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Tile and Stone Setters

SOC 47-2044.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers tile and stone setting practice from supervised entry-level residential work through expert-led commercial and specialty installations, including layout planning, cutting, adhesive application, grouting, mosaic work, and crew leadership.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Tile alignment tools such as levels, squares, and straightedges — identify and apply under direct supervision on a residential flooring project.
  2. Excess grout and joint finishes — wipe and dress using a damp sponge following step-by-step instruction on a supervised installation.
  3. Hand cutting tools — use to make basic straight tile cuts when fitting tile to simple corners under journeyman guidance on a job site.
  4. Tile layout patterns — recognize and replicate a prescribed design by following marked guidelines on a prepared substrate.
  5. Pre-mixed adhesive or mastic — spread onto a prepared surface using a trowel under direct supervision during an entry-level tile installation.
  6. Blueprints and surface measurements — read and interpret with assistance to identify the area to be tiled on a residential job site.
  7. Measurement and marking tasks — perform using tape measures and chalk lines by following supervisor instructions on a flat floor surface.
  8. Standard ceramic wall tiles — assist in setting individual pieces to match a basic grid pattern under close mentorship on an interior wall.
  9. Safety protocols and PPE requirements — follow consistently when handling cutting tools and adhesive materials in a construction environment.
  10. Material quantities — help calculate the number of tiles and adhesive needed for a small area using basic arithmetic under supervisor guidance.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Levels, squares, and straightedges — use independently to align and plumb tile courses on standard residential floor and wall installations.
  2. Grout joints — finish, dress, and clean with a damp sponge to a consistent appearance on completed tile installations with minimal oversight.
  3. Power wet saws and angle grinders — operate to cut and shape tile around pipes, outlets, and irregular corners on routine commercial job sites.
  4. Layout patterns — plan and mark out a straightforward diagonal or offset pattern on a prepared substrate by interpreting customer specifications.
  5. Mortar, cement, and thin-set — mix to correct consistency and apply using brush, trowel, and screed to form an even bed for tile on interior surfaces.
  6. Blueprints and surface assessments — review without assistance to estimate material quantities and confirm surface readiness before starting a project.
  7. Measurement and layout lines — mark accurately across large floor areas using tape measures, chalk lines, and squares on multi-room residential projects.
  8. Mosaic tile sheets — set and align to produce decorative accent borders on residential bathroom walls following a provided design template.
  9. Work schedules for individual tile tasks — manage personal time to meet daily production targets on a general contractor-supervised job site.
  10. Minor substrate irregularities — identify and address by applying a skim coat or leveling compound before tile installation on a residential floor.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Tile alignment across large or complex surfaces — achieve precise results autonomously using levels, laser levels, and straightedges on commercial and high-end residential projects.
  2. Grout selection, mixing, and joint finishing — perform to specification across multiple grout types and joint widths on varied interior and exterior installations.
  3. Complex cuts and custom shapes — execute using power saws, angle grinders, and specialty bits to fit tile around intricate architectural features on demanding job sites.
  4. Custom tile layout patterns — design and implement independently, optimizing visual balance and material efficiency based on client blueprints and site conditions.
  5. Mortar beds, thick-set applications, and specialty adhesives — select and apply correctly for diverse substrates including concrete, backer board, and waterproofed assemblies.
  6. Blueprint review and material takeoffs — conduct independently for full project scope, identifying potential conflicts and adjusting material orders on commercial renovation sites.
  7. Large-format and irregular surface layouts — measure, mark, and execute across non-standard room geometries while maintaining pattern continuity and grout line consistency.
  8. Intricate mosaic murals and decorative stone installations — set and grout on walls and floors using precise finger dexterity and visualization skills on specialty design projects.
  9. Non-routine installation problems such as substrate failures or pattern discrepancies — diagnose and resolve using critical thinking and construction knowledge on active job sites.
  10. Project timelines and material logistics — coordinate across tile, waterproofing, and grouting phases to keep installation sequences on schedule on multi-trade commercial projects.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Installation standards and best practices — establish and communicate to a crew of tile setters across multiple concurrent residential and commercial job sites.
  2. Complex project layouts for large-scale or landmark installations — direct from blueprint review through final inspection, ensuring pattern integrity and structural compliance.
  3. Apprentices and developing tile setters — mentor in cutting techniques, layout mathematics, and adhesive application through structured on-the-job coaching programs.
  4. Bid estimates and material takeoffs for major contracts — prepare using spreadsheet and project management software to support business development and cost control.
  5. Customer and general contractor relationships — manage throughout the full project lifecycle, communicating progress and resolving design or scope concerns professionally.
  6. Quality control systems for grout consistency, tile alignment, and joint uniformity — implement and enforce across all crew members on large commercial tile projects.
  7. CAD and design software — use to develop tile layout visualizations and present custom pattern options to architects and clients during pre-construction planning meetings.
  8. Safety and compliance standards for tile installation — interpret, update, and enforce across the full workforce to ensure OSHA and building code adherence on every site.
  9. Specialty and high-value materials including natural stone, marble, and large-format porcelain — oversee the sourcing, handling, and installation of on premium commercial or hospitality projects.
  10. Organizational performance metrics such as labor productivity and material waste — analyze using project management and reporting tools to drive continuous improvement across the tile-setting operation.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Show O*NET source anchors44 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Marble Mason/Tile Setter · Marble Setter · Tile Layer · Acoustical Carpenter · Acoustical Installer · Acoustical Material Worker · Bathroom Fitter · Ceramic Tile Installer · Ceramic Tile Mechanic · Ceramic Tile Setter · Floor Tile Layer · Granite Countertop Installer
RAPIDS apprenticeships
0042 · Marble Mason/Tile Setter · 0043 · Marble Setter · 0069 · Tile Layer
O*NET skills
Active ListeningComplex Problem SolvingTime ManagementCoordinationSpeakingMathematicsCritical Thinking
Knowledge domains
Building and ConstructionMathematicsCustomer and Personal ServiceDesign
Abilities
VisualizationNear VisionExtent FlexibilityTrunk StrengthProblem SensitivityInformation OrderingOral ComprehensionFinger DexterityMultilimb CoordinationStatic Strength
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityCautiousnessPerseveranceAchievement OrientationStress Tolerance
Technology
Data base user interface and query softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareProject management softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation softwareWord processing softwareCustomer relationship management CRM software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Align and straighten tile using levels, squares, and straightedges.
  2. Finish and dress the joints and wipe excess grout from between tiles, using damp sponge.
  3. Cut and shape tile to fit around obstacles and into odd spaces and corners, using hand and power cutting tools.
  4. Determine and implement the best layout to achieve a desired pattern.
  5. 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.
  6. Study blueprints and examine surface to be covered to determine amount of material needed.
  7. Measure and mark surfaces to be tiled, following blueprints.
  8. Lay and set mosaic tiles to create decorative wall, mural, and floor designs.
CIP education codes
46.010146.0413

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.