Tilesetters

Overview

Tilesetters cover interior and exterior walls, floors and ceilings with ceramic, marble and quarry tile, mosaics or terrazzo. They are employed by construction companies and masonry contractors, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Prepare, measure and mark surface to be covered

  • Build underbeds and install anchor bolts, wires and brackets

  • Mix, apply and spread mortar, cement, mastic, glue or other adhesives using hand trowel

  • Set tiles in position and apply pressure to affix tiles to base

  • Align and straighten tile using levels, squares and straightedges

  • Cut and fit tiles around obstacles and openings using hand and power cutting tools

  • Pack grout into joints between tiles and remove excess grout

  • Install tile strips

  • Lay and set mosaic tiles to create decorative wall, mural and floor designs

  • Mix, lay and polish terra surfaces

  • Cut, polish and install marble and granite

  • Remove and replace cracked or damaged tiles

  • May prepare cost estimates and orders.

Job titles

  • apprentice tilesetter
  • artificial marble setter
  • ceramic tile installer
  • ceramic tilesetter
  • granite setter
  • journeyman/woman tilesetter

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2023 edition

Annual salary

Low

$41,712

Median

$56,311

High

$83,424

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

308

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is usually required.

  • Completion of a three- or four-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over three years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in tilesetting is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.

  • Trade certification for tilesetters is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

Additional information

  • The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.

  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

Certification requirements

Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Tilesetters in B.C.

  • Skilled Trades Certification - Tilesetters
  • Tilesetter Red Seal Certification

Skilled Trades Certification - Tilesetters

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To work as a tilesetter in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.

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Tilesetter Red Seal Certification

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.

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Post-secondary programs in B.C.

No programs available in B.C.

There are currently no programs offered at public post-secondary institutions in B.C. that will qualify you for this career. Please see the SkilledTradesBC website for other options.

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