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.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$41,712
$56,311
$83,424
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
308expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Additional information
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.
Visit websiteTilesetter 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.
Visit websitePost-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.