How to Become a Tile Setter in Oregon (2026)
Oregon employs about 790 tile setters earning a median $58,790 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most tile setters train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in Oregon.
Compare Tile Setter Schools in Oregon
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | College of Southern Nevada | 46.6 | $4,358 in-state / $13,024 out-of-state | $51,080 | 19% | Yes* | 722 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Oregon employs approximately 790 tile setters according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $58,790 1. The state’s concentration of tile setter jobs is 1.73x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, tile setter employment is projected to grow 10.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 4,200 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Tile Setter in Oregon, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Oregon): $58,790 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Tile Setter in Oregon
How to become a Tile Setter in Oregon? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for tile setters in Oregon.
How long does it take? Most paths into the tile setter field take 1 to 5 years, depending on whether you complete a trade school program, a registered apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do tile setters earn in Oregon? The median annual wage for tile setters in Oregon is $58,790 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $35,760 and experienced professionals can earn $81,950 or more 1.
How to Become a Tile Setter in Oregon
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Oregon training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an approved trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Oregon that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Meet state and employer requirements. Confirm any registration, certification, or employer requirements that apply to tile setters in Oregon before you start working.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Tile Setter Apprenticeship Information in Oregon
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Oregon’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Oregon Apprenticeship and Training Division 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: Apprenticeship and Training Division, Oregon State Bureau of Labor and Industries
- Address: 1800 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97201
- Phone: (971) 245-3844
- Email: [email protected]
Tile Setter Wages by Metro Area in Oregon
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles Wages by Metro Area in Oregon
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), floor layers, except carpet, wood, and hard tiles wages in Oregon vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro | 570 | $61,054 | $64,826 | $44,438 | $90,257 |
| Salem | 150 | $58,360 | $58,060 | $39,453 | $71,853 |
| Bend | 60 | $49,580 | $56,810 | $32,740 | $76,590 |
| Medford | 50 | $50,440 | $58,640 | $31,390 | $84,070 |
| Eugene-Springfield | N/A | $60,490 | $58,280 | $31,070 | $79,070 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for tile setters in Oregon? Oregon currently employs approximately 790 tile setters 1. Nationally, tile setter employment is projected to grow 10.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Oregon? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Oregon. You can also contact the Oregon Apprenticeship and Training Division for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do tile setters earn in Oregon compared to the national average? The median annual wage for tile setters in Oregon is $58,790, which is $6,550 above the national median of $52,240 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Oregon Apprenticeship and Training Division: https://www.oregon.gov/boli/apprenticeship/pages/apprenticeship-opportunities.aspx ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |