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Mason, Terrazzo Worker
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
For a typical installation, tilesetters assess and reinforce different types of surfaces. From there they:
Tilesetters also may:
Tilesetters work both indoors and outdoors. They generally work a 5-day, 40-hour week, but overtime is common to meet construction deadlines.
Tilesetters do a considerable amount of bending, kneeling, and reaching, and may have to lift and move materials, equipment, and tools in excess of 25 kilograms. There is some risk of injury involved in working with sharp edges and power tools and due to heavy lifting.
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 precision working to cut and fit tiles around obstacles and openings
Interest in compiling information to pack grout into joints between tiles and remove the excess; and in cutting, polishing and installing marble and granite
Interest in creating decorative designs and in removing and replacing damaged tiles
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.
Tilesetters need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy creating finished designs that require precise skills.
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 347 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 24, 2024 and May 12, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Prepare, measure and mark surfaces to be covered | 339 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Set tiles in place and apply pressure to affix them to base | 336 |
| Tasks: Align and straighten tiles | 320 |
| Tasks: Remove and replace cracked or damaged tiles | 315 |
| Tasks: Pack grout into joints between tiles and remove excess grout | 289 |
| Tasks: Cut and fit tiles around obstacles and openings using hand and power cutting tools | 272 |
| Tasks: Mix, apply and spread mortar, cement, mastic, glue or other adhesives using hand trowel | 258 |
| Tasks: Cut, surface, polish and install marble and granite | 247 |
| Attention to detail | 238 |
| Tasks: Mix, lay and polish terra surfaces | 217 |
Employers generally prefer applicants who have a high school diploma, but educational requirements may vary from one employer to another. Before enrolling in a program, prospective students should contact associations and employers in this field to investigate educational and employment options.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
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.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Tilesetters are employed by special trade, building, and general contractors. Those who are self-employed usually contract their services for smaller renovation projects. Employment prospects for tilesetters change with the season and with the state of the economy.
Tilesetters may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman, superintendent, and estimator.
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.
Tilesetters
2016 NOC: 7283
81.7% of people in this occupational group work in:
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 examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
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 examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
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 examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Incomes in this occupation vary considerably. No current salary data is available.
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Jun 02, 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.
