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Tile Setter (Tile Installer)

Tile setters deliver the “finish layer” that clients see: clean lines, flat planes, consistent joints, and durable surfaces. This page summarizes Tile Setter jobs in the USA for international candidates—covering tasks, requirements, gross pay ranges, and what employers typically expect. CV is mandatory for review.

A strong tile setter combines precision and production speed—layout, cutting, setting, and grouting done right the first time. Use this overview to understand Tile Installer work in the USA, including gross pay benchmarks, site conditions, and screening requirements. CV is mandatory for review.

From showers and kitchens to commercial corridors, tile installation depends on measurement discipline, surface prep, and quality control. This role overview explains Tile Setter opportunities in the United States and the practical expectations employers use to shortlist candidates. CV is mandatory for review.

CV is mandatory: candidates without a CV are not reviewed.
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Sector: Construction & Trades Typical route: EB-3 (skilled) Work type: Full-time (project-based or permanent) Last updated January 1, 2026
tile setter jobs usa tile installer ceramic & stone commercial & residential gross pay (brutto)

Gross pay snapshot (USA)

Benchmarks below are gross (brutto) national wage estimates for Tile & Stone Setters (May 2024). Actual offers depend on state, project type, finish level (standard vs. large-format/stone), pace requirements, and verified experience.

Pay point Hourly (gross) Yearly (gross)
Low (entry / helper-range) $17.38/hr $36,140/yr
Median (typical) $25.11/hr $52,240/yr
High (experienced) $39.89/hr $82,960/yr
Common pay model: hourly gross; overtime may be available on deadline-driven projects (employer and state rules apply).

What this page covers

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Typical tasks (Tile Setter)

  • Read measurements, snap layout lines, and confirm pattern with supervisor/lead.
  • Prepare substrates: backer board/underlayment, flatness corrections, waterproofing where required.
  • Mix thinset or adhesives; select correct trowel notch and coverage.
  • Cut and shape tile/stone (wet saw, snap cutter, grinder) around corners and penetrations.
  • Set tile with consistent joints; control lippage using levels and leveling systems.
  • Grout, clean haze, finish edges, seal joints (project dependent), and maintain a clean work zone.
  1. Surface prep (flatness, waterproofing where required, substrate readiness checks).
  2. Layout planning (pattern alignment, reference lines, cuts minimization).
  3. Cutting & fitting (wet cutting preferred for dust control when applicable).
  4. Setting & leveling (coverage, joint consistency, lippage control).
  5. Grouting & finishing (edges, transitions, movement joints, cleanup).
  6. Quality walk-through (touch-ups, protection of finished areas).

Detailed requirements (what employers screen for)

  • English CV with tile-specific experience (materials, patterns, project types).
  • Hands-on trade skills: layout accuracy, straight lines, clean cuts, durable setting, neat grout work.
  • Tool competence: wet saw, snap cutter, trowels, levels/squares, mixers, spacers/leveling clips.
  • Finish discipline: consistent joint width, minimal lippage, clean edges, protection of completed zones.
  • Safety and reliability: PPE use, dust control mindset, punctuality, and following site rules.
  • Physical readiness: kneeling/standing for long periods, lifting boxes of tile, repetitive precision work.
Note: requirements can vary by state, union/non-union sites, and the employer’s quality standards (standard finish vs. high-end stone/large-format).

Short candidate portrait

You are likely a strong fit for tile setter work in the USA if you:

  • Work precisely under time pressure without “rushing the finish.”
  • Think in measurements: you double-check layout, lines, and cuts before setting.
  • Keep tools and the work zone organized (clean setup = faster production + fewer defects).
  • Accept feedback calmly and correct quickly (quality control is constant in finishing trades).
  • Prefer visible, measurable results: flat surfaces, straight joints, clean transitions.
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Work conditions in the USA (current practical expectations)

Schedule & site routine

  • Most projects run full-time; start times are often early (site access and material deliveries).
  • Commercial sites may include overtime near deadlines; residential work may be more variable by season.
  • Work is usually indoors, but logistics and material handling can be outdoors (weather exposure possible).

What employers commonly provide (project-dependent)

  • Basic consumables (thinset, grout, spacers) and site equipment; tool expectations vary.
  • Safety orientation and site rules; some sites require proof of training.
  • On larger projects: structured supervision (lead/foreman) and quality checkpoints.

Work style & performance metrics

  • Measured outcomes: straight lines, consistent joints, flatness, clean transitions, and low rework.
  • Strong emphasis on protecting finished work (edge guards, coverings, clean traffic paths).
  • Team coordination matters: tile setters often depend on substrate readiness by other trades.
This page provides operational guidance only. Exact terms (location, accommodation, tools, start date, pay details) depend on the hiring employer and project.

Quality & safety expectations (trade-relevant)

Quality checks employers care about

  • Layout symmetry and clean cuts in visible areas (corners, thresholds, niches).
  • Joint consistency and grout finish (no pinholes, no weak joints, clean edges).
  • Flatness and lippage control, especially on large-format tile.
  • Proper transitions (metal trims, thresholds, movement joints where required).

Safety (what “good” looks like on site)

  • PPE: eye/ear protection and gloves; respiratory protection where dust risk exists.
  • Dust control mindset: wet cutting and vacuum systems used where applicable.
  • Awareness of silica exposure risk in construction environments; follow site rules and training.
  • Housekeeping: clean work zone reduces slips, chips, and rework.
Important: safety requirements vary by employer and site policy; you must follow the onsite program and instructions.

A realistic role story (non-template narrative)

On a commercial renovation, your morning starts with layout lines and a quick check of substrate readiness. If the floor isn’t flat enough, you escalate early—because setting tile on a bad base creates rework that costs days. By midday you’re cutting around penetrations, keeping joints consistent, and protecting finished lanes so other trades can pass safely. The last hour is quality: edges, transitions, grout cleanup, and making sure the surface “reads” clean under light.

A typical day balances speed and precision. You confirm the pattern, stage material, and keep cuts predictable so the layout stays stable. When conditions change (uneven walls, shifted plumbing, late material), you adapt without sacrificing finish quality. The best tile setters aren’t only fast—they prevent defects before the first tile is set.

Tile work is “visible craftsmanship.” You may install hundreds of square feet a day, but the evaluation is in millimeters: lines, corners, and transitions. Strong performance comes from disciplined measuring, clean cutting, consistent coverage, and controlled grouting. Sites reward installers who leave a finished area cleaner than they found it.

Next steps

  1. Create/upload your CV and keep contact details up to date.
  2. After CV review, we confirm role fit and available projects.
  3. If shortlisted, you proceed to employer interview and documentation steps.

What to include in your CV (to pass screening faster)

  • Project types: residential bathrooms, kitchens, commercial floors, stone work, large-format.
  • Tools you use confidently: wet saw, snap cutter, leveling systems, waterproofing basics.
  • Photos/portfolio (optional): clean corners, niches, transitions, grout finish.
  • Availability and willingness to work shifts/overtime (if applicable).
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FAQ (Tile Setter Jobs in the USA)

Answers are informational and project-dependent. CV is required for review.

What is the typical gross (brutto) pay for tile setters in the USA?
Typical national gross pay ranges from about $17.38/hr (low) to $39.89/hr (high), with a median around $25.11/hr (May 2024 estimates). Exact offers vary by state, project type, finish level, and verified experience.
What does a tile setter do day to day?
Surface prep, layout, cutting, setting with thinset/adhesives, leveling and alignment, grouting and finishing, and keeping the area clean and protected. Commercial sites emphasize speed + consistency; residential often requires detailed fitting and waterproofing discipline.
Do I need experience to apply?
Employers typically prefer hands-on experience. If you are entry-level, you should still show practical exposure (helper work, small projects, training) and strong reliability. Your CV should clearly list what you can do independently.
What tools and skills are most requested?
Measuring/layout accuracy, wet-saw cutting, correct trowel use and coverage, leveling systems, clean grout work, and safe work habits (PPE and dust control mindset).
Is overtime common?
Overtime can be common on deadline-driven commercial work. Whether overtime is available and how it is paid depends on the employer, project schedule, and local rules.
Visa & authorization disclaimer: Any U.S. work authorization path (e.g., H-2A, H-2B, EB-3) depends on the hiring employer, eligibility, and official procedures. This page is informational and not legal advice.

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