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Which studies lead to becoming a Tile and Stone Setter?

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ConstructionGrowingBright Outlook

Tile and Stone Setter

Operational-level

Also known as: Acoustical Carpenter, Acoustical Installer, Acoustical Material Worker, Bathroom Fitter

ConstructionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Tile and Stone Setter, you'll precisely apply hard tiles, stone, and similar materials to surfaces like walls, floors, ceilings, and countertops. You'll spend most of your time working with your hands, using various tools, often while kneeling or crouching, and performing repetitive motions. Safety is key, so you'll wear protective gear and frequently collaborate with your team. This career suits those who are exact, enjoy hands-on work, and have good communication and math skills.
Tile SettingStonemasonryInterior FinishingMasonryConstructionSkilled TradesBuilding MaterialsBuildingSkilled Trade

A Day in the Life

Your alarm blares at 5:30 AM. After a quick breakfast, you grab your lunchbox and head to the new build site across town. Arriving, you pull on your steel-toed boots, safety glasses, and work gloves. Your lead, David, reviews the kitchen floor layout with the team, pointing out the tricky island cuts. You spend the next hour sweeping the subfloor, ensuring it’s spotless, and meticulously checking it with a long level, marking any high or low spots that need attention.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSalesforce software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+9.8%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

3,300

per year (US)

Jobs today

45,200

in 2025 → 49,600 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Low
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
Moderate
Time pressure
Moderate
Time spent sitting
Low
Working outdoors
Moderate
Indoor, climate-controlled
Moderate
Dealing with customers
Moderate
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

This career has a bright outlook and is expected to grow rapidly, with about 3,300 job openings each year through 2035. The median annual wage for Tile and Stone Setters is around $55,690. With experience, you can advance to roles like a Master Tile Setter or move into construction supervision and project management.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Apprentice Tile Setter
  • Construction Worker
  • Mason Helper

Where it can lead

  • Master Tile Setter
  • Construction Supervisor
  • Construction Project Manager

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will primarily support tile and stone setters through enhanced project planning, material estimation, and design visualization tools, improving efficiency and reducing waste. While the hands-on application remains largely manual, AI-powered robotics might assist with repetitive tasks or large-scale projects, allowing setters to focus on intricate work and quality finishing.

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Salary

$55,690

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Carpet, Floor, and Tile Worker

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Installation Technology

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years

Construction Technology

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years

Construction Technology

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years

Architectural Technology/Technician

Bachelor • Design & Architecture • 4 years

Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology

Bachelor • Design & Architecture • 4 years

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