Floor & Wall Tiler
Measure, cut, and lay ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and mosaic tiles to create functional and decorative surfaces in residential and commercial spaces.
High
Low
2–3 years via apprenticeship or college course
Level 2 NVQ in Wall and Floor Tiling
typical
What you do
Floor and wall tilers work on kitchens, bathrooms, swimming pools, commercial spaces, and public buildings. You prepare surfaces (levelling, waterproofing, applying adhesive beds), set out tile layouts to achieve balanced and aesthetically pleasing results, cut tiles accurately, apply adhesive, and grout and seal finished surfaces. Natural stone tiling (slate, limestone, travertine) and large-format porcelain require additional specialist knowledge. High-end residential and commercial tiling on complex layouts commands premium rates.
Why this career is resilient
Floor and wall tiling is entirely site-specific, with each space presenting unique constraints in layout, level, and material. The craft demands of cutting, setting out, and quality finishing cannot be automated for the residential market. The UK's renovation and bathroom/kitchen refurbishment market creates consistent demand regardless of new-build cycles.
A typical day
A day on a bathroom refurbishment begins with tanking the walls (waterproofing), setting out the tile grid, applying adhesive and laying wall tiles, then returning once set to grout and seal. A commercial floor job involves checking levels, and laying large-format tiles to a measured set-out.
Routes in
Apprenticeship
Earn while you learn: work with an employer and study part-time, leading to a nationally recognised qualification. Typically funded by the government and your employer.
Full-time college course
Study full-time at a further education college, usually for 1–2 years. You will need to fund yourself or apply for a student loan (available for Level 4+ courses).
Pay and costs
Earning potential: Employed tilers earn £26,000–£38,000. Self-employed tilers on residential and commercial work commonly earn £35,000–£60,000. Natural stone and premium tile specialists command higher rates.
Training costs: Apprenticeship: no upfront cost. College: £1,000–£2,500 for Level 2. Tile saw and tools: £500–£2,000 for a basic self-employed set.