Washington median pay
$77,920 a year
National median
$55,690
Tile setters in Washington
About 1,780
Union apprenticeship
4 years
Tile and marble setters install tile, stone and marble on floors, walls, showers and countertops. Washington pays them about $22,000 above the national median, and it’s a trade where many people eventually go into business for themselves.
Looking for an apprenticeship? Search every registered apprenticeship program in Washington by trade, region and union or non-union, with starting and journey-level pay, in our free Washington Apprenticeship Finder.
Work for someone first, then build your own business
From the dean’s desk
It’s good to start off working for someone to really get the trade down, but after that, it’s another trade you can start your own business with easily.
— Lester Burkes, Dean of Trades, Transportation & Apprenticeship
- Learn the craft first: layout, surface prep, waterproofing and setting large-format tile take years to master, and mistakes are costly.
- Then go out on your own: tools are affordable and demand for remodels is steady, so overhead stays low.
- Register your business: Washington requires contractors to register with L&I. A specialty contractor needs a $15,000 bond, general liability insurance and a $150.20 fee. There’s no exam for basic registration.
Training in Washington
The Western Washington Masonry Trades Apprenticeship Committee runs a registered 4-year Tile Setter apprenticeship and a 3-year Tile, Terrazzo and Marble Finisher apprenticeship based in Seattle. Many setters also start as helpers with a tile contractor and learn on the job.
What tile setters earn in Washington
| Area | Median pay (May 2025) | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton–Silverdale–Port Orchard | $88,730 | $42.66 |
| Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue | $79,040 | $38.00 |
| Spokane–Spokane Valley | $69,990 | $33.65 |
| Portland–Vancouver–Hillsboro | $61,900 | $29.76 |
| Washington overall | $77,920 | $37.46 |
| United States | $55,690 | $26.77 |
Nationally, BLS projects 10% growth for tile and stone setters from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average. Washington’s projections are flatter, with about 100 openings a year, so many local setters grow by building their own customer base.
Steps to become a tile setter in Washington
1
Get hired as a helper or apprentice
Learn prep, layout and setting from experienced setters.
2
Master the fundamentals
Waterproofing, leveling and layout are what separate pros from amateurs.
3
Build a portfolio
Photos of your best work help you win jobs later.
4
Register as a contractor
Get your bond, insurance and L&I registration.
5
Grow your own business
Start with remodels and referrals.
Frequently asked questions
Should I work for someone or start my own tile business?
Start by working for someone to learn the trade, then you can start your own business fairly easily.
Do tile setters need a license in Washington?
Individual tile setters don’t. Businesses must register with L&I as contractors.
How much do tile setters make in Washington?
The median was $77,920 a year in May 2025, and $88,730 in the Bremerton area.
Sources
- Career Bridge: Western Washington Masonry Trades Apprenticeship Committee
- Washington L&I: Register as a contractor
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Flooring Installers and Tile and Stone Setters
- O*NET OnLine: Tile setter wages and outlook in Washington (BLS OEWS May 2025)
Related: Carpenter in Washington · All Washington guides
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