Floor Covering Installers

The earnings of floor covering installers vary depending on experience, geographic location, and whether wages are set by union contracts. Most installers are paid by the hour, but some are paid by the number of yards of flooring they install, a system that can benefit installers who work particularly fast.

The median hourly wage of carpet installers was $22.85 in May 2023 ($47,520 a year for full-time work), according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The lowest paid 10 percent of carpet installers earned less than $14.98 ($31,160 a year full time), and the highest paid 10 percent earned more than $38.78 an hour ($80,650 a year). Fifty percent of carpet installers earned between $17.76 and $29.60 an hour (or $36,930 and $61,580 annually).

The median hourly earnings of floor layers (except carpet, wood, and hard tiles) were $23.48 ($48,840 a year full time), with the lowest paid 10 percent earning less than $16.99 ($35,340 a year), and the highest paid 10 percent earning more than $44.15 ($91,840 a year).

Tile and stone setters earned median hourly earnings of $23.52 ($48,910 per year); hourly wages ranged from $15.93 ($33,120 per year) to $38.48 ($80,030 per year). Fifty percent of tile and stone setters earned between $18.43 and $29.92 an hour (or $38,330 and $62,230 annually).

Beginning workers such as apprentices and assistants usually make half of what an experienced installer earns. Their wages increase as they gain on-the-job training.

Floor covering installers who work for a company usually receive benefits such as vacation days, sick leave, health and life insurance, and a savings and pension program. Self-employed workers must provide their own benefits.