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Marble Setters, Tile Setters, and Terrazzo Workers

Work Environment

At building sites, tile setters work mostly inside, while marble and terrazzo workers work both indoors and outdoors. Construction sites are often noisy, with different kinds of building equipment being operated. The work is often demanding and requires some strength and physical fitness; workers will find themselves bending, kneeling, lifting, carrying, and reaching. Once they have been given instructions on the details of a particular job, they are expected to work without constant supervision and sometimes with the cooperation of other workers. Most workers can expect 40-hour workweeks at times when the construction project is proceeding as planned; however, when such factors as inappropriate weather restrict operations, workers may be expected to work fewer hours until conditions change and then overtime when the work can continue. Approximately 28 percent of tile and marble setters are self-employed, which means they must also commit some time to promoting their services to secure new clients and more work.