Tile Setter Resume Examples by Level (2026)

Tile Setter Resume Examples & Templates for 2025

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects approximately 4,200 annual openings for tile and stone setters through 2034, with employment growing 7% or faster — well above the national average for all occupations (BLS, 2024). Yet most tile setter resumes read like generic construction applications, burying the trade-specific metrics and certifications that hiring managers and ATS platforms scan for first. Whether you are an apprentice completing your first year of field work or a master tile mechanic bidding six-figure commercial projects, your resume must translate hands-on craftsmanship into quantified, keyword-rich language that clears automated screening and lands interviews. The three complete resume examples below — entry-level, journeyman, and master/foreman — show you exactly how.

Table of Contents

1. Why This Role Matters
2. Entry-Level Tile Setter Resume Example
3. Journeyman Tile Setter Resume Example
4. Master Tile Setter / Foreman Resume Example
5. Key Skills & ATS Keywords
6. Professional Summary Examples
7. Common Mistakes on Tile Setter Resumes
8. ATS Optimization Tips
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Citations & Sources

Why This Role Matters

Tile and stone setters occupy a specialized niche in the construction trades that demands a rare combination of physical endurance, mathematical precision, and aesthetic judgment. O*NET data shows that 63% of tile setters rate "Importance of Being Exact or Accurate" as extremely important to their work, and 50% report that the "Consequence of Error" is serious — cracked tiles, failed waterproofing membranes, or misaligned patterns can cost contractors tens of thousands of dollars in rework on a single project (O*NET, 47-2044.00). The median annual wage reached $52,240 in 2024, with experienced setters in union shops and specialty commercial work earning significantly more. The industry faces a well-documented skilled labor shortage. With 52,600 workers currently employed and roughly 4,200 openings projected annually, demand consistently outpaces the pipeline of qualified tile mechanics completing apprenticeships through the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (IUBAC) or earning Certified Tile Installer (CTI) credentials through the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF). This shortage means qualified tile setters with strong resumes have genuine leverage in the hiring market — but only if their applications make it through the ATS screening that general contractors, commercial flooring companies, and union hiring halls increasingly rely on. A tile setter resume that works is not a list of duties. It is a document that proves production capacity (square feet per day), material versatility (porcelain, natural stone, glass, large-format, mosaic), technical competency (waterproofing systems, leveling systems, substrate preparation), and reliability (callback rates, on-time project completion, safety record). The examples below demonstrate how to present this evidence at every career stage.

Entry-Level Tile Setter Resume Example

**MARCUS D. RODRIGUEZ** 4218 Sycamore Lane, Orlando, FL 32801 | (407) 555-0193 | [email protected]

Professional Summary

Detail-oriented tile setter with 18 months of residential installation experience and completion of a BAC Local 1 apprenticeship first-year program. Installed ceramic, porcelain, and glass mosaic tile across 35+ residential projects totaling over 12,000 sq ft. OSHA 10-Hour certified with zero workplace safety incidents. Seeking a journeyman-track position to expand skills in commercial tile installation and large-format porcelain applications.

Certifications & Training

• **OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety** — U.S. Department of Labor, 2024
• **BAC/IUBAC Apprenticeship Program** — Year 1 completed (1,600+ field hours, 160 classroom hours), Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 1, FL
• **First Aid / CPR** — American Red Cross, current through 2026
• **Schluter Systems Certified Installer** — DITRA and KERDI product training, 2024

Work Experience

**Apprentice Tile Setter** Prestige Tile & Stone, Inc. — Orlando, FL | June 2023 – Present - Install ceramic, porcelain, and glass mosaic tile on floors, walls, backsplashes, and shower surrounds across residential remodel and new-construction projects - Average 60–75 sq ft of floor tile installed per day on standard 12×12 and 12×24 porcelain layouts with thin-set mortar application - Prepared 40+ substrates by leveling with self-leveling underlayment, applying crack-isolation membrane, and verifying flatness within TCNA tolerance of 1/4" per 10 ft - Cut and shaped tile using a 10" wet saw and manual score-and-snap cutter, maintaining less than 3% material waste on straight-lay patterns - Waterproofed 22 shower installations using Schluter KERDI membrane and DITRA uncoupling mat systems with zero leak callbacks - Mixed and applied modified thin-set, unmodified thin-set, and medium-bed mortar per manufacturer specifications and ANSI A108 standards - Grouted and sealed all installations using sanded, unsanded, and epoxy grout; achieved consistent 1/8" joint widths on floor tile and 1/16" on wall tile - Maintained job-site cleanliness and organized material staging areas, reducing end-of-day cleanup time by 25% through systematic waste management **Construction Laborer** Sunbelt Builders Group — Kissimmee, FL | January 2022 – May 2023 - Supported tile setters and general construction crews across 15 residential new-construction sites valued at $250K–$600K each - Transported and staged up to 2,500 lbs of tile, mortar, and substrate materials daily using hand trucks and pallet jacks - Demolished existing flooring, removed thinset residue, and prepared subfloors for tile installation on 8 renovation projects - Operated concrete grinders and scarifiers to profile substrates, achieving surface profiles within ICRI CSP-3 standards - Completed OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety training with zero recordable incidents over 16-month tenure

Education

**High School Diploma** Colonial High School — Orlando, FL | 2021 **BAC/IUBAC Tile Setter Apprenticeship** — Year 1 of 3-year program Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 1 — Orlando, FL | In progress

Technical Skills

Thin-set mortar application | Porcelain tile installation | Glass mosaic tile | Wet saw operation (10" DeWalt D24000) | Manual tile cutter | Substrate preparation | Self-leveling underlayment | Schluter DITRA/KERDI systems | Crack-isolation membrane | Sanded and unsanded grout | Epoxy grout | Tile layout and pattern planning | Laser level operation | Blueprint reading (basic) | ANSI A108 standards

Journeyman Tile Setter Resume Example

**DANIEL J. KOWALSKI** 1847 Birchwood Drive, Charlotte, NC 28205 | (704) 555-0271 | [email protected]

Professional Summary

CTI-certified journeyman tile setter with 6 years of residential and commercial installation experience, including specialty work with large-format porcelain (up to 48×48), natural stone (marble, travertine, slate), and custom mosaic design. Completed IUBAC 3-year apprenticeship through BAC Local 5 NC/SC. Averages 100–150 sq ft installed per day on commercial floor projects and maintains a 0.8% callback rate across 200+ completed jobs. Proficient in Schluter, LATICRETE, and Custom Building Products waterproofing and leveling systems.

Certifications & Credentials

• **Certified Tile Installer (CTI)** — Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF), 2023 (written exam + hands-on performance evaluation)
• **IUBAC Journeyman Tile Setter** — BAC Local 5 NC/SC, completed 3-year apprenticeship (5,000+ field hours, 480 classroom hours), 2022
• **ACT — Large Format Tile** — Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers, 2024
• **OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety** — U.S. Department of Labor, 2022
• **Schluter Systems Master Installer** — Full product line certification (DITRA, KERDI, JOLLY, RONDEC), 2023
• **LATICRETE Certified Installer** — Waterproofing and crack-isolation systems, 2023
• **First Aid / CPR / AED** — American Heart Association, current through 2026

Work Experience

**Journeyman Tile Setter** ProCraft Tile & Stone — Charlotte, NC | March 2022 – Present - Install porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, glass, and large-format tile (up to 48×48) on floors, walls, countertops, and commercial wet areas across residential custom homes and commercial build-outs - Average 100–150 sq ft per day on commercial floor installations using 24×24 and 12×24 porcelain with a lippage-free leveling system (Raimondi RLS) - Completed 14 commercial projects valued at $75K–$350K each, including a 4,200 sq ft hotel lobby in Calacatta marble with book-matched veining and a 6,800 sq ft medical office in 24×48 rectified porcelain - Fabricated and installed custom shower systems with LATICRETE Hydro Ban waterproofing membrane, linear drain integration, and curbless entry designs on 28 residential bathrooms — zero leak callbacks - Set natural stone (marble, travertine, slate, quartzite) on 32 residential projects, calibrating thin-set coverage to 95%+ using back-buttering technique per TCNA Handbook F150 standard - Installed 1,800 sq ft of intricate glass mosaic tile on a commercial spa feature wall, coordinating a 3-pattern gradient layout with architect-specified Bisazza product - Maintained 0.8% callback rate across 200+ completed installations by verifying lippage (< 1/32" on rectified tile), grout joint consistency, and waterproofing integrity before client walkthrough - Reduced material waste from 8% to 4.5% on large-format projects by implementing dry-layout planning and precision cutting with a Rubi DC-250 bridge saw **Apprentice / Tile Setter** Carolina Custom Flooring — Raleigh, NC | April 2019 – February 2022 - Progressed from first-year apprentice to third-year apprentice under IUBAC BAC Local 5 program, completing 5,000+ hours of supervised field installation and 480 hours of classroom instruction - Installed ceramic and porcelain tile on 85+ residential projects ranging from 200 sq ft kitchen backsplashes to 1,500 sq ft whole-home floor installations - Prepared substrates by installing cement backer board (CBU), applying crack-isolation membrane (DITRA), and floating mud beds for shower pans using traditional 3:1 sand-to-cement ratio - Operated wet saws (10" and 14"), angle grinders with diamond blades, and Rotozip spiral saws for outlet and fixture cutouts with consistent ±1/16" accuracy - Assisted lead setter on a 3,600 sq ft custom home project featuring Carrera marble floors, heated-floor mat integration (Nuheat), and herringbone-pattern installation - Completed OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety and IUBAC journeyman certification exam with a 92% written test score

Education

**High School Diploma** Broughton High School — Raleigh, NC | 2018 **IUBAC Tile Setter Apprenticeship** — 3-year program completed Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 5 NC/SC | 2019–2022

Technical Skills

Large-format porcelain installation (24×48, 48×48) | Natural stone setting (marble, travertine, slate, quartzite) | Glass mosaic tile | Thin-set mortar (modified, unmodified, medium-bed, large-and-heavy tile) | Epoxy thin-set | Schluter DITRA/KERDI/JOLLY/RONDEC systems | LATICRETE Hydro Ban waterproofing | Custom Building Products RedGard | Raimondi RLS leveling system | Spin Doctor leveling system | Curbless shower construction | Linear drain installation | Heated-floor mat integration | Mud bed float (traditional method) | Cement backer board (CBU) installation | Crack-isolation membrane | Self-leveling underlayment | Bridge saw operation (Rubi DC-250) | Wet saw operation (14" and 10") | Blueprint reading | Tile layout and pattern design | TCNA Handbook standards | ANSI A108/A118/A136 standards | Measure Square FloorEstimate Pro

Master Tile Setter / Foreman Resume Example

**JAMES A. PETROV** 923 Ridgeline Terrace, Denver, CO 80220 | (720) 555-0384 | [email protected]

Professional Summary

Master tile setter and crew foreman with 12 years of experience leading 4–8 person installation crews on commercial and high-end residential projects valued up to $1.2M. CTI-certified through CTEF with Advanced Certifications for Tile (ACT) in Large Format Tile, Membrane Systems, and Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels. Managed over $4.5M in combined project value across 2024 alone, maintaining a 99.4% first-pass inspection rate and 0.5% callback rate. Proven ability to estimate material quantities within 2% accuracy, train apprentice tile setters, and deliver projects on schedule with below-industry waste rates.

Certifications & Credentials

• **Certified Tile Installer (CTI)** — Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF), 2017 (recertified 2023)
• **ACT — Large Format Tile** — Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers, 2020
• **ACT — Membrane Systems** — Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers, 2021
• **ACT — Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels (GPTP)** — Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers, 2023
• **IUBAC Journeyman Tile Setter** — BAC Local 7 CO, completed 3-year apprenticeship, 2016
• **OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety** — U.S. Department of Labor, 2018
• **OSHA Competent Person — Fall Protection** — 2020
• **Schluter Systems Master Installer** — Full product line, 2019
• **LATICRETE Technical Certification** — Waterproofing, crack isolation, and uncoupling systems, 2020
• **MAPEI Certified Installer** — Kerabond/Keralastic, Mapelastic AquaDefense, 2022
• **First Aid / CPR / AED** — American Heart Association, current through 2026

Work Experience

**Lead Tile Setter / Foreman** Mountain West Tile & Stone — Denver, CO | January 2020 – Present - Lead and coordinate 4–8 person tile installation crews on commercial, hospitality, and high-end residential projects valued at $150K–$1.2M per job - Managed $4.5M in combined project value across 18 commercial and 24 residential projects in 2024, delivering 100% of projects on or ahead of schedule - Achieved 99.4% first-pass inspection rate on commercial projects by implementing pre-installation substrate verification checklist and mid-installation quality audits aligned with TCNA Handbook standards - Maintained 0.5% callback rate across all 2024 projects (2 callbacks on 420 completed installations) through systematic waterproofing testing (flood test + 72-hour hold) and lippage verification at every phase - Installed 14,000 sq ft of gauged porcelain tile panels (Neolith, 3mm and 6mm thickness) across 6 commercial lobbies and feature walls, including a 2,400 sq ft accent wall at the Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver - Led installation of 8,200 sq ft of Calacatta Borghini marble flooring in a custom residence valued at $3.8M, coordinating book-matched slab layout with architect and maintaining vein continuity across 340+ pieces - Supervised curbless shower and wet-room installations on 35 bathrooms using LATICRETE Hydro Ban and Schluter KERDI-LINE systems, with zero waterproofing failures across all 35 installations - Estimated material quantities for 42 commercial bids in 2024 with an average variance of 1.8% from actual usage, saving the company $28,000 in over-ordering costs - Reduced crew material waste from industry-average 10% to 4.2% by implementing dry-layout protocols, optimizing cut plans with Measure Square FloorEstimate Pro, and recycling cut-off pieces for border details - Trained and mentored 6 apprentice tile setters over 4 years; 4 have completed their IUBAC journeyman certification and 2 have earned CTI credentials through CTEF **Journeyman Tile Setter** Alpine Flooring & Tile — Boulder, CO | June 2016 – December 2019 - Installed ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and glass tile across commercial and residential projects averaging $50K–$200K in contract value - Averaged 120–180 sq ft per day on commercial floor installations and 50–75 sq ft per day on complex residential shower and wall applications with intricate mosaic and accent work - Completed a 9,400 sq ft floor installation at a Whole Foods Market location using 24×24 slip-resistant porcelain tile, finishing 3 days ahead of a 15-day schedule with a 2-person support crew - Installed heated-floor systems (Nuheat and SunTouch) beneath tile on 18 residential projects, coordinating with electricians on mat placement and verifying zero damage to heating elements post-installation via ohm testing - Fabricated and installed custom steam shower systems with Schluter KERDI-DS vapor barrier on 8 luxury residential projects, passing all steam-test inspections on first attempt - Operated and maintained Rubi DC-250 and DeWalt D36000S bridge saws, achieving ±1/32" cut accuracy on large-format rectified porcelain and natural stone - Earned CTI certification through CTEF in 2017, scoring in the top 15% of hands-on performance evaluation participants **Apprentice Tile Setter** Rocky Mountain Tile Works — Denver, CO | May 2013 – May 2016 - Completed 3-year IUBAC apprenticeship through BAC Local 7 CO with 5,200 hours of supervised field installation and 480 hours of classroom instruction - Progressed from helper duties (material transport, substrate demolition, cleanup) to independent floor and wall tile installation by second year - Installed tile on 60+ residential projects, including full kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, and new-construction whole-home flooring - Learned traditional mud-bed float technique for shower pans and wall float for plumb correction, achieving ±1/8" flatness tolerance on mortar beds - Passed IUBAC journeyman written and practical examinations in 2016

Education

**High School Diploma** East High School — Denver, CO | 2012 **IUBAC Tile Setter Apprenticeship** — 3-year program completed Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 7 CO | 2013–2016 **CTEF Continuing Education** — Annual TCNA Handbook updates, Coverings conference attendee 2019, 2022, 2024

Technical Skills

Crew leadership (4–8 person teams) | Project estimation and bidding | Material takeoff and quantity calculation | Gauged porcelain tile panels (GPTP) — Neolith, Laminam, Dekton | Large-format porcelain (up to 48×48 and 5×10 panels) | Natural stone installation (marble, travertine, slate, quartzite, granite) | Glass mosaic tile | Thin-set mortar systems (modified, unmodified, medium-bed, large-and-heavy tile, epoxy) | Schluter full product line (DITRA, KERDI, KERDI-LINE, KERDI-DS, JOLLY, RONDEC, RENO-T) | LATICRETE Hydro Ban / Strata Mat / 254 Platinum | MAPEI Kerabond/Keralastic / Mapelastic AquaDefense | Custom Building Products RedGard / ProLite | Raimondi and Spin Doctor leveling systems | Curbless shower and wet-room construction | Linear drain systems (Schluter, Infinity Drain, QuickDrain) | Heated-floor mat integration (Nuheat, SunTouch, Warmly Yours) | Steam shower waterproofing | Traditional mud-bed float technique | Cement backer board and fiber-cement underlayment | Self-leveling underlayment | Bridge saw operation (Rubi DC-250, DeWalt D36000S) | Measure Square FloorEstimate Pro | Blueprint reading and construction document interpretation | TCNA Handbook standards | ANSI A108/A118/A136 standards | OSHA fall-protection compliance | Apprentice training and mentorship

Key Skills & ATS Keywords

Include these 30 industry-specific terms throughout your resume to maximize ATS compatibility. Applicant tracking systems used by general contractors, commercial flooring companies, and staffing agencies scan for exact-match keywords tied to the tile setting trade. | Category | Keywords | |----------|----------| | **Core Installation** | Thin-set mortar application, tile layout and design, substrate preparation, grout application (sanded, unsanded, epoxy), back-buttering technique, tile cutting and shaping | | **Materials** | Porcelain tile, ceramic tile, natural stone (marble, travertine, slate, quartzite), glass mosaic tile, large-format tile, gauged porcelain tile panels (GPTP) | | **Waterproofing Systems** | Schluter DITRA, Schluter KERDI, LATICRETE Hydro Ban, Custom Building Products RedGard, MAPEI Mapelastic AquaDefense, crack-isolation membrane, vapor barrier | | **Leveling & Flatness** | Raimondi RLS, Spin Doctor leveling system, self-leveling underlayment, laser level, lippage control | | **Tools & Equipment** | Wet saw operation, bridge saw, angle grinder, manual tile cutter, Rotozip spiral saw, trowel (1/4×3/8, 1/2×1/2), mixing drill | | **Standards & Codes** | TCNA Handbook, ANSI A108, ANSI A118, ANSI A136, OSHA 10-Hour, OSHA 30-Hour | | **Certifications** | Certified Tile Installer (CTI), Advanced Certifications for Tile (ACT), IUBAC Journeyman, Schluter Certified Installer | | **Specialty Applications** | Curbless shower construction, linear drain installation, heated-floor integration, steam shower waterproofing, mud-bed float technique, cement backer board (CBU) |

Professional Summary Examples

Entry-Level Tile Setter (0–2 years)

OSHA 10-certified tile setter apprentice with 14 months of residential installation experience across 30+ projects totaling 10,000 sq ft. Proficient in ceramic and porcelain floor and wall tile installation, thin-set mortar application, and Schluter waterproofing systems. Average 55–70 sq ft installed per day on standard layouts with less than 4% material waste. Currently enrolled in BAC/IUBAC apprenticeship program with 1,400 field hours completed and zero safety incidents.

Mid-Career Journeyman (3–7 years)

CTI-certified journeyman tile setter with 5 years of commercial and residential experience installing porcelain, natural stone, glass mosaic, and large-format tile (up to 48×48). Completed IUBAC 3-year apprenticeship with BAC Local 8. Average 100–140 sq ft per day on commercial floor projects with a 0.9% callback rate across 175+ installations. Holds Schluter Master Installer and LATICRETE Certified Installer credentials. Skilled in curbless shower construction, heated-floor integration, and custom mosaic layouts.

Senior / Foreman (8+ years)

> Master tile setter and crew foreman with 11 years of experience managing 4–6 person crews on commercial and luxury residential projects valued up to $900K. CTI-certified with ACT credentials in Large Format Tile and Membrane Systems. Delivered $3.8M in combined project value in 2024 with a 99.2% first-pass inspection rate and 0.6% callback rate. Reduced crew material waste to 4.5% through cut-plan optimization and dry-layout protocols. Trained 5 apprentices through IUBAC journeyman certification. Proficient in gauged porcelain panels, natural stone book-matching, and full Schluter/LATICRETE/MAPEI product lines.

Common Mistakes on Tile Setter Resumes

1. Listing Duties Instead of Production Metrics

Writing "Installed tile on floors and walls" tells a hiring manager nothing about your speed, quality, or capability. Every bullet should include a number: square footage per day, total project area, callback rate, material waste percentage, or project dollar value. A foreman who writes "Led tile crew" is invisible next to one who writes "Led 6-person crew on 14 commercial projects totaling $2.8M with a 99% first-pass inspection rate."

2. Omitting Certifications and Apprenticeship Details

The CTI credential from CTEF is the only third-party, industry-recognized assessment of tile installer skill and knowledge. If you have it, it belongs in a dedicated Certifications section — not buried in a paragraph. Similarly, IUBAC journeyman status, OSHA hours (10 vs. 30), and product-specific certifications (Schluter, LATICRETE, MAPEI) are differentiators that ATS systems and hiring managers actively search for. Listing "certified" without specifying the issuing body and credential name is nearly useless.

3. Using Generic Construction Language

Phrases like "responsible for tile installation" or "performed various construction duties" could describe any trade. Use tile-specific terminology: "applied modified thin-set with a 1/2×1/2 square-notch trowel to achieve 95% coverage on natural stone," not "applied adhesive to surface." ATS platforms and informed hiring managers recognize the difference between someone who knows TCNA standards and someone who watched a YouTube tutorial.

4. Ignoring Waterproofing and Substrate Work

Many tile setters focus exclusively on the tile itself and forget that 40–60% of a professional installation is preparation and waterproofing. If you installed Schluter KERDI, applied LATICRETE Hydro Ban, floated a mud bed, or used crack-isolation membrane, list it. These are high-value skills that separate trade professionals from handymen. A zero-leak callback record on shower and wet-area installations is one of the strongest proof points you can include.

5. Failing to Specify Material Types

"Installed tile" is not the same as "installed 48×48 gauged porcelain panels" or "set Calacatta marble with book-matched veining." Material specificity signals expertise. Hiring managers for commercial projects need to know you have worked with large-format porcelain. Custom residential builders need evidence of natural stone experience. Listing every material type you have set — ceramic, porcelain, natural stone (specify varieties), glass mosaic, gauged porcelain panels — significantly broadens the range of positions your resume matches.

6. Leaving Out Safety Credentials

OSHA 10-Hour is a minimum on most commercial job sites. OSHA 30-Hour is increasingly required for foremen and lead installers. Omitting these from your resume can disqualify you before a human ever reads it. List the specific hour level (10 vs. 30), the issuing authority (U.S. Department of Labor), and the year completed.

7. No Mention of Tools and Equipment

Tile setting requires specialized equipment — wet saws, bridge saws, laser levels, leveling systems, mixing drills — and competency with specific brands and models signals professionalism. A resume that lists "DeWalt D24000 10-inch wet saw" and "Rubi DC-250 bridge saw" demonstrates hands-on experience that "proficient with tile cutting tools" does not.

ATS Optimization Tips

1. Use the Exact Job Title from the Posting

If the listing says "Tile Setter," use "Tile Setter" — not "Tile Guy," "Tile Mechanic," or "Flooring Specialist." ATS platforms match on exact title strings first. Include the BLS-standard title "Tile and Stone Setter" in your summary or skills section to capture broader searches, but mirror the specific posting language in your headline and current position title.

2. Spell Out Certifications AND Use Acronyms

Write "Certified Tile Installer (CTI)" the first time, then use "CTI" in subsequent references. Do the same with "Advanced Certifications for Tile (ACT)," "Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)," and "International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (IUBAC)." ATS systems may search for either the full name or the abbreviation, and you need to match both.

3. Include Brand Names for Systems and Products

Hiring managers search for specific product knowledge: "Schluter KERDI," "LATICRETE Hydro Ban," "Custom Building Products RedGard," "MAPEI Kerabond." These are not filler — they are keywords that ATS platforms flag when a contractor needs someone who can work with their preferred product lines. List every major brand system you are trained or experienced in.

4. Quantify Every Bullet Point

ATS systems increasingly parse numeric content to rank candidates. Bullets with numbers — "120 sq ft/day," "$350K project value," "0.8% callback rate," "4.5% material waste" — rank higher than vague statements. If you cannot quantify a bullet, rewrite it until you can or remove it.

5. Submit in .docx Format Unless Instructed Otherwise

PDF files can cause parsing failures in older ATS platforms. Unless the application explicitly requests PDF, submit a .docx file. Use a single-column layout with standard section headers (Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, Certifications, Skills). Avoid tables, text boxes, headers/footers, and graphics — all of these can break ATS parsing.

6. Create a Dedicated Skills Section with Keyword Clusters

Group your technical skills into labeled categories (Installation Techniques, Materials, Waterproofing Systems, Tools & Equipment, Standards & Codes). This creates a dense keyword cluster that ATS platforms scan efficiently. Place this section after your Work Experience so the keywords appear in context, not in isolation.

7. Mirror the Job Description Language Exactly

If the posting says "large-format tile installation," use that exact phrase. If it says "natural stone fabrication and installation," use those exact words. Do not paraphrase — ATS platforms are literal matchers. Read the job description three times before submitting and ensure every key requirement appears verbatim somewhere on your resume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a CTI certification to get hired as a tile setter?

No, but it significantly improves your marketability. The Certified Tile Installer (CTI) program, administered by the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF), is the only third-party assessment of tile installer skill and knowledge recognized by the tile industry (CTEF). It requires 2+ years of experience, a written exam, and a hands-on performance evaluation. Many commercial general contractors and high-end residential builders either require or prefer CTI-certified installers. Including it on your resume can move you past other candidates in both ATS screening and hiring manager review.

How do I list my IUBAC apprenticeship on a resume?

List it in both your Education and Certifications sections. Include the full program name ("IUBAC Tile Setter Apprenticeship"), the local union number ("BAC Local 5 NC/SC"), the program duration and hours completed ("3-year program, 5,000+ field hours, 480 classroom hours"), and the completion year. If you are still in progress, note "Year 2 of 3-year program" and list the hours completed to date. Apprenticeship completion leading to journeyman status is a significant credential that many ATS systems and hiring managers specifically search for.

What production rates should I list on my resume?

Production rates vary substantially by material type, tile format, pattern complexity, and whether the project is residential or commercial. Industry forum discussions among experienced tile setters cite 60–75 sq ft per day as typical for residential work with standard-format tile (12×12, 12×24), including layout, cutting, setting, and grouting (ContractorTalk). On commercial floor projects with straightforward layouts, experienced two-person crews can achieve 150–250+ sq ft per day. List your own honest averages — do not inflate them. A foreman or superintendent who has managed tile crews will know immediately if your numbers are unrealistic.

Should I include my OSHA training on a tile setter resume?

Absolutely. OSHA 10-Hour is the baseline for most commercial job sites, and OSHA 30-Hour is increasingly required for lead installers and foremen. List the specific hour level, not just "OSHA certified" — there is a meaningful difference between 10-Hour and 30-Hour certification, and ATS platforms search for both. Include the year completed and note that it was issued through the U.S. Department of Labor. On commercial projects, missing OSHA documentation can disqualify you regardless of your installation skills.

How do I handle a resume with no formal education beyond high school?

This is the norm in the tile setting trade, not an exception. The BLS reports that 48% of tile and stone setters hold a high school diploma and 37% have less than a high school diploma (O*NET, 47-2044.00). Hiring managers evaluate tile setters on certifications, apprenticeship completion, hands-on skills, and production metrics — not academic degrees. Place your Education section at the bottom of your resume and let your Certifications, Work Experience, and Technical Skills sections do the heavy lifting. If you have completed trade-school courses, manufacturer training (Schluter, LATICRETE, MAPEI), or continuing education at events like the Coverings conference, list those under Education or a separate Professional Development section.

Citations & Sources

1. **Bureau of Labor Statistics** — Occupational Outlook Handbook: Flooring Installers and Tile and Stone Setters. Median pay, job outlook, projected openings. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/tile-and-marble-setters.htm
2. **O*NET OnLine** — Tile and Stone Setters (47-2044.00). Tasks, skills, knowledge areas, tools, work context, employment data, wage data. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2044.00
3. **Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF)** — Certified Tile Installer (CTI) Program. Certification requirements, testing process, industry recognition. https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/certified-tile-installer-cti-program
4. **CTEF** — Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT). Seven specialty certification areas, prerequisite requirements, administering organizations. https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/advanced-certifications-for-tile-installers
5. **Tile Council of North America (TCNA)** — Contractor Qualifications Guide. Industry standards for tile installation, qualification benchmarks, TCNA Handbook references. https://tcnatile.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Contractor_Qualifications_Guide_2022.pdf
6. **National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA)** — CTEF Certification Program. Industry endorsement of CTI credential, relationship to NTCA membership. https://www.tile-assn.com/page/CTI
7. **Apprenticeship.gov** — Tile and Stone Setter registered apprenticeship listings. U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship occupation finder for 47-2044.00. https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-occupations/listings?occupationCode=47-2044.00
8. **ContractorTalk Forum** — Tile Setting Production Rates. Industry discussion among professional tile setters on daily production benchmarks for residential and commercial work. https://www.contractortalk.com/threads/tile-setting-production-rates.53812/
9. **International Masonry Institute (IMI)** — Advanced Certifications in Tile. ACT program details, IUBAC partnership, journeyman prerequisites. https://imiweb.org/advanced-certifications-in-tile/
10. **BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics** — Tile and Stone Setters (47-2044). May 2023 wage data, employment levels by state and metro area. https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes472044.htm