Tilesetter

I always wanted a career where I could use my creativity and strength every day.

Red Seal

Tilesetters cover, protect, repair and decorate wall surfaces, floors, ceilings, pools, showers, and other surfaces with tiles They can be employed by construction companies, masonry companies or self-employed.

Good problem-solving and math skills.

Good spatial awareness.

Enjoy working with hand and power tools.

Responsibilities

  • Read and interpret architectural drawings and material specifications to determine tile layouts, finish, and installation requirements.
  • They must consider factors such as slopes, curves and pattern layout and convert measurements between imperial and metric systems.
  • Prepare surfaces for tiling; select, mix, and apply mortar, cement, and adhesives; cut, polish and fit tiles; apply grout.
  • Handle materials including ceramic, mosaics, glass, quarry tiles, slate, engineered stone, terrazzo, porcelain and marble or granite slabs.

Key Skills & Attributes

(technical training and on the job)

  • Problem-solving, critical thinking and numeracy skills.
  • Work inside and outside, as well as at heights or in confined spaces.
  • Able to lift heavy materials and operate various types of equipment.
  • Good spatial awareness, vision, coordination and balance.
  • Creativity.

Entering the Trade

  • Is there a training pathway for this trade?: Yes
  • Number of Levels: 3 (technical training in development)
  • Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 5,400
  • Total Hours Required to Challenge Exam as a Trade Qualifier: 8,100

Hourly Pay

Salary Range: $34.48 – $35.57/hr (based on 2023 collective agreement Journeyperson hourly rate)

Projected Growth

(CONSTRUCTION LABOUR FORCE)

10% over the decade

compared to 2020*

*BuildForce Canada

Did you know?

If you have a good eye for recognizing patterns, lines and proportions, this is a great asset for a bricklayer. In this career, you can be self-employed or work for construction companies and bricklaying contractors.

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