Tile setter apprentice vs tile finisher

The differences between tile setters apprentice and tile finishers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a tile setter apprentice and a tile finisher. Additionally, a tile setter apprentice has an average salary of $47,050, which is higher than the $30,430 average annual salary of a tile finisher.

The top three skills for a tile setter apprentice include floor designs, preps and unload materials. The most important skills for a tile finisher are load materials, unload materials, and construction materials.

Tile setter apprentice vs tile finisher overview

	Tile Setter Apprentice	Tile Finisher
Yearly salary	$47,050	$30,430
Hourly rate	$22.62	$14.63
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	12,828	2,188
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 52%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	2	2

Tile setter apprentice vs tile finisher salary

Tile setters apprentice and tile finishers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Tile Setter Apprentice	Tile Finisher
Average salary	$47,050	$30,430
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $66,000	Between $20,000 And $44,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between tile setter apprentice and tile finisher education

There are a few differences between a tile setter apprentice and a tile finisher in terms of educational background:

	Tile Setter Apprentice	Tile Finisher
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 52%
Most common major	General Studies	Criminal Justice
Most common college	-	-

Tile setter apprentice vs tile finisher demographics

Here are the differences between tile setters apprentice' and tile finishers' demographics:

	Tile Setter Apprentice	Tile Finisher
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 91.2% Female, 8.8%	Male, 90.1% Female, 9.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.0% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 30.4% Asian, 1.6% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%	Black or African American, 6.0% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 31.7% Asian, 1.8% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between tile setter apprentice and tile finisher duties and responsibilities

Tile setter apprentice example responsibilities.

Lay tile & brick for walk ways and CIA buildings then prompt to foreman for crew
Install tiling for new construction and remodeling projects.
Install, layout and design ceramic, stone, hardwood and laminate flooring.
Perform all aspects of tiling, from surface preparation through tile setting and grouting.
Integrate technology into curriculum, supplementing class lectures and developing student's researching skills and internet and PowerPoint proficiency.
Remove and install custom size vinyl replacement windows for residential homes and commercial

Tile finisher example responsibilities.

Lay tile & brick for walk ways and CIA buildings then prompt to foreman for crew
Install and repair VCT (commercial vinyl tile) and carpet in chain grocery stores.
help with masonry applications: measuring, cutting, fabricating, grinding, polishing, caulking of stone & tile.
Assist ICM with project management responsibilities and updating and editing documentation for ISO compliance.
Add finishing techniques such as to buffing, polishing, grinding, de-burring and etching, according to work specs.

Tile setter apprentice vs tile finisher skills

Common tile setter apprentice skills

Floor Designs, 43%
Preps, 25%
Unload Materials, 11%
Tiling, 9%
Demo, 6%
Caulking, 5%

Common tile finisher skills

Load Materials, 28%
Unload Materials, 28%
Construction Materials, 25%
Caulking, 19%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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