Tile / Granite Worker
Quick Facts
Median Salary$51,794
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+18.35%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Tile or Granite Worker applies granite tiles to lay floors or build walls or walkways, and builds granite countertops. Works with tiles made from marble or wood; works with tiles to create color patterns or decorative designs for residences or other buildings.
Core Tasks:
- Align and straighten tile using levels, squares, and straightedges.
- Finish and dress the joints and wipe excess grout from between tiles, using damp sponge.
- Determine and implement the best layout to achieve a desired pattern.
- Cut and shape tile to fit around obstacles and into odd spaces and corners, using hand and power cutting tools.
- Mix, apply, and spread plaster, concrete, mortar, cement, mastic, glue or other adhesives to form a bed for the tiles, using brush, trowel and screed.
- Study blueprints and examine surface to be covered to determine amount of material needed.
- Measure and mark surfaces to be tiled, following blueprints.
- Apply mortar to tile back, position the tile, and press or tap with trowel handle to affix tile to base.
- Lay and set mosaic tiles to create decorative wall, mural, and floor designs.
- Mix and apply mortar or cement to edges and ends of drain tiles to seal halves and joints.
- Apply a sealer to make grout stain- and water-resistant.
- Level concrete and allow to dry.
- Measure and cut metal lath to size for walls and ceilings, using tin snips.
- Prepare surfaces for tiling by attaching lath or waterproof paper, or by applying a cement mortar coat to a metal screen.
- Install and anchor fixtures in designated positions, using hand tools.
- Remove and replace cracked or damaged tile.
- Cut tile backing to required size, using shears.
- Remove any old tile, grout and adhesive using chisels and scrapers and clean the surface carefully.
- Cut, surface, polish, and install marble and granite or install pre-cast terrazzo, granite or marble units.
What to expect as a Tile / Granite Worker
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
8% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Tile / Granite Worker related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
482 openings for Tile / Granite Workers
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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