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Nature of the Work
* Nearly half of all tilesetters are self-employed.
* Relatively few job openings are expected because it is a small occupation that is growing slowly and has low job turnover.
In ancient Egypt and Rome, tile was used for mosaics—an art form using small, decorative ceramic squares. Over the years, tile has been a popular building material because it is durable, impervious to water, and easy to clean. It is used today, for instance, in shopping centers, hospitals, tunnels, lobbies of buildings, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Tilesetters, like the ancient artists, apply tile to floors, walls, and ceilings. To set tile, which generally ranges in size from 1 inch to 12 inches square, they use cement or "mastic," a very sticky paste. When using cement, tilesetters nail a support of metal mesh to the wall or ceiling to be tiled. They use a trowel to apply a cement mortar—called a "scratch coat"—onto the metal screen and scratch the surface of the soft mortar with a small tool, similar to a rake. After the scratch coat has dried, tilesetters apply another coat of mortar to level the surface and then apply mortar to the back of the tile and place it onto the surface.
To set tile in mastic, or a cement adhesive, called "thin set," tilesetters need a flat, solid surface such as drywall, concrete, plaster, or wood. They use a tooth-edged trowel to spread mastic on the surface or apply cement adhesive to the back of the tile and then properly position it.
Because tile varies in color, shape, and size, workers sometimes prearrange tiles on a dry floor according to a specified design. This allows workers to examine the pattern and make changes. In order to cover all exposed areas, including corners and around pipes, tubs, and wash basins, tilesetters cut tiles to fit with a machine saw or a special cutting tool. Once the tile is placed, they gently tap the surface with their trowel handle or a small block of wood to seat the tiles evenly.
When the cement or mastic has set, tilesetters fill the joints with "grout," a very fine cement. They then scrape the surface with a rubber-edged device called a "squeegee" to dress the joints and remove excess grout. Before the grout sets, they finish the joints with a damp sponge for a uniform appearance.
Tilesetters generally work indoors. Because most of the structure has been completed, the work area is relatively clean and uncluttered. Much of the workday is spent bending, kneeling, and reaching, activities that require endurance but not exceptional strength. To protect their knees, most workers wear kneepads.
Although workers are subject to cuts from tools or materials, falls from ladders, and strained muscles, the occupation is not as hazardous as some other construction occupations.
Tilesetters held about 29,000 jobs in 1996. Most wage and salary tilesetters were employed by tilesetting contractors who work mainly on nonresidential construction projects, such as schools, hospitals, and office buildings. Nearly half of all tilesetters were self-employed, compared to less than one-quarter of all construction workers. Most self-employed tilesetters work on residential projects.
Tilesetters are employed throughout the country but are found largely in urban areas.
Most tilesetters acquire their skills on the job by working as helpers to experienced workers. They begin by learning about the tools of the trade, and then they learn to mix and apply cement and to apply mastic. As they progress, they learn to cut and install tile, apply grout, and do finishing work.
Employers recommend completion of a 3-year apprenticeship program, which consists of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction in subjects such as blueprint reading, layout, and basic mathematics.
When hiring apprentices or helpers, employers usually prefer high school graduates who have had courses in general mathematics, mechanical drawing, and shop. Good physical condition, manual dexterity, and a good sense of color harmony also are important assets.
Skilled tilesetters may start their own contracting businesses or may become supervisors or estimators for other contractors.
Employment of tilesetters is expected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2006. Increased demand for tilesetters will stem from population and business growth, which should result in more construction of shopping malls, hospitals, schools, restaurants, and other structures where tile is used extensively. Tile is expected to continue to increase in popularity as a building material. In more expensive homes, whose construction is expected to increase, its use should be quite common. In more modestly priced homes, however, the use of tile substitutes, such as plastic or fiberglass tub and shower enclosures, will increase, slowing the growth in demand for tilesetters.
Despite the increased demand for tilesetting, most job openings will result from the need to replace tilesetters who retire or leave the occupation for other reasons. Job opportunities will not be as plentiful as in other construction occupations because the occupation is small and turnover is relatively low.
The median weekly earnings for tilesetters were about $492 in 1996. The middle 50 percent earned between $316 and $620 a week; 10 percent earned less than $221 a week; 10 percent earned more than $777 a week.
Apprentices usually start earning 50 to 55 percent of experienced workers' wages. Earnings vary greatly by geographic location. They tend to be highest in the North and West Coast and the lowest in the South.
Some tilesetters belong to the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen or the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.
Tilesetters use their knowledge of tools and masonry materials along with skill and dexterity to produce attractive, durable surfaces. Other workers with similar abilities include bricklayers, marblesetters, plasterers, stonemasons, concrete masons and terrazzo workers.
For details about apprenticeship or other work opportunities in this
trade, contact local tilesetting contractors; locals of the unions previously mentioned; or the nearest office of the State employment service or State apprenticeship agency.
For general information about the work of tilesetters, contact:
International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen, International Masonry Institute, Apprenticeship and Training, 823 15th St. NW., Washington, DC 20005.
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