Summary / Introduction
Looking for a stable, hands-on career that doesn’t require a four-year degree? Becoming a tile and marble setter in Washington might be exactly what you’re looking for. With steady demand, good pay (average $56,100/year), and clear training pathways, this trade offers real opportunity. This guide walks you through what the job involves, how to get started through apprenticeship, and what kind of career you can build.
Learn more about the top 25 Trades in Washington
Why Consider This Career?
Tile and marble work isn’t going anywhere. Bathrooms, kitchens, lobbies, hospitals, and commercial spaces all need waterproof, durable, and cleanable surfaces. Washington has about 194 job openings each year for tile and stone setters, with steady work across residential remodels and commercial construction. You’ll earn while you learn through apprenticeship, build a skill that’s in demand everywhere, and have the option to specialize or start your own business down the road.
What Does a Tile and Marble Setter Do?
Tile and marble setters create the finished surfaces in bathrooms, kitchens, lobbies, and commercial spaces. Your day-to-day work includes reading blueprints, measuring and cutting tile or stone to fit, preparing and waterproofing surfaces, mixing and spreading mortar, setting tile with precise spacing, and grouting and sealing the finished work.
You’ll work on residential remodels, new construction, commercial buildings, hospitals, restaurants, and high-end custom homes. The job requires attention to detail—crooked lines and uneven grout joints will be visible forever. You’ll use wet saws, grinders, trowels, floats, levels, and lasers, and you’ll spend a lot of time on your knees, bending, and carrying materials.
How to Become a Tile and Marble Setter in Washington
Step 1 — Get the Right Education or Training
You’ll need a high school diploma or GED to start. The main pathway in Washington is through the Western Washington Masonry Trades Apprenticeship Program, which is run through Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 1 WA.
You need to be at least 18, physically able to do the work, and legally eligible to work. Apply in person at the South Seattle College Georgetown Campus (6737 Corson Ave S, Building D, Seattle, WA 98108), Monday through Friday during business hours. Bring your driver’s license and Social Security documentation.
Step 2 — Gain Hands-On Experience
Once you’re accepted as an apprentice, you’ll work full-time on real job sites with experienced setters. You earn 50-60% of journey-level wages from day one, with raises as you hit hour milestones. You’ll also attend about 144-160 hours of classroom training each year, covering safety, blueprint reading, trade math, layout, waterproofing, setting, grouting, and polishing.
Training length:
- Tile Setter: 7,000 hours (about 4 years)
- Marble Setter: 6,000 hours (about 4 years)
- Tile/Terrazzo/Marble Finisher: 4,500 hours (about 2.5 years)—often the easiest entry point
Most of your learning happens on the job. You’ll cut tile, float walls, set shower pans, waterproof surfaces, and learn how to keep grout lines straight. Show up on time, work safely, and follow directions. Missing training or ignoring safety rules can get you removed from the program.
Step 3 — Earn Required Licenses or Certifications
Washington doesn’t require a separate tile setter license exam like electricians or plumbers have. However, you must work for a contractor who is registered, bonded, and insured. If you want to run your own business, you’ll need contractor registration, bonding, and insurance.
Certifications aren’t legally required, but they make you more money. The Certified Tile Installer (CTI) credential from the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation tests both your written knowledge and hands-on skills. Certified installers get hired faster and command higher pay because they can work without constant supervision.
Step 4 — Continue Building Skills
After you complete apprenticeship and reach journey level, keep learning. High-end stone work, terrazzo floors, exterior cladding, curved stairs, and restoration all require advanced layout math, material knowledge, and speed. You can also pursue specialty certifications and attend industry workshops to stay current with new materials and installation methods.
Training Programs and Schools in Washington
- Western Washington Masonry Trades Apprenticeship — The recognized apprenticeship sponsor for Tile Setter, Marble Setter, Terrazzo Worker, and Tile/Terrazzo/Marble Finisher. You receive on-the-job training plus classroom instruction.
- South Seattle College – Georgetown Campus — Where apprenticeship training is delivered. Coursework includes safety, blueprint reading, trade math, materials, waterproofing, and hands-on lab time with tile saws, grinders, and setting systems.
For Veterans: You can often use GI Bill® benefits toward approved apprenticeship training in these programs.
Salary and Job Outlook in Washington
Pay in Washington:
- Average hourly rate: about $27/hour
- Average annual salary: about $56,100/year
- Middle 50% earn between $23-30/hour ($47,000-$62,600/year)
Job demand:
- About 1,285 tile and stone setters currently work in Washington
- About 194 openings expected each year
National outlook: Employment for tile and stone setters is projected to grow about 6% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than average. The work is steady and physical, but it’s not going away.
Skills You’ll Need to Succeed
Technical Skills:
- Surface prep and waterproofing
- Mixing, spreading, and combing thinset/mortar
- Reading layout lines, measuring rooms, and cutting tile/stone to fit
- Grouting, sealing, and cleanup without damaging finished surfaces
- Safe use of wet saws, grinders, trowels, floats, lasers, and levels
Math and Layout: You’ll use tape measures, levels, and layout math every day. You need to understand square footage, spacing, centerlines, and pitch for drains.
Detail and Finish Quality: Tile and marble work is unforgiving. You need attention to detail and steady hands.
People Skills: You’re often working in someone’s home. Listen well, communicate clearly, and show respect for the space. Good customer service creates repeat business.
Physical Endurance and Safety: Expect long periods kneeling, bending, carrying heavy materials, and working on ladders. Wear your PPE, follow safety rules, and protect your body so you can stay in the trade long-term.
Career Advancement Opportunities
After reaching journey level, you’re not stuck as “installer forever.” You can:
- Become a lead tile setter or marble setter running crews on commercial jobs
- Specialize in high-end marble, terrazzo, custom showers, or steam rooms
- Move into waterproofing, restoration, or historical stone repair (pays well because the work is delicate)
- Start your own contracting business and bid residential remodels, restaurants, hotels, and medical spaces
Union apprenticeship in Washington builds credibility. When you can show 6,000-7,000 hours of supervised work, classroom training, and safety certification, that record helps you get hired and negotiate better pay.
Common Questions
How long does it take to become a tile or marble setter in Washington?
Most tile and marble setters reach journey level in about four years. Tile Setter is a 7,000-hour program, Marble Setter is 6,000 hours, and Tile/Terrazzo/Marble Finisher is 4,500 hours (about 2.5 years)—a faster entry point.
Do I need a license to set tile or marble in Washington?
Washington doesn’t require a separate tile setter license exam. However, you need to work for a registered, bonded, and insured contractor. If you want to operate your own business, you’ll need contractor registration, bonding, and insurance. Many customers and commercial contractors prefer setters who completed an approved apprenticeship.
Can I use the GI Bill® for this training?
Yes. Qualifying veterans can often use GI Bill® benefits in the Western Washington Masonry Trades Apprenticeship Program.
Final Thoughts / Key Takeaways
Tile and marble setting in Washington is a legitimate pathway into construction that blends craft, math, finish detail, and customer service. You don’t need a four-year degree. You do need to:
- Be 18+ with a diploma or GED
- Apply to the Western Washington Masonry Trades Apprenticeship and show up
- Put in the hours—both on site and in class
- Learn layout, cutting, waterproofing, and grout work until you can do it right the first time
If you stick with it through apprenticeship, you’ll earn more at every step, pick up benefits, and end up with a skill set you can take anywhere in the state—or turn into your own business.
Related Careers
If you like tile and marble work, you might also want to look at:
- Terrazzo Worker — Specializes in decorative poured terrazzo floors and stair treads (also a 7,000-hour apprenticeship in Washington)
- Bricklayer / Mason — Structural and architectural masonry, fireplaces, block walls, and stone
- Floor Layer / Flooring Installer — Vinyl, carpet, wood, and commercial resilient flooring
- Construction Project Lead / Foreman — Running crews once you gain experience
About the Author
Lester Burkes is a workforce development professional dedicated to helping people discover sustainable, high-demand careers in the skilled trades. With years of experience designing and expanding training programs across automotive, construction, and technical fields, he focuses on bridging the gap between education and employment. Through LearnSkilledTrades.com, Lester provides straightforward, data-driven guidance to help students and career changers find practical pathways into trades that build America’s future.