Tile and Stone Setters
Construction and Extraction
After reading the blueprints, surfaces are measured and marked and a layout is chosen so the pattern lands where it should. Adhesive, mortar, or similar bedding is mixed and spread, then tile or stone is set, aligned with levels and straightedges, and cut to fit corners and obstacles. Joints are dressed and excess grout is wiped away with a damp sponge; mosaic work follows the same care on walls, murals, and floors. Jobs move among floors, walls, ceilings, countertops, and roof decks, depending on the project. It suits people who like precise measuring, fitting pieces by hand, and following a planned pattern.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$55'690
Median Wage Market Position
$55'690
What you might do
- Set tile and stone on walls and floors
- Mix and spread mortar to bed the tiles
- Cut tile to fit around obstacles and corners
- Align tiles using levels, squares, and straightedges
- Wipe leftover grout from between the tiles
- Plan layouts that match the desired pattern
Skills that matter
- Figuring tile counts from the blueprints
- Mixing and spreading the mortar bed
- Shaping tile for odd spaces and corners
- Aligning rows with level and square
- Wiping excess grout from the joints
- Confirming the pattern before tiles go down
AI & the future of this role
Setting tile and stone demands careful layout, cutting, and leveling on surfaces that rarely sit perfectly square. Pattern software may help visualize designs, but physical install, adhesive work, and aesthetic judgment tend to hold employment up.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details