Marble Setters, Tile Setters, and Terrazzo Workers

Employers

There are approximately 55,600 marble and tile setters and 1,500 terrazzo workers and finishers employed in the United States, mainly in the construction industry. Most of those who work with terrazzo have jobs with specialty contractors installing artistic, decorative floors and walls; some are self-employed and may specialize in small jobs. Nearly 25 percent of tile setters are self-employed, working on smaller, residential projects like bathrooms, kitchens, and other niches.

Starting Out

If you are interested in this work, you should explore apprenticeship programs. In addition, the local office of your state employment office may be a source of information about apprenticeship training and other programs. Local offices of workers' unions can help, as well as local contractors, who often advertise job openings in the help wanted ads.

Although formal three- or four-year apprenticeships are often available in these trades, many workers learn the work informally by working a certain number of years as a helper, watching and participating in the work firsthand with experienced craftspeople.

After being accepted for a job, new employees are referred for clearance to the union and, after a period of time working, are given positions as helpers. When an opening occurs for a skilled worker, the best qualified person with the most seniority is recommended for the position.