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Tilesetter

Tilesetters cover, repair, and decorate exterior and interior walls, floors, and ceilings in residential or commercial buildings. Common materials used are ceramic, glass, metals, marble, quarry tile, slate, terrazzo, or granite.

Also Known As

Mason, Terrazzo Worker

NOC Codes

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

  • 7283: Tilesetters

2006 NOC-S

  • H133: Tilesetters

2011 NOC

  • 7283: Tilesetters

2016 NOC

  • 7283: Tilesetters

2021 NOC

  • 73101: Tilesetters

2023 OaSIS

  • 73101.00: Tilesetters
Duties
Updated Jun 02, 2020

For a typical installation, tilesetters assess and reinforce different types of surfaces. From there they:

  • Study and then execute blueprints
  • Establish the best layout for achieving desired patterns to complement a variety of spaces
  • Prepare, measure, and mark the surfaces to be covered
  • Cut and trim tiles to fit around various objects and openings
  • Mix, apply, and spread adhesives such as mortar, cement, mastic, or epoxy over surfaces
  • Set and position tiles according to design patterns using tools such as chalk lines, straight edge, or laser lines
  • Finish tile installations using a variety of grouts and sealers

Tilesetters also may:

  • Create composite terrazzo surfaces using decorative aggregates
  • Cut, shape, polish, and install marble and granite slabs
  • Maintain existing tiled surfaces by removing and replacing cracked or damaged tile
  • Prepare cost and material estimates
  • Design and create murals and medallions for aesthetic purposes
  • Install in-floor heating systems
Working Conditions
Updated Jun 02, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

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.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Tilesetters

2006 NOC: 7283

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to cut and fit tiles around obstacles and openings

METHODICAL

Interest in compiling information to pack grout into joints between tiles and remove the excess; and in cutting, polishing and installing marble and granite

INNOVATIVE

Interest in creating decorative designs and in removing and replacing damaged tiles

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Jun 02, 2020

Tilesetters need the following characteristics:

  • manual dexterity
  • the ability to complete tile installation projects working from architectural plans and specifications 
  • the ability to do precise work
  • the ability to work with little supervision.

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Tilesetters

2016 NOC: 7283

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 111 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 23, 2024 and Apr 19, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Prepare, measure and mark surfaces to be covered
Tasks: Set tiles in place and apply pressure to affix them to base
Tasks: Align and straighten tiles
Tasks: Remove and replace cracked or damaged tiles
Tasks: Pack grout into joints between tiles and remove excess grout
Tasks: Cut and fit tiles around obstacles and openings using hand and power cutting tools
Tasks: Cut, surface, polish and install marble and granite
Tasks: Mix, apply and spread mortar, cement, mastic, glue or other adhesives using hand trowel
Tasks: Mix, lay and polish terra surfaces
Attention to detail
Educational Requirements
Updated Jun 02, 2020
  • Minimum Education High school diploma

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 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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Jun 02, 2020
  • Certification Not Regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Jun 02, 2020

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.

Industry Concentration

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 7283: Tilesetters occupational group, 81.7% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 7283: Tilesetters occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 2 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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Jun 02, 2020

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.

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