Tile Setter Salary in Virginia (2025)
Tile Setters in Virginia earn a median salary of $48,800 per year, or $23.46/hr. The state has roughly 1,563 tile setter jobs with a projected growth rate of 0.5% over the next decade.
Tile Setter Pay by Experience Level in Virginia
Where you are in your career makes a big difference. Apprentices in Virginia start lower but can expect significant raises as they move toward journeyman and master credentials.
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $14.08/hr | $29,300/yr |
| Journeyman | $23.46/hr | $48,800/yr |
| Master | $30.50/hr | $63,400/yr |
| Foreman | $32.84/hr | $68,300/yr |
Apprentice
Hourly
$14.08
Annual
$29,300
Journeyman
Hourly
$23.46
Annual
$48,800
Master
Hourly
$30.50
Annual
$63,400
Foreman
Hourly
$32.84
Annual
$68,300
Union vs. Non-Union Tile Setter Pay in Virginia
Union membership can have a major impact on your take-home pay in Virginia. The numbers below compare average hourly rates for union and non-union tile setters in the state.
Union vs. Non-Union Pay
Average hourly rate for tile setters
Union tile setters earn $5.39/hr more (23.7% premium)
Highest-Paying Cities for Tile Setters in Virginia
Metro areas tend to pay more due to higher cost of living and greater demand. Here are the top-paying cities for tile setters in Virginia.
| Rank | City / Metro Area | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Virginia Beach | $24.40/hr | $50,800 |
| 🥈 | Richmond | $24.16/hr | $50,300 |
Virginia vs. National Average
How does Virginia stack up against the rest of the country? Here is a side-by-side look at average hourly pay for tile setters.
Virginia vs. National Average
Average hourly rate comparison
Virginia pays $0.46/hr more than the national average (+2.0%)
Overtime Earnings Potential
Many tile setters in Virginia earn well above their base salary thanks to overtime. At the median rate of $23.46/hr, overtime pay (1.5x) works out to roughly $35.19/hr. Working just 10 hours of OT per week at that rate adds about $18,300 to your annual income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tile Setter salaries in Virginia vary based on experience, certifications, and whether you work union or non-union. Entry-level tile setters typically earn around 60-70% of the median wage, while experienced professionals and those with master-level credentials can earn 25-50% above the median.
Entry-level tile setters in Virginia typically start at the lower end of the pay range, which reflects apprentice or helper-level positions. As you gain experience and complete your training program, your pay increases significantly within the first 2-3 years.
Yes. Union tile setters earn 15-30% more per hour on average than their non-union counterparts. When you factor in benefits like pensions, healthcare, and annuity contributions, the total compensation gap is even wider. However, union availability varies significantly by region.
The path to becoming a fully qualified tile setter depends on the route you take. Apprenticeship programs typically last 3-5 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Trade school programs can be completed in 6-24 months, though you will still need field experience to reach journeyman level.
Tile Setter work offers solid pay, strong job security, and doesn't require a four-year degree. The Virginia job outlook shows steady demand, and the ongoing skilled labor shortage means qualified tile setters have strong bargaining power. The work can be physically demanding, but many professionals find the trade rewarding and well-compensated.
Certifications can significantly boost a tile setter's earning potential. Industry-recognized credentials, advanced specializations, and safety certifications all help you stand out to employers and command higher hourly rates. Master-level licenses typically result in the biggest pay increases.
Major metropolitan areas in Virginia tend to pay tile setters 5-15% above the state average due to higher cost of living and greater demand. Check our city-level salary data for specific figures in your area.
Sources & Methodology
Salary data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. Data reflects May 2024 estimates, the most recent available. Figures represent base pay before overtime, bonuses, or benefits.