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Tile Setters

THE JOB

TILE SETTERS build long lasting surfaces with ceramic tile.  Because it is 
water resistant, ceramic tile is most often used in kitchens, bathrooms, and
entryways.  It is also used in exterior work, such as patio floors, exterior
veneers, and sometimes around swimming pools and spas.  In commercial 
buildings, such as shopping malls, tile may also be used on plaza floors.

Tile setting requires a solid, flat surface such as plywood or a concrete
floor.  When preparing walls and countertops, Tile Setters float a strong
concrete base by applying waterproof paper to the wall or counter top.  
They then cut reinforced wire mesh and tack it down.  Next, they prepare a
mixture of cement, sand, and water, which they spread over the lath.
Finally, the concrete is leveled and allowed to dry.

After preparing the surface, Tile Setters apply a finer grade of cement or
mastic, using a serrated trowel to achieve the desired thickness.  Tile 
Setters must cut and shape some of the tiles with biters and cutters so the
tiles fit around corners, cabinets, sinks, and windows.

Next, they place several tiles on the wet cement, separate them evenly with
plastic joints, and line up the tiles with a straight edge before tapping 
them into place.

After this cement dries, Tile Setters fill the spaces between tiles with
grout, a fine cement which is available in a variety of colors.  After 
the grout dries, they finally apply a sealer to make the grout waterproof 
and stain-resistant.

Some Tile Setters may estimate the amount of tile and other materials 
needed for the job by studying blueprints and measuring the surface to be 
covered.  They may estimate the cost of materials and labor for the customer,
assist the customer in selection of tile and grout, or may order materials 
needed for the job.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Tile Setters usually work indoors, in buildings that are under construction 
or that are being remodeled.  The work of a Tile Setter is strenuous and 
involves a great deal of prolonged standing, reaching, bending, kneeling, 
and heavy lifting.  Tile Setters sometimes lift cement bags and mortar 
buckets weighing 100 pounds or more and boxes of tiles.  Hazards of the job
include falls from ladders, possible cuts from tools or materials, muscle 
strains, and back and knee injuries.

Occupations that are similar to or related to Tile Setter are bricklayers,
concrete masons, stone masons, plasterers, marble setters or layers, and 
terrazzo setters or layers.

Various unions represent Tile Setters, including the International Union of
Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen, the Ceramic Tile Layers Union, and the 
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections and Planning 
Information report published by the Labor Market Information Division.

Estimated number of workers in 1993           2,730
Estimated number of workers in 2005           4,350
Projected Growth 1993-2005                      59%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005   920

(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)

Employment growth in this occupation is expected to proceed at a higher than
average rate when compared to all other occupations in California through 
the year 2005.  Nationwide, the job growth is expected to be slower with 
most job opportunities coming from the replacement of Tile Setters who 
retire or leave because of other reasons.  

In the United States, most Tile Setters work on nonresidential construction,
and about one of every two Tile Setters is a self-employed contractor.

Compared to other construction occupations, the number of Tile Setters is
small and job turnover is relatively low.

The demand for Tile Setters will be driven by population and business 
growth, particularly in the construction industry.  More shopping malls,
hospitals, schools, office complexes, and restaurants will be built, the
construction of which often entails the use of tile.

Tile is also being used more extensively in the construction of expensive
homes, patios, and swimming pools which will also stimulate the demand for
Tile Setters.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Most Tile Setters work about 40 hours a week.  Nonunion Tile Setters may 
make as little as $4.75 per hour or as much as $25.00 per hour.  Union wages
for Tile Setters can range from around $21.00 to about $33.00 per hour.

Apprentice Tile Setters start at about half the journey level rates, 
earning wages ranging from $5.00 to $15.00 per hour.  Apprenticeship 
contracts determine the amount and frequency of wage increases.

Fringe benefits may include pension plans, life and health insurance, paid
holidays, and vacations.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Tile Setters usually begin as helpers until they enter an apprenticeship
program.  After completing a three or four-year program that includes both
practical and classroom education, the apprentice can advance to full 
journey-level status.  An apprenticeship program usually consists of 
on-the-job training and related classroom instruction in blueprint reading,
layout, and basic mathematics.

To become an apprentice, a candidate must be at least 18 years old and be
physically able to perform the work of the trade.  Good vision, color 
perception, and manual dexterity are important assets.

Though there are no formal educational requirements, employers usually 
prefer high school graduates.  Job applicants should know basic math and 
be able to read and write.  Helpful high school classes include shop and 
mechanical drawing.  The ability to read blueprints is also a desirable 
skill.

In areas where there are no union apprenticeship programs, many Tile 
Setters acquire skills informally by working as helpers to experienced 
workers.


ADVANCEMENT

Skilled tile setters may become supervisors, estimators, or they may start
their own contracting business which requires licensing by the State of 
California. 

Many Tile Setters are self-employed contractors, especially in small towns
removed from large metropolitan areas.


FINDING THE JOB

Journey level tile setters can apply directly to tile setter contractors or
contact the appropriate union in their area.  They can also check the want 
ads and apply with the local Workforce Services Office of the California Employment
Development Department.  Applicants for helper positions should contact the 
union or call the tile-setter contractors in their area to learn the trade.


ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

For apprenticeship information, contact the local tile setters' union or 
the:

California Department of Industrial Relations
Division of Apprenticeship Standards
455 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102-3660
(415) 703-4920

International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen
International Masonry Institute
Apprenticeship and Training
815 15th St. NW
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 783-3788

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
Tile, Marble, and Terrazzo Finishers Division
101 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 546-6206

Those interested in self-employment should contact the:

Contractors State License Board
9835 Goethe Road
P.O. Box 26000, 95826
Sacramento, CA  95827
(800) 321-2752


RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Cement Masons                 No. 181
Plasterers & Stucco Masons    No. 249
Floor Covering Installers     No. 383


OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Tile Setter               861.381-054
Tile Setter Apprentice    861.381-058

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Hard Tile Setters              873080


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department,
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916) 262-2162.