coordination.
Pay (gross) and typical conditions
This page shows a realistic gross hourly range to set expectations. Your final offer depends on assignment details (province, project type, experience level, and overtime/allowances).
- Indicative gross hourly range
- €19.00–€29.50 gross/hour (guidance only; confirmed after screening).
- What moves the rate
- Province/city cost level, project complexity (wet rooms, large-format), speed/quality history, and overtime rules.
- Working hours
- Often full-time schedules; start times and weekly totals depend on the site plan.
- Overtime
- May occur near handovers and deadlines; compensation depends on assignment terms and local rules.
- Tools, PPE, and materials
- Site typically specifies PPE standards; tool responsibility depends on project setup (clarified before start).
- Travel & accommodation (when applicable)
- Some projects support housing or travel arrangements; some require commuting. Details are always project-specific.
- Deductions
- If any deductions apply (e.g., accommodation contribution), they should be stated clearly in the assignment terms.
Note: statutory minimum wage is a legal floor in NL; skilled trade roles typically sit above it. (Shown here for context only.)
Candidate fit (short portrait)
You are a good fit if you…
- can keep levels and lines consistent across a full room, not just a small patch.
- deliver clean cuts around drains, corners, and profiles.
- work neatly and protect finished surfaces before handover.
- can keep a steady pace without quality drifting at the end of the day.
- understand that wet areas require extra discipline (sealing, slope details).
- communicate basic needs in English (materials, layout questions, safety).
- can provide a clear CV (and ideally photos) that match your claimed experience.
This role is not for you if you…
- avoid cutting work and only want “simple laying”.
- skip prep steps and hope grout will hide uneven surfaces.
- cannot follow basic layout instructions or keep spacing consistent.
- expect guaranteed overtime every week (it depends on project phase).
Documents & right to work (Netherlands)
The Netherlands has different legal routes depending on nationality and the employer setup. Below is a practical overview (exact requirements are confirmed during screening and depend on the assignment).
EU candidates (general)
- Valid passport/ID.
- CV + proof of experience (certificates/photos helpful).
- Project onboarding may require local registration steps (project-dependent).
Non-EU candidates (general principles)
- Legal work authorization may be employer-sponsored (employer-specific) or, in some cases, an open route.
- Feasibility depends on your profile, documentation, and the employer/project setup.
- Be ready for background checks where required by site/client rules.
Typical admin items on cross-border assignments
- Identity documents and assignment confirmation.
- Evidence of employment/coverage where applicable (e.g., social insurance confirmation on posted-work setups).
- Site access rules: safety briefing, PPE requirements, and (sometimes) basic training confirmations.
FAQ
Do I need my own tools?
It depends on the project. Some sites expect your hand tools; others provide equipment. The expectation is clarified before start.
Is large-format tile experience required?
Not always, but it can raise your matching chances and rate. If you handled 120×60 (or similar) tiles, mention it in your CV.
Is English enough on site?
Basic English is typically expected for safety instructions and coordination. Fluency is rarely required, but clear communication matters.
Can non-EU candidates apply?
Yes, you can apply. Work authorization depends on the employer route and your profile. We confirm feasibility after reviewing your CV.
How fast can I start?
Start dates vary by project. Some roles are urgent; others align with planned phases. A complete CV helps speed up screening.
Related Netherlands jobs
Tip: if you have multiple trades (e.g., tiling + finishing), include that in your CV—some projects value cross-skill flexibility.