Wall and Floor Tiler

What does a wall and floor tiler do?

As a wall and floor tiler you could be:

• Working out how many tiles and how much adhesive you’ll need for a particular area
• Cutting tiles to a certain size or shape with hand-cutters or bench-mounted tools
• Preparing surfaces by levelling off with plaster, sand or cement
• Decorating and protecting floors and walls using all kinds of tiles (including ceramic, clay, slate, marble and glass)
• Fixing the tiles and applying grout before finishing off
• Laying intricate mosaic tiles
• Working in client’s homes or businesses.

How to become a wall and floor tiler

There are several routes to becoming a wall and floor tiler. You could do a college course, an apprenticeship, or on-the-job training.

You should explore these routes to become a wall and floor tiler to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College

Your local college or training provider may offer relevant courses to help you train as a wall and floor tiler, including:

• Level 1 Certificate in Wall and Floor Tiling
• Level 2 Diploma in Wall and Floor Tiling
• Level 2 Certificate in Wall and Floor Tiling for Property Maintenance.

• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a wall and floor tiling company to gain onsite experience. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced wall and floor tiler and progress as your abilities improve.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a wall and floor tiler. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a wall and floor tiler include:

• Being patient and precise
• Being thorough, with good attention to detail
• Have thinking and reasoning skills
• Able to work well under pressure.

How much could you earn as a wall and floor tiler?

The expected salary for a wall and floor tiler varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained wall and floor tilers can start at £30000
• Trained with experience wall and floor tilers can earn up to £54000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route. 

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources