Tile and Stone Setters
Human Advantage 65%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.7 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Apply hard tile, stone, and comparable materials to walls, floors, ceilings, countertops, and roof decks.
Also Known As: Acoustical Carpenter, Acoustical Installer, Acoustical Material Worker, Bathroom Fitter, Ceramic Tile Installer, Ceramic Tile Mechanic, Ceramic Tile Setter, Floor Tile Layer +27 more
Core 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.
Supplemental Tasks (6)
- 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.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (11)
Tools & Equipment (114)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Skilled Trades Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 2
Tile and Stone Setters You are here
Resume Builder
Select key tasks to generate action-oriented resume bullets for Tile and Stone Setters positions.
Your Resume Bullets
Related Occupations
Show all 20 related occupations
Real Talk
Hear from real Tile and Stone Setterss about their work: