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Carpet Layer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Working from blueprints or verbal instructions, floorcovering installers inspect and prepare substrates for covering and determine where to place seams or joints. From there they:
Floorcovering installers also may respond to customer questions or concerns at the worksite.
Floorcovering installers work indoors in a wide variety of settings. They work a 40-hour, 5-day week with some overtime required to meet construction deadlines. Renovating or decorating premises already in use may require working at night.
Floorcovering installers may be required to lift and move items that weigh over 25 kilograms.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in computing to estimate costs for material and labour
Interest in operating hand and machine stitchers, staple guns and seaming irons and in using bonding tape and bonding materials to install carpeting; and in operating power stretchers and other devices to stretch carpeting
Interest in speaking with customers and other workers to inspect and repair damaged floor coverings and to inspect, measure and mark surfaces to be covered
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Floorcovering installers need:
They should enjoy working with their hands, developing specialized skills and performing tasks with little direction or supervision.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 102 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 22, 2023 and Apr 19, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Inspect, measure and mark surfaces to be covered | 93 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Measure, cut and fasten underlay and underpadding | 87 |
| Tasks: Inspect and repair damaged floor coverings | 86 |
| Tasks: Measure, cut and install resilient floor coverings | 81 |
| Tasks: Prepare and install hardwood floors | 75 |
| Tasks: Measure, cut and install carpeting on floors | 71 |
| Tasks: Prepare floors for installations | 69 |
| Tasks: Remove existing floor coverings and contaminants | 69 |
| Work Setting: Various locations | 54 |
| Handling heavy loads | 52 |
To work in Alberta, a floorcovering installer must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.
The term of apprenticeship is 2 years (two 12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,500 hours of on-the-job training and 7 weeks of classroom instruction each year.
High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
Apprentices are required to provide their own tools.
Floorcovering installer apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).
Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Floorcovering installers install, repair and replace resilient floorcovering materials such as underlayment, carpet, sheet goods (vinyl for example) and tile in commercial, residential and industrial buildings. They also may install wall coverings made of carpet or vinyl. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you do not have to be certified if you are self-employed or work for an employer who is satisfied that you have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. To learn the trade, you must become a registered apprentice.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Floorcovering Installer.
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Floorcovering installers are employed by floorcovering retail outlets, contractors and installation companies.
Experienced floorcovering installers may advance to supervisory positions, move into sales or customer relations, or contract out their services. Some set up their own retail businesses.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 7295: Floor covering installers occupational group, 81.8% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7295: Floor covering installers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 20 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson wage rates vary but generally range from $35 to $50 an hour (2019 estimates). Top wage earners can make in excess of $100,000 per year.
Apprentice floorcovering installers start with minimum wage but receive higher pay as training progresses.
Floorcovering installers are part of the larger 2016 National Occupational Classification 7295: Floor covering installers.
According to the 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Floor covering installers occupational group earned on average up to $35.62 an hour. The overall average was $28.36 an hour. For more information, see the Floor covering installers wage profile.
As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see Minimum Wage.
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
