Tile Setter Salary Overview
The Tile Setter is one of the most important roles in the Trades & Construction sector of the US economy in 2026. With a median annual salary of $49,460, compensation for this position ranges from $30,200 at the entry level to $78,400 for highly experienced professionals in top-paying markets.
This career typically requires High school diploma plus apprenticeship (2-4 years through BAC union) or on-the-job training; trade school programs in tile setting; NTCA (National Tile Contractors Association) training. Valued professional credentials include Certified Tile Installer (CTI) from CTEF, OSHA 10-hour, NTCA Five Star Contractor designation, ACT (Advanced Certifications for Tile installers), TCNA Handbook knowledge. On a day-to-day basis, professionals in this role focus on installing ceramic, porcelain, stone, and glass tile on floors and walls, preparing substrates (waterproofing, leveling, underlayment), laying out tile patterns for aesthetic appeal, cutting tiles to fit using wet saws, applying thin-set mortar and grout, installing shower pans and waterproofing systems, working with large-format tiles and mosaics, and ensuring proper expansion joints and movement.
The job market for this position shows 4% from 2022-2032 driven by bathroom/kitchen renovation demand, large-format tile popularity, luxury home construction, and commercial flooring applications growth, with demand strongest in specializations including shower/bathroom tile (waterproofing critical), floor tile, decorative mosaic work, large-format tile, natural stone installation, and swimming pool/fountain tile. AI has no impact on tile installation which requires physical precision, aesthetic layout judgment, waterproofing expertise, and working in unique residential spaces that prevent any form of automation
Salary Range: The typical Tile Setter in the US earns between $30,200 and $78,400 per year, with a median of $49,460.
What Does a Tile Setter Do?
A Tile Setter spends their workday installing ceramic, porcelain, stone, and glass tile on floors and walls, preparing substrates (waterproofing, leveling, underlayment), laying out tile patterns for aesthetic appeal, cutting tiles to fit using wet saws, applying thin-set mortar and grout, installing shower pans and waterproofing systems, working with large-format tiles and mosaics, and ensuring proper expansion joints and movement. The role requires proficiency with industry-standard tools and technologies including wet tile saws, tile cutters (manual snap cutters), trowels (notched for thin-set), grout floats, tile spacers, levels, laser levels, mixing drills, diamond hole saws, waterproofing membranes (Kerdi, RedGard), lippage systems, tile leveling systems.
The typical work environment involves residential bathrooms/kitchens and commercial spaces; working on knees and in confined spaces (showers); physically demanding; indoor work; detail-oriented precision; custom residential or production commercial; individual or small crew work. Within the profession, you can specialize in areas such as shower/bathroom tile (waterproofing critical), floor tile, decorative mosaic work, large-format tile, natural stone installation, and swimming pool/fountain tile, each requiring different skill sets and offering different compensation levels.
Day-to-day responsibilities vary based on seniority and organization size. Entry-level professionals often focus on execution tasks under supervision, while senior professionals take on strategic planning, mentoring, and cross-functional leadership.
Tile Setter Salary by Experience
Compensation for a Tile Setter increases substantially with experience. Entry-level professionals (0-2 years) typically earn around $33,138, while mid-career professionals (3-6 years) reach the median of $49,460. Senior professionals (7-12 years) earn approximately $64,793, and those in lead or principal roles can expect $75,179 or more.
The typical career progression follows this path: Tile Setter Helper → Apprentice Tile Setter → Journeyman Tile Setter → Lead Installer → Tile Foreman → Tile Contractor → Business Owner. Each advancement typically requires 2-4 years and demonstrating increasing scope of responsibility.
| Level | Salary | Hourly | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | $33,138 | $16/hr | $28,159 |
| Mid | $49,460 | $24/hr | $40,521 |
| Senior | $64,793 | $31/hr | $51,686 |
| Lead | $75,179 | $36/hr | $58,145 |
Tile Setter Salary by State (After Tax)
Gross salary, federal tax, state tax, and estimated take-home pay for a Tile Setter in each US state.
Geographic location significantly impacts Tile Setter compensation. The top-paying states for this role include Hawaii (highest wages), New York (union rates), Illinois (union scale), Alaska (premium pay), California (renovation demand).
States with no income tax (Texas, Florida, Washington, Nevada, Tennessee) offer an effective pay boost of 3-9% compared to high-tax states like California or New York, though these states often compensate with higher cost of living or property taxes. When evaluating offers, consider both gross salary and after-tax take-home pay.
| State | Gross | Federal | State Tax | FICA | Take-Home | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $49,460 | $3,897 | $2,308 | $3,784 | $39,472 | 20.2% |
| Alaska | $49,460 | $3,897 | $0 | $3,784 | $41,780 | 15.5% |
| Arizona | $49,460 | $3,897 | $872 | $3,784 | $40,908 | 17.3% |
| Arkansas | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,950 | $3,784 | $39,830 | 19.5% |
| California | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,258 | $3,784 | $40,521 | 18.1% |
| Colorado | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,516 | $3,784 | $40,263 | 18.6% |
| Connecticut | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,976 | $3,784 | $39,804 | 19.5% |
| Delaware | $49,460 | $3,897 | $2,178 | $3,784 | $39,601 | 19.9% |
| District of Columbia | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,892 | $3,784 | $39,888 | 19.4% |
| Florida | $49,460 | $3,897 | $0 | $3,784 | $41,780 | 15.5% |
| Georgia | $49,460 | $3,897 | $2,057 | $3,784 | $39,723 | 19.7% |
| Hawaii | $49,460 | $3,897 | $3,155 | $3,784 | $38,624 | 21.9% |
| Idaho | $49,460 | $3,897 | $2,022 | $3,784 | $39,758 | 19.6% |
| Illinois | $49,460 | $3,897 | $2,311 | $3,784 | $39,469 | 20.2% |
| Indiana | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,509 | $3,784 | $40,271 | 18.6% |
| Iowa | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,879 | $3,784 | $39,900 | 19.3% |
| Kansas | $49,460 | $3,897 | $2,162 | $3,784 | $39,617 | 19.9% |
| Kentucky | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,852 | $3,784 | $39,928 | 19.3% |
| Louisiana | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,525 | $3,784 | $40,255 | 18.6% |
| Maine | $49,460 | $3,897 | $2,106 | $3,784 | $39,674 | 19.8% |
| Maryland | $49,460 | $3,897 | $2,176 | $3,784 | $39,604 | 19.9% |
| Massachusetts | $49,460 | $3,897 | $2,253 | $3,784 | $39,527 | 20.1% |
| Michigan | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,864 | $3,784 | $39,916 | 19.3% |
| Minnesota | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,913 | $3,784 | $39,867 | 19.4% |
| Mississippi | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,747 | $3,784 | $40,033 | 19.1% |
| Missouri | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,503 | $3,784 | $40,277 | 18.6% |
| Montana | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,811 | $3,784 | $39,969 | 19.2% |
| Nebraska | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,375 | $3,784 | $40,405 | 18.3% |
| Nevada | $49,460 | $3,897 | $0 | $3,784 | $41,780 | 15.5% |
| New Hampshire | $49,460 | $3,897 | $0 | $3,784 | $41,780 | 15.5% |
| New Jersey | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,240 | $3,784 | $40,539 | 18.0% |
| New Mexico | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,429 | $3,784 | $40,351 | 18.4% |
| New York | $49,460 | $3,897 | $2,212 | $3,784 | $39,568 | 20.0% |
| North Carolina | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,652 | $3,784 | $40,128 | 18.9% |
| North Dakota | $49,460 | $3,897 | $680 | $3,784 | $41,100 | 16.9% |
| Ohio | $49,460 | $3,897 | $643 | $3,784 | $41,137 | 16.8% |
| Oklahoma | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,859 | $3,784 | $39,920 | 19.3% |
| Oregon | $49,460 | $3,897 | $3,803 | $3,784 | $37,977 | 23.2% |
| Pennsylvania | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,518 | $3,784 | $40,261 | 18.6% |
| Rhode Island | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,459 | $3,784 | $40,320 | 18.5% |
| South Carolina | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,538 | $3,784 | $40,242 | 18.6% |
| South Dakota | $49,460 | $3,897 | $0 | $3,784 | $41,780 | 15.5% |
| Tennessee | $49,460 | $3,897 | $0 | $3,784 | $41,780 | 15.5% |
| Texas | $49,460 | $3,897 | $0 | $3,784 | $41,780 | 15.5% |
| Utah | $49,460 | $3,897 | $2,300 | $3,784 | $39,480 | 20.2% |
| Vermont | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,421 | $3,784 | $40,359 | 18.4% |
| Virginia | $49,460 | $3,897 | $2,328 | $3,784 | $39,452 | 20.2% |
| Washington | $49,460 | $3,897 | $0 | $3,784 | $41,780 | 15.5% |
| West Virginia | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,686 | $3,784 | $40,094 | 18.9% |
| Wisconsin | $49,460 | $3,897 | $1,534 | $3,784 | $40,246 | 18.6% |
| Wyoming | $49,460 | $3,897 | $0 | $3,784 | $41,780 | 15.5% |
Top Cities for Tile Setter Pay
Honolulu for highest tile setter wages; New York City for union rates; San Francisco for high-end residential; Los Angeles for renovation volume
When comparing city compensation, factor in cost of living differences. A $49,460 salary in a mid-cost city often provides more purchasing power than a 20-30% premium in San Francisco or New York.
| City | Avg Salary |
|---|---|
| Honolulu, HI | $54,406 |
| New York, NY | $54,406 |
| Chicago, IL | $54,406 |
| Boston, MA | $54,406 |
| San Francisco, CA | $54,406 |
Calculate Tile Setter Take-Home Pay
Adjust the state and filing status to see your estimated after-tax income.
Estimated Take-Home Pay
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How to Become a Tile Setter
Education: The typical path to becoming a Tile Setter involves earning a High school diploma plus apprenticeship (2-4 years through BAC union) or on-the-job training; trade school programs in tile setting; NTCA (National Tile Contractors Association) training. Some professionals enter the field through alternative pathways, but formal education provides the strongest foundation for long-term career growth.
Certifications: Key professional credentials for this role include Certified Tile Installer (CTI) from CTEF, OSHA 10-hour, NTCA Five Star Contractor designation, ACT (Advanced Certifications for Tile installers), TCNA Handbook knowledge. These certifications demonstrate expertise to employers and often directly correlate with higher compensation.
Skills & Tools: Proficiency with wet tile saws, tile cutters (manual snap cutters), trowels (notched for thin-set), grout floats, tile spacers, levels, laser levels, mixing drills, diamond hole saws, waterproofing membranes (Kerdi, RedGard), lippage systems, tile leveling systems is expected for competitive candidates. Building a portfolio of work or gaining practical experience through internships, projects, or entry-level positions is essential for breaking into the field.
Timeline: Most professionals reach mid-level competency within 3-5 years of entering the field, with senior positions typically requiring 7-12 years of progressive experience.
Tile Setter Career Outlook
Employment for the Tile Setter role is projected to grow 4% from 2022-2032 driven by bathroom/kitchen renovation demand, large-format tile popularity, luxury home construction, and commercial flooring applications, reflecting strong demand driven by industry evolution and changing workforce needs. The most in-demand specializations include shower/bathroom tile (waterproofing critical), floor tile, decorative mosaic work, large-format tile, natural stone installation, and swimming pool/fountain tile.
AI and Automation Impact: AI has no impact on tile installation which requires physical precision, aesthetic layout judgment, waterproofing expertise, and working in unique residential spaces that prevent any form of automation
Professionals who combine deep technical expertise with strong communication skills and adaptability will find the best opportunities in this evolving landscape.
Tax Tips for Tile Setter Earnings
At your income level, you're likely in the 12% federal tax bracket after the standard deduction. Here are tax strategies that can make a real difference:
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): If your household income qualifies, the EITC can provide a refundable credit of up to $600-$7,430 depending on filing status and dependents. Many eligible workers miss this benefit.
Saver's Credit: Contributing even small amounts to a 401(k) or IRA can earn you an additional tax credit of up to $1,000 ($2,000 if married filing jointly) through the Retirement Savings Contribution Credit.
Free Filing Options: With income under $79,000, you qualify for IRS Free File. Use this instead of paying for tax preparation software. Many states also offer free filing programs.
Standard Deduction: The 2026 standard deduction of $15,000 (single) or $30,000 (married filing jointly) means most workers at this income level won't benefit from itemizing. Keep things simple and take the standard deduction.
Tile Setter Salary FAQ
The median annual salary for a Tile Setter in the United States is $49,460 in 2026. Compensation typically ranges from $30,200 for entry-level positions to $78,400 for experienced professionals in top-paying markets. Actual pay depends on experience, location, certifications, and employer size.
On a $49,460 salary, a Tile Setter takes home approximately $85,000-$105,000 after federal, state, and FICA taxes, depending on the state and filing status. In no-income-tax states like Texas or Florida, take-home pay is higher than in states like California or New York.
Entry-level Tile Setter professionals with 0-2 years of experience can expect to earn around $33,138 per year. Starting salaries vary significantly by location, with major metro areas offering 15-30% premiums over rural areas.
The highest-paying states for Tile Setter professionals include HI, NY, IL. However, when adjusted for cost of living, some mid-tier states offer better purchasing power. No-income-tax states provide an additional 3-9% effective pay boost.
The median hourly equivalent for a Tile Setter is approximately $23.78, based on 2,080 working hours per year. Actual hourly rates vary by experience level, with senior professionals earning $10-30 more per hour than entry-level.
To become a Tile Setter, you typically need High school diploma plus apprenticeship (2-4 years through BAC union) or on-the-job training; trade school programs in tile setting; NTCA (National Tile Contractors Association) training. Valuable certifications include Certified Tile Installer (CTI) from CTEF, OSHA 10-hour, NTCA Five Star Contractor designation, ACT (Advanced Certifications for Tile installers), TCNA Handbook knowledge. Most employers also value practical experience gained through internships or entry-level positions.
Employment for Tile Setter professionals is projected to grow 4% from 2022-2032 driven by bathroom/kitchen renovation demand, large-format tile popularity, luxury home construction, and commercial flooring applications. AI has no impact on tile installation which requires physical precision, aesthetic layout judgment, waterproofing expertise, and working in unique residential spaces that prevent any form of automation The strongest opportunities are in shower/bathroom tile (waterproofing critical), floor tile, decorative mosaic work, large-format tile, natural stone installation, and swimming pool/fountain tile.
A Tile Setter typically spends their day installing ceramic, porcelain, stone, and glass tile on floors and walls, preparing substrates (waterproofing, leveling, underlayment), laying out tile patterns for aesthetic appeal, cutting tiles to fit using wet saws, applying thin-set mortar and grout, installing shower pans and waterproofing systems, working with large-format tiles and mosaics, and ensuring proper expansion joints and movement. The work environment involves residential bathrooms/kitchens and commercial spaces; working on knees and in confined spaces (showers); physically demanding; indoor work; detail-oriented precision; custom residential or production commercial; individual or small crew work.